Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates, bug fixes, or provide technical support for Windows 10 systems. That doesn’t mean your PC will explode, but the risks do increase, and staying with Windows 10 after support ends without a plan is like driving without seat belts.

If you’re keen to stick with Windows 10 - because your hardware won’t upgrade easily, you hate Windows 11’s interface, or simply prefer what you’re used to - this guide breaks down what “end of support” really means, what risks you face, what ESU (Extended Security Updates) is, how to get it, and whether it’s the right move for you.

Once Microsoft ends support:

• No more security patches. When new vulnerabilities are discovered, Microsoft won’t release updates to fix them for Windows 10. This leaves your system exposed to exploits, malware, and zero-day attacks.
• No feature updates or quality enhancements. If there’s a bug or a new feature (say better performance or UI improvements), you won’t get them.
• Reduced support from other providers. App developers may drop support; drivers and firmware updates may taper off; some software may stop working entirely on older OS versions.
• Increased vulnerability. Since attackers often target old, unpatched systems as easier entry points, running an unsupported OS increases risk, especially for daily use with internet access.

If you stay on Windows 10 after support ends, here are some of the dangers:

• Security holes accumulate. Without patches, newly discovered flaws remain unprotected. Even antivirus is limited without OS-level fixes.
• Browser & app support may degrade. While some apps will keep working, others (especially newer or security-sensitive ones) may break, refuse to update, or become unstable.
• Compliance issues. In regulated environments (business, health, finance), running unsupported Operating Systems could violate policy or legal requirements.
• Performance and compatibility issues. Over time, newer hardware or software might assume Windows 11 features, drivers may cease being updated, etc.

If you decide you want to stick with Windows 10 for now, do these things:

ESU is Microsoft’s program that lets eligible Windows 10 machines get security updates only for a period after official support ends. It doesn’t bring Windows 11, new features, or full support. Just critical security patches.

Here’s what to know:

What You Get
Critical & important security updates only. No feature updates, no performance upgrades.

What You Don't Get
Technical support beyond ESU itself. No new features, no general UX improvements. 

Cost
For consumers: ~$30 USD per device/year. Some free options exist (syncing PC settings to cloud / Microsoft account) under certain conditions. Find out more here.

Duration
For consumers, ESU runs from after support ends (Oct 14, 2025) until October 13, 2026. For organizations, it may go longer under certain licensing.

Requirements
Must be on latest eligible Windows 10 version; devices may need Microsoft account linked; use correct settings for enrolment. Local accounts may not qualify.

This isn’t a perfect solution, but it’s valid in some cases. ESU and staying on Windows 10 might be right if:

Wanting to stick with Windows 10 is understandable: comfort, familiarity, avoiding costs, avoiding interface changes. But every month after end of support, you're balancing risk versus convenience:

Ultimately, if you choose to stay on Windows 10, do it informed: get ESU if you can and need it, back up regularly, minimize risk, and plan for eventual migration. That way you “stick around” without being caught off guard when things break.