Windows 10 Support Ending – Act Before October 14, 2025

on

 

Key News Highlights

1. End of Support Approaching—Privacy Warning Issued

  • On August 17, 2025, Microsoft issued a critical 60‑day privacy and security warning to over 700 million Windows 10 users. This alert urges users to either upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to remain protected .

  • The official end of support date for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which there will be no more monthly security updates or technical support .

2. Extended Security Updates (ESU) Now Smoother to Access

  • Microsoft has released update KB5063709, which fixes a previously troublesome bug and now makes the ESU enrolment accessible via the Windows Update panel. Users can sign up using:

    • A $30 paid option,

    • 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points,

    • Or syncing via OneDrive (no extra cost), provided you have a Microsoft account 

  • This ESU program extends security updates through October 2026, giving users an extra year beyond the official support end date.

3. Microsoft Store App Update Restricts Control Over App Updates



  • A recent change to the Microsoft Store on both Windows 10 and 11 removes the option to permanently halt app updates. Now, users can only pause automatic updates for up to five weeks before updates automatically resume. While aimed at improving security, many users see this as a loss of control and a move toward tighter ecosystem centralization 









4. Why Some Users Are Choosing to Stick with Windows 10

  • Despite the impending end-of-life, many prefer Windows 10 for several reasons:

    • Better hardware compatibility, especially on older PCs that don’t meet Windows 11’s stricter requirements like TPM 2.0.

    • More flexible UI, with the classic Start Menu and customizable Taskbar.

    • Fewer AI-driven features, giving users more privacy and fewer intrusive changes.

    • Stability and familiarity, especially favoured by businesses and long time users.

  • Plus, the ESU program provides a viable way to stay secure without switching—if users act quickly .

5. Lawsuit Challenges Microsoft’s Support End Schedule

  • A lawsuit filed by Lawrence Klein in California argues that Microsoft is prematurely ending support for Windows 10 (EOL on Oct 14, 2025)—forcing users into buying new PCs or paying for support, potentially violating consumer rights and encouraging e‑waste.

  • The lawsuit demands that support remain free and unconditional until user adoption drops below 10%. While the outcome remains uncertain, it highlights growing public resistance to Microsoft’s upgrade strategy.

Summary Table



What You Can Do Next

  1. If you're still on Windows 10, strongly consider enrolling in the ESU program (via KB5063709) to stay secure through October 2026.

  2. Test Windows 11 compatibility; if your device qualifies, an upgrade may offer long-term support and new features.

  3. Prepare backups using Windows Backup and consider migrating data to ensure a smooth transition—especially if you choose to enroll in ESU via OneDrive.

  4. Monitor the lawsuit—if successful, it could extend support terms further or offer alternative options.

Anything more you'd like to explore, like step-by‑step enrollment in ESU, Windows 11 compatibility checks, or alternatives to consider?

Comments

Post a Comment