Microsoft has officially announced the conclusion of mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This significant date will mark the cessation of crucial aspects such as security patches, technical assistance, and feature updates for users who opt to remain on this operating system. As much as users can persist in using Windows 10, it will be at their own risk due to the lack of ongoing support from Microsoft.
To provide a temporary solution, Microsoft is initiating the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Designed to give interim relief, this program extends critical security updates for an additional year, terminating on October 13, 2026. While the ESU ensures that vital security updates are delivered, it does not include new features, making it a stopgap rather than a long-term solution.
Alternatives to Extended Security Updates
The ESU service is available for $30, with the cost anticipated to be approximately ₹2,550 in India, though local pricing has yet to be officially confirmed. Alternatively, Microsoft offers a novel way to acquire these ESU benefits without monetary investment. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Chief Marketing Officer, disclosed that this can be achieved either by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points or by leveraging the Windows Backup app to secure data.
Redeeming Microsoft Reward points requires the user to have an active Microsoft account. These points can be accumulated through various activities, such as using Bing for searches, purchasing items from the Microsoft Store, or engaging with Xbox games. All activities must be completed before the October 2025 deadline to be eligible for free ESU enrollment for an additional year.
This strategic move by Microsoft seems aptly timed to influence users toward transitioning to Windows 11. With the end of support acting as a nudge, upgrading to the newer operating system presents an option for users looking for long-term feature updates and enhanced security features. However, this transition could present challenges, particularly for students, small businesses, and owners of older hardware configurations, who either face financial constraints or hardware incompatibility issues with Windows 11.
Ultimately, the cessation of Windows 10 support poses several strategic decisions for users, from investing in new hardware and software to adopting Microsoft's temporary ESU measures, all aimed at maintaining system security and performance.
