Windows 10 Support Ends in Two Weeks: "Switch to Windows 11"

No More Security Updates: Increased Risk of Viruses and Malware Exposure
Paid Security Updates Available for One Year

Official support, including security updates, for Microsoft’s (MS) older operating system (OS), Windows 10, will be discontinued starting in the middle of next month. As the cessation of security updates increases the risk of exposure to malicious software, users are advised to exercise caution.

On September 30, MS announced that official support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, and regular security updates and technical support will no longer be provided.

MS explained that once security updates are halted, the risk of exposure to cyber threats such as malware or viruses will rise significantly. However, Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint running on Windows 10 PCs will continue to receive security updates until October 10, 2028, and feature updates until August 2026.

MS is already offering free upgrades for devices that have Windows 10 installed and meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. However, users whose devices do not meet these minimum requirements will need to purchase new hardware.

For users who cannot immediately switch to Windows 11, there is also a dedicated program. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to maintain security for existing PCs for a certain period even after official support ends. Users can register their Windows 10 PCs for this program to receive monthly emergency and critical security updates for up to one year.

The ESU program can be registered through the Windows 10 settings menu. After clicking 'Update & Security' and navigating to 'Windows Update,' an ESU registration link will automatically appear.

Corporate customers can subscribe to the ESU program for $61 per device per year, with extensions available for up to three years. Individual users can choose one of the following options: ▲cloud synchronization of settings via Windows Backup (no additional cost), ▲use of 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (no additional cost), or ▲paid subscription (KRW 37,900). The registration period runs from October 15 of next month to October 13, 2026.

Yusuf Mehdi, MS Chief Consumer Marketing Officer, emphasized, "2025 will be a transition period to Windows 11 PCs," adding, "Microsoft will provide the best Windows 11 experience, prioritizing security, through Copilot+ PCs and the cloud-based Windows 365."