Short answer
Windows 10 reached end of life on 14 October 2025. This means you no longer receive security updates, unless you subscribe to the paid ESU programme or run an LTSC edition. Windows 11 Pro is the logical successor for most organisations. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is supported until 12 January 2027 and LTSC 2019 even until 9 January 2029.
When did support for Windows 10 end?
Windows 10 was covered by Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy. The final version was version 22H2. On 14 October 2025, support ended for seven Windows editions at once:
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 Pro Education
- Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session
- Windows 10 Education
The LTSC editions follow a different lifecycle. They are covered later in this article.
Since 14 October 2025, Microsoft no longer releases quality updates, security updates or new features for these editions. Microsoft also no longer provides technical support. Windows 10 has therefore reached its end of life.
Sources: Windows 10 Home and Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise and Education on Microsoft Lifecycle.
Status table of Windows 10 versions
| Windows 10 version | Supported until | Extension possible | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 22H2 Pro, Enterprise and Education | 14 October 2025 | Commercial ESU until 10 October 2028 | Migrate; ESU only as a temporary bridge |
| Windows 10 22H2 Home | 14 October 2025 | Consumer ESU until 12 October 2027 | Not eligible for commercial ESU |
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 | 13 October 2026 | ESU requires version 22H2 | Plan migration or replacement now |
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 | 12 January 2027 | ESU requires version 22H2 | Assess use case and migration path |
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 | 9 January 2029 | ESU requires version 22H2 | Monitor the lifecycle actively |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 | 13 January 2032 | Different lifecycle path | Only for suitable specialised devices |
What are the consequences after end of life?
Windows 10 keeps working after end of life. The software stays on your devices and Microsoft does not switch it off.
The biggest risk is the loss of security updates. Every security flaw found after 14 October 2025 stays open. The software receives no more updates and is therefore an easy target for cyberattacks. On top of that, faults are no longer fixed and Microsoft no longer answers questions about Windows 10.
Compatibility is the next problem you may run into. Office LTSC 2024 is not supported on regular Windows 10. Office LTSC 2024 is only supported on Windows 11, on the LTSC editions of Windows 10 and 11, and on Windows Server 2022 and 2025. If you want to renew your Office environment, a Windows migration is unavoidable.
Can you keep Windows 10 secure with ESU?
The Extended Security Updates programme provides important security updates for a fee. For businesses and educational institutions it runs for a maximum of three years after the end date, in this case until 10 October 2028.
Your device must be running version 22H2. The price for ESU starts at 61 dollars per device for the first year and doubles every following year. That comes to 427 dollars per device over three years. The years are also cumulative: if you only join in year two, you still pay for year one.
ESU is not an alternative to migration. It is a postponement that lets you plan the migration properly. ESU contains no new features and no technical support.
Source: Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 on Microsoft Learn.
Which Windows 10 versions are still supported?
LTSC editions have their own lifecycle and therefore a different end-of-life date. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is supported until 12 January 2027. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 has an extended phase. That runs until 9 January 2029. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 lasts until 13 January 2032.
If your organisation uses one of these editions, the end-of-life date of 14 October 2025 does not apply to you. You can read what LTSC involves in our article on the Long-Term Servicing Channel.
Upgrading to Windows 11
Windows 11 Pro is the logical successor for most organisations. It is important to check beforehand whether your device meets the system requirements.
For Windows 11, your device must meet the following system requirements:
- 64-bit processor of 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores, from the list of supported processors
- 4 GB of memory
- 64 GB of free storage
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
With PC Health Check you can check each device to see whether it meets the requirements.
For an upgrade from Windows 10, the device must be running at least version 2004, with the security update of 14 September 2021 or later installed. In doubt? Then our article on upgrading to Windows 11 will help you further.
Source: Windows 11 requirements on Microsoft Learn.
Frequently asked questions
When did Windows 10 reach end of life?
Windows 10 reached end of life on 14 October 2025. That applies to seven editions, from Home to Education. The LTSC editions have their own end-of-life date.
Does Windows 10 keep working after 14 October 2025?
Yes, Windows 10 keeps working. Microsoft does not switch the software off and your files and programs remain available. You no longer receive security updates, quality updates or technical support.
How long can I keep using Windows 10 with ESU?
Businesses and educational institutions can receive security updates through ESU for a maximum of three years, until 10 October 2028. The device must also be running version 22H2.
Advice on your situation?
Are you still running Windows 10 and would you like to know what moving to Windows 11 Pro costs your organisation? Softtrader supplies Windows 11 Pro as a pre-owned volume licence, with savings of up to 70% on the original price. Contact us for more information or request a no-obligation quote.
This page was translated from Dutch with the help of AI and checked by our account manager.
