Windows 10’s end of support date finally lands today. Microsoft is making sure the still-large number of active Windows 10 users are aware of their options to keep their PC secure.
Last month, the company published a “30-day reminder” that Windows 10 version 22H2 (including Enterprise and Education Editions) will reach the end of its support period on October 14th, 2025:
30-Day Reminder: Windows 10, version 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025
On October 14, 2025, Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions) will reach end of servicing. October 14, 2025 will also mark the end of support for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. The October 2025 monthly security update will be the last update available for these versions. After this date, devices running these versions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats.
However, Microsoft also wants Windows home users to know that there’s the opportunity to receive extended support for another 12 months with Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program.
All in all, if you’re still actively using Windows 10, the deadline is almost here. What should you do? Here are all your options:
Extend Windows 10’s support period
Windows 10 users have three ways to continue receiving security updates for their operating system for another year:
- Method #1: Activate Windows backup (free). This will synchronize your Windows settings to the cloud, with OneDrive serving as the cloud storage service. You’ll need a Microsoft account for this. Free OneDrive accounts get 5GB of storage space.
- Method #2: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (“free”). After enrolling in Microsoft’s free Rewards program, you can earn points for things like using Bing Search, shopping on the Microsoft Store, using the Edge browser, and completing quests on the Xbox platform. You’ll need a Microsoft account for this.
- Method #3: Pay $30 to extend the support period. This option is available in non-US countries, but pricing may vary.
Separate from these methods is another unofficial method that involves using a free tool called UpDownTool to put yourself on a special version of Windows 10 that’ll keep getting security updates until 2032. The only catch is that it’s Windows 10 LTSC 2021.
Switch to Linux or Chromebook
If you absolutely love Windows 10 and can’t stomach the idea of migrating to Windows 11, you might take this opportunity to switch out of the Windows ecosystem altogether.
To switch to Linux, you can try something like Plasma KDE, which is trying to cater to Windows 10 switchers. There are other Linux distros for Windows users as well, including the popular ones Linux Mint, Zorin OS, and Wubuntu. If you’re going this route, see our guide on how to switch from Windows 10 to Linux smoothly and our favorite Linux apps for Windows switchers.
Alternatively, if your Windows 10 needs are simple and straightforward, you might opt for using Chromebooks instead. If you’re reluctant, make sure you read our breakdown of common Chromebook myths and misconceptions that aren’t true. To get started, check out our roundup of the best Chromebooks worth getting.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
