Windows 10 Isn’t Dead Yet: Here’s What the “Extended Support Until 2026” Really Means

If you're hearing that Windows 10 support has been extended until October 2026, you’re not imagining things—but it’s not quite the “forever support” some headlines imply. Here’s what’s really going on, in plain language, and what you should do next to keep your PC safe.

What’s happening (and when)

Microsoft has scheduled the end of free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 users will no longer receive new feature updates, regular security patches, or technical assistance. Your computer will still run, but it will increasingly become vulnerable to newly discovered security holes. 

However, Microsoft is offering a bridge option: the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. If you enroll, your Windows 10 system can continue getting critical security updates up to October 13, 2026.  Note: this extension is strictly about security—no new features, no design updates, and no full support. 

For most users, that means October 2025 is still the major pivot point—but one extra year of protection is available if you’re ready to act. 

How the extended support works — and its limitations

First, you must enroll your PC in ESU through Windows Update. Microsoft has added an “Enroll now” option in the Settings app when your system sees that it’s nearing end of support. To enroll, your device must be on Windows 10 version 22H2 with all the latest updates already installed. 

You’ll also need to sign in with a Microsoft account. In many regions, Microsoft is making that a mandatory step—even if you intend to pay for the extension. Once enrolled, your PC will continue to receive monthly security patches (only those deemed critical or important) until October 2026. 

But know this: ESU is not a full-fledged upgrade. You will not get new features or improvements, and Microsoft won’t offer technical support for general issues under ESU.

Another thing: even after October 2026, Microsoft Defender Antivirus definitions will continue to update beyond that point, and Office / Microsoft 365 apps will still receive certain security updates (though subject to changing policies) even on Windows 10. 

Watch this YT video from ThioJoe:

Why Microsoft is doing this

Microsoft knows many users and even organizations aren’t quite ready to make the leap to Windows 11. The ESU program gives a grace period to plan the transition. Also, by tying ESU access to a Microsoft account, the company nudges users closer into its ecosystem. 

For organizations, there’s a further option: businesses, schools, and other institutions can purchase extended support for multiple years beyond 2026, at escalating costs. But even those are meant as stopgaps—not permanent support. 

What you should do now to stay secure

If you’re still on Windows 10, this is your critical window to prepare. First, confirm whether your machine is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11—some PCs won’t meet the hardware requirements. If your PC can handle it, upgrading is the safest long-term move.

If your device can’t upgrade—or you just need more time—then enrolling in ESU is your best bet. Make sure your system is updated, sign in with a Microsoft account, hit “Enroll now,” and verify that the enrollment is confirmed. That will let you ride out to October 2026 with essential security coverage.

Don’t rely on ESU forever. Use this extra year to plan a proper upgrade or migration. Schedule backups, check compatibility of your apps and drivers, and start transitioning your data.

Once 2026 rolls around, any machine still on Windows 10 will be exposed—and though it may continue running, every new security flaw will be unpatched. The gap between functionality and safety will widen.

In short: Windows 10 hasn’t been abandoned quite yet—but you must act if you want to keep your PC protected during this final stretch.