- Windows 10 support officially ends on October 14, 2025.
- Without updates, the system becomes vulnerable to security threats.
- Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates, including a free option.
- Some apps and games may stop supporting Windows 10 after 2025.
Windows 10 is nearing the end of its journey. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will release the final security update for the system.
After that date, the company will no longer provide updates unless users sign up for extended support. Many people are still using Windows 10, and as its End of Life approaches, users are asking one major question: Is it still safe to use?
What Happens When Support Ends
Once Microsoft stops releasing updates, Windows 10 will no longer receive patches for security issues. Without these fixes, the system becomes more vulnerable to new threats. Hackers often look for weaknesses in older systems, and without regular updates, those gaps remain open.
At first, using Windows 10 might not seem dangerous. The last update in October 2025 will protect users for a short while. However, as time goes on, more vulnerabilities will appear, leaving systems exposed to new risks.
Even though many people kept using Windows 7 after its support ended, it quickly became unsafe. The same pattern will likely follow with Windows 10. Staying unprotected on an unsupported system is simply too risky.
Being Careful Online Is Not Enough
Some users believe that having a good antivirus and being careful online is enough. While strong antivirus software helps, it cannot replace system-level security updates. Cyberattacks can still happen, even if users avoid suspicious links or websites.
Sometimes, threats appear from unexpected sources such as infected ads or compromised websites. Once a hacker exploits a system weakness, antivirus tools may not be enough to stop the damage. Unless the computer stays offline completely, the risk of infection always exists.
In short, being cautious online helps but does not eliminate the danger of using an unpatched operating system. Microsoft’s monthly updates remain essential for full protection.
Extended Security Updates: Your Best Option
To help users stay safe, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates, or ESU, for Windows 10. For the first time, this option is available not just for businesses but also for everyday users.
There are three ways to join the ESU program. The first is to pay a fee of 30 dollars. The second is to use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points if you have them. The third and most appealing option is completely free, though it comes with a small condition.
To access the free option, users must sync certain PC settings to Microsoft’s cloud through the Windows Backup app. This does not include personal files, only system settings. Your documents, photos, and videos remain private.
For users in the European Economic Area, syncing is not required due to regional privacy laws. This makes the free year of updates even easier to claim. Considering the safety benefits, the ESU program is worth using, even if it only extends support for a year.
What Happens After the Free Year
Using Extended Security Updates gives users one extra year to plan their next move. After October 2026, Microsoft may end the program or decide to extend it further. The company has done this before for business customers, offering up to three years of extra support.
However, there is no guarantee that regular users will get the same treatment. Microsoft might continue the program but charge for additional years. For now, users can enjoy one last year of updates before deciding whether to upgrade or switch systems.
How End of Life Affects Apps and Games
The end of support for Windows 10 also affects the software built for it. Developers may stop testing their apps on the older system, which could lead to compatibility issues. Still, major software like Google Chrome is likely to continue support for a few more years, just as it did with Windows 7.
Gamers, however, could face issues sooner. Companies such as Capcom and Square Enix have already announced they will no longer support Windows 10 for their upcoming titles. That means some new games may not run properly on the older operating system.
While that does not pose a security risk, it could frustrate players who want to enjoy the latest releases. More game publishers may follow suit, making it another reason to eventually upgrade.
Windows 10 has been one of Microsoft’s most popular systems, but time is catching up with it. As October 2025 approaches, users must prepare for a post-support world. Whether through extended updates or a full upgrade, staying protected is no longer optional.
Follow TechBSB For More Updates
