---
title: "Windows 10 End of Life: What You Need to Know"
url: https://ziyasiza.com/2025/10/03/windows-10-end-of-life-what-you-need-to-know/
type: post
date: 2025-10-03
modified: 2025-12-08
markdown_url: https://ziyasiza.com/2025/10/03/windows-10-end-of-life-what-you-need-to-know.md
author: "ziyasiza"
---

# Windows 10 End of Life: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has officially announced that **support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025**. After this date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive **automatic security updates**, and **Microsoft customer service will no longer provide technical support** for the operating system.

**Why This Matters**

Without ongoing security patches, **Windows 10 devices will become increasingly vulnerable** to cyber threats. In an era where cybercrime is becoming more sophisticated and frequent, staying up-to-date with the latest security technologies is critical.

Microsoft has already launched **Windows 11**, a more secure and modern operating system designed to address these growing threats. However, not all existing hardware supports Windows 11, which leaves many users wondering what their options are post-October 2025.

**Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program**

To ease the transition, Microsoft has introduced an **Extended Security Updates (ESU) program** for Windows 10. This program is a **temporary, paid solution** that allows users to continue receiving **critical and important security updates** beyond the official end-of-support date.

**Key Details of the ESU Program:**

 
- **Availability:** For PCs enrolled in the program only
 
- **Cost for Organizations:**

 Year 1: ~$61 (approx. R1120) per device
 
- Price doubles each subsequent year (Year 2: ~$122, Year 3: ~$244)
 
- Licenses must be purchased consecutively — e.g., Year 2 cannot be purchased without Year 1



 
- **Cost for Home Users:**

 One-time option: ~$30 (approx. R550) for one year only



 
- **Purchase Channel:**

 Available through the **Microsoft Volume Licensing Program** for organizations



 
- **Support Scope:**

 Microsoft will provide **support only for issues related to ESU updates** — no other Windows 10 support will be offered





This gives users a **maximum of three additional years** (until October 2028) to continue using Windows 10 with some level of protection, but it’s not a long-term solution.

**Upgrade Path to Windows 11**

Microsoft recommends upgrading to **Windows 11**, which includes enhanced security features, performance improvements, and ongoing support.

 
- **Supported CPUs:** Most **8th Gen Intel processors and newer** are compatible with Windows 11.
 
- **Eligibility Check:** Microsoft offers tools via **Windows Update** to check if your current PC meets **Windows 11 system requirements**.
 
- **Important Note:** Users who install Windows 11 on **unsupported hardware** do so **at their own risk**. These devices will not receive essential security updates and will remain **unsupported** by Microsoft.


**The Bottom Line**

As **October 14, 2025** approaches, Windows 10 users need to start planning:

 
- **Check if your hardware supports Windows 11**
 
- **Consider upgrading your current device or purchasing a new one**
 
- **If you must remain on Windows 10, explore the ESU program as a short-term solution**


In today’s cyber threat landscape, keeping your operating system secure is **non-negotiable**. Ensuring your devices receive regular updates is one of the most important steps in protecting your data, your identity, and your organization from ever-evolving digital threats.

Ziyasiza and Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 for the best and most secure experience.

Please feel free to contact Ziyasiza on +27 61 022 0166 or on [info@ziyasiza.com](mailto:info@ziyasiza.com) to assist you with your Windows 11 hardware upgrade solutions.