Microsoft will release its first security update for non-ESU Windows 10 systems on 2025-11-10, marking a critical deadline for users to upgrade to Windows 11. As of now, an estimated 500 million users need to act to avoid exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities.
Deadline Approaches
Microsoft ended regular Windows 10 support on 2025-10-14. However, this week holds the real significance as the first post-retirement security patch is released. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers an additional 12 months of critical patches, but not all users have enrolled.
- Windows 10 support ended on 2025-10-14.
- Non-ESU users exposed from 2025-11-10.
- 500 million potential outdated users globally.
Challenges for Users
Some users, especially in Europe, report issues with ESU enrollment. In certain cases, technological competence is required to perform an in-place upgrade to solve these issues. Failure to address this could leave many systems vulnerable to modern cyberattacks targeting outdated operating systems and infrastructure.
Microsoft advises eligible users to upgrade to Windows 11 as a more secure alternative if their hardware supports it. Given the pace at which cyber threats evolve, ensuring your system is up-to-date is more crucial than ever.
Concluding Advice
For users unable to access the ESU program, this final window for updating or upgrading your system is critical. Security experts emphasize the importance of keeping your operating system updated to avoid vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.
