Core Points - Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing all feature updates and security patches unless users enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program or upgrade to Windows 11 [1][4]. Summary by Sections Windows 10 Support Termination - Microsoft has concluded its support for Windows 10, which had a lifecycle of only 10 years, shorter than Windows XP and Windows 7 [1]. - Users can still receive security updates by registering for the ESU program, which offers a low-cost option for continued support [4][6]. Extended Security Update (ESU) Program - The ESU program allows users to obtain security updates for Windows 10 for an additional year at a cost of $30 [6]. - Registration for the ESU requires that the system is running Windows 10 version 22H2 and meets specific conditions, including having the latest updates installed and using a Microsoft account with admin privileges [5][6]. - A single ESU license can cover up to 10 devices, but the program's future beyond one year remains uncertain, with an expected end date of October 13, 2026 [8]. Alternative Solutions for Windows 10 Users - **"Workaround" Security Updates**: Users can manually install security updates from Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, but this requires regular manual downloads and installations [9][11]. - **Switching to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC**: This version offers a longer support period until January 12, 2027, and is designed for stability, though it requires a Microsoft account and is part of a volume licensing agreement [13][15]. - **Upgrading to Windows 11**: Users can utilize tools like Flyoobe to bypass hardware requirements for Windows 11 installation, allowing older devices to upgrade smoothly [21][23]. - **Using Third-Party Tools**: Options exist to modify Windows 11 installation images to remove hardware checks, enabling installation on unsupported devices [25][26]. - **Installing Windows 11 IoT Enterprise**: This version is designed for lower-spec devices and does not enforce hardware checks, providing a viable upgrade path for older systems [27][29]. - **Third-Party Slimmed-Down Versions**: Users can opt for third-party versions like Tiny11, which remove unnecessary components while still receiving security updates, though this may affect system stability [33][36].