The challenge for home users and enterprise administrators is fundamentally the same. Fail to upgrade to Windows 11 and you will be exposed to new security threats and compatibility issues, no longer receiving technical support from Microsoft.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide – explaining exactly what those security risks are, what to bear in mind when considering an upgrade, and our advice on how to stay safe.
Understanding Windows 10’s EoL timeline
Windows 11 only recently surpassed its predecessor to become the most popular version of the Microsoft Operating System (OS) on the planet. But as of July 2025, Windows 10 still commanded a global market share of 43%. That’s why Microsoft has been careful to create a clear offramp from the product.
What version are you on?
Windows 10 Home and Pro editions (as well as business-focused versions) will both reach end of support on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 version 22H2 is the final feature release, with all others having already reached End of Life (EoL). After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, software updates or security patches.
Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If you don’t want to upgrade to Windows 11 before the deadline, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For consumers, this will cost $30 for one year, with enrollment set to be made available on devices running 22H2 through a built-in tool available in Settings for eligible devices. However, remember this only includes patches, not support for new features.
Users in European Economic Area (EEA) regions can access the ESU program for free until October 14, 2026. * Find relevant information from Microsoft here.
The security risks of Windows 10 EoL
Assuming you don’t choose an ESU, there are several reasons to be concerned about staying on Windows 10.
The risk of unpatched systems
Microsoft will no longer provide security updates to fix software vulnerabilities discovered after the EoL deadline. This will put your computer at greater risk of cyberattacks which exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. These could arrive in the form of phishing messages or even visiting an infected website.
These attacks could result in your PC being hijacked for ransom or infected with malware designed to steal sensitive information like logins and financial details. This could enable identity theft and financial fraud. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center® report, the share of US consumers experiencing multiple identity-related incidents increased from 15% to 24% y-o-y..
Social engineering attacks
Threat actors might take advantage of the EoL period to trick you into clicking on malicious links, opening malware-laden attachments or sharing sensitive information like passwords. They’re likely to do this via phishing emails designed to impersonate Microsoft. The tech giant is a popular target for such attacks by cybercriminals.
Technical support
Microsoft is not only withdrawing software updates after October 14, but all technical support for Windows 10 users. So if any kind of security issue arises, you will have no official channels for help to resolve it.
Software and hardware compatibility
Following the EoL deadline, new devices and apps that you buy will stop supporting Windows 10. This could mean that third-party services you rely on to help protect your machine and ensure it works smoothly become unavailable.
Is Windows 11 more secure?
Microsoft designed Windows 11 to be secure by default and by design, addressing threats that emerged after Windows 10 launched in 2015. Improvements include:
- Hardware‑based protection for credentials and boot integrity
- Isolation of critical processes and protection against kernel‑level exploits
- Blocking of known‑bad drivers by default and Smart App Control to stop untrusted/malicious applications from executing
- A new Pluton processor designed to help protect identities, credentials, and encryption keys
- Windows Hello now supports passkeys for stronger, phishing‑resistant logins
Microsoft claims new Windows 11 PCs saw a 62 % drop in security incidents and a threefold reduction in firmware attacks compared with older Windows 10 PCs. Users remaining on Windows 10 will miss out on ongoing security innovation.
Hardware compatibility and upgrade options
If you’ve made up your mind to migrate to Windows 11, take a minute to understand what your options are:
Does your existing PC meet the requirements for Windows 11?
Microsoft’s minimum requirements include a compatible 64‑bit processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. To determine your eligibility, Microsoft advises checking Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Eligible devices running Windows 10 22H2 can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. If you haven’t received an upgrade notification, you can run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool or use the Installation Assistant.
What if your PC isn’t eligible?
If a free upgrade isn’t possible, there are several other options to consider:
- Purchase a new PC: Microsoft recommends buying a new Windows 11 PC for the best experience, and has a dedicated page to help you find devices that meet your needs. New hardware supports advanced security features and improved performance.
- Enroll in the ESU program: If you can’t replace your computer immediately, paying for an ESUs provides limited security updates. However, this should be viewed as a stopgap measure, not a long‑term solution.
- Consider alternative operating systems: If you cannot meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements and don’t want to pay for ESUs, you could migrate to a supported Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, although this would entail a certain degree of technical complexity and compatibility with Windows applications may vary.
It's also worth considering that Windows 11 has been designed not only to be more secure but also with performance in mind. If you use your computer at home for work, this could be a good reason to upgrade, even if it involves extra cost. Whatever your decision, a robust endpoint security suite such as ESET HOME for consumers is a vital addition to help detect and block common malware including ransomware and phishing attacks on all Windows versions.
Upgrade considerations
Whether you use your Windows PC for home office work or leisure, other things to bear in mind include:
- Upgrade in advance: Check your PC’s eligibility and schedule the upgrade early to avoid the rush. If your PC is more than five years old, a new machine may provide better performance and longer support
- Back up data: Use Windows Backup or third‑party tools to transfer your files and settings before upgrading or replacing your PC.
