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The Ghost of Windows 10 Future: What Microsoft’s 2025 Deadline Means for You.

The Ghost of Christmas Future for has arrived for Windows 10, and we’re here to walk you through it. Read more about what this software shift means for you.
Mike Jones
Written by:
Mike Jones
Published Dec 24, 2024
The Ghost of Windows 10 Future: What Microsoft’s 2025 Deadