Draft:Windows 10 end of support
End of Windows 10 support
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
End of support for Windows 10 refers to the date when Microsoft stopped providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for the operating system. Windows 10 was originally released on July 29, 2015, and its official support lifecycle ended on October 14, 2025. After this date, devices running the operating system no longer receive regular security updates unless users purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) or upgrade to a newer operating system such as Windows 11.
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- Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. SrinjonC (talk) 13:13, 8 March 2026 (UTC)
What happens when support ends on an Operating System?
If an Operating System ends support, this means it's manufacturers won't give any Security Updates, System Updates, Bug Fixes and Technical Assistance. The Product will still run, but users should run it wisely. Newer applications or hardware cannot run properly with the outdated Operating System.[1]
Why Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 and below since 2000?
Older operating systems, such as Windows 1.01, Windows 2.03, Windows 3.x codebase, Windows 9x codebase, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 have updates for Security, System, with technical assistance and bug fixes. But since problems are getting bigger, old code cannot help it run and might Bypass the size limit to make a new OS. So ending support does solve problems.
Overview
Windows 10 is an operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. It was released to the public on July 29, 2015 as the successor to Windows 8.1. The system was designed to work across multiple types of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and some embedded systems.[2][3]
Windows 10 introduced several new features and improvements compared to previous versions of Windows. These included the return of the Start Menu, the introduction of the Microsoft Edge web browser, and the Cortana digital assistant. It also added virtual desktops, improved security features, and regular feature updates.[4][5]
Unlike earlier versions of Windows that were replaced by entirely new operating systems, Microsoft initially planned Windows 10 to be updated continuously through major updates released twice per year. These updates added new features, security improvements, and performance enhancements.[6]
Over time, Windows 10 became one of the most widely used operating systems in the world and was used by millions of people for personal, educational, and business purposes.[7]
Options after End of Support:
After support ends for Windows 10, users and organizations may consider several options to maintain security and compatibility.
- Upgrade to a secure operating system: Microsoft encourages you to upgrade to supported operating systems, such as Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows Server 2025.[8] You can get a new PC or upgrade it on your one
- Enroll on ESU: Extended Security Updates allow organizations to continue receiving security patches for a limited time after support ends, typically for an additional cost.[9]
- Switch to Linux?: Some users may install alternative operating systems such as Linux. However, certain applications designed for Windows 10 may not be available on Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Fedora Linux. Linux-based operating systems are widely used on many devices, including smartphones and embedded systems..[10]
Users may choose different options after support ends, including upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing Extended Security Updates from Microsoft, or installing alternative operating systems such as Linux. Most People usually upgrade to an operating system such as Windows 11.