- Evaluate ESUs vs. replacement: For a single PC, paying $30 for one year of ESUs may be cheaper than buying a new device. However, you’ll need to replace or migrate before the year is out to avoid security gaps
- Security hygiene: Continue using security software, keep your browser and applications up to date, and be wary of phishing scams that exploit EoL confusion
A cautionary tale
How bad could it be staying on Windows 10? History is a useful guide here. The WannaCry ransomware attack of 2017 infected hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. Many were caught out because they were still running the legacy Windows XP operating system and therefore didn’t receive the security update which could have kept them safe. As a result, they were locked out of their computers. Microsoft was eventually forced to take the extraordinary step of issuing emergency updates for EoL systems. But there’s no guarantee it would do so again.
ESET’s recommendations
ESET recommends a multilayered approach to security for Windows 10 users facing EoL, including the following steps:
1. Plan now: Don’t wait until October 2025 to assess your options. Determine your eligibility, and budget for any new hardware if necessary.
2. Apply all remaining updates: Keep Windows 10 updated until support ends and ensure all third‑party software is patched to minimize your exposure.
3. Use a reputable security suite: Solutions like ESET HOME Security Premium and ESET Small Business Security offer real-time protection from exploits and cyber-attacks — these can help bridge security gaps when OS support moves towards its sunset and ultimately ends.
4. Enable advanced protections: On supported hardware, enable Windows 10 features such as Secure Boot, BitLocker, controlled folder access, and exploit protection.
5. Educate users: Teach your family members to recognize suspicious emails, attachments, and upgrade scams.
6. Consider alternative OS options: For devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, evaluate supported Linux distributions or ChromeOS Flex if you’re technically confident of migrating.
Expert insights
“The end of life for a major operating system is not a new occurrence. We have faced similar challenges before with the widely used Windows XP and Windows 7 platforms. What is often neglected is the fact that outdated operating systems (OS) represent a significantly larger attack surface compared to isolated zero-day or critical known vulnerabilities in individual applications or libraries.
Where patching of the OS is not feasible, compensating controls such as hardening, robust security practices, and stricter policies should be implemented. These include running users on the outdated system with the lowest possible privileges, minimizing the software running on the device and keeping it up to date, denying all inbound connections and minimizing exposed services, and routing necessary connections through VPNs or SSH tunnels.
It’s crucial to remember that these are only temporary mitigations; a full upgrade to a supported operating system is ultimately required. For critical systems where upgrading is impossible, physical security measures should be considered - such as blocking USB ports, air-gapping such systems from the network, and strictly monitoring device access. Additionally, expanding log collection and performing more frequent audits will help detect and respond to potential security incidents during this transitional period.
However, there is a bit of good news for users and organizations in the EU: Microsoft will provide a one-year, no-cost extension of critical security updates for Windows 10, which offers valuable breathing room for transition planning.”- Ondrej Kubovič, Security Awareness Specialist
Conclusion: It’s time to think about Windows 11
Windows 10’s EoL is a major cybersecurity event that will impact users across the globe. As Microsoft withdraws technical support and cease updates (including security patches), it’s vital to take steps to protect your PC. But as previous cyber-threat campaigns have demonstrated, unsupported operating systems are an attractive target for hackers.
With the EoL deadline set for October 14, 2025, there’s no time to waste. Migrating to the more secure Windows 11 is the preferred option, especially as it will be free for many users. But there are several other options available. The key is to start planning now to avoid being left exposed to performance issues and security risks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still run Windows 10 after 2025?
Yes. Windows 10 will continue to work, but Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support, which could leave you exposed to cyberattacks. If you choose to continue using Windows 10, consider purchasing an ESU and using robust third‑party security.
How do I enroll in Microsoft’s Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program – Free to EU users?
The steps needed to enroll in the consumer Windows 10 ESU program are as follows:
- Check your devices for compatibility. They need to be running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition.
- The device(s) needs to have the latest Windows update installed. Find the process to install Windows updates here.
- Important, the Microsoft account used to sign in must be an administrator account.
Your ESU license will be associated with the Microsoft account used to enroll. You may be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account if you typically sign into Windows with a local account.
- The account in question cannot be a child account.
Can I upgrade my Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?
Yes. Windows 10 PCs that meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements can upgrade at no cost. To check eligibility, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Some older PCs may not meet the requirements due to missing TPM 2.0 or incompatible CPUs.
Will there be a Windows 12?
As of August 2025, Microsoft has not announced Windows 12. Windows 11 receives regular feature updates and is designed as the long‑term successor to Windows 10.
Do I have to buy a new computer for Windows 11?
Not necessarily. If your current Windows 10 PC meets Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements, you can upgrade with no additional purchase required. However, many older devices lack TPM 2.0 or have unsupported processors. In those cases, you’ll need to purchase a new Windows 11 PC or consider alternate operating systems. When evaluating costs, compare the price of a new PC against ESU fees and the potential productivity benefits of migrating.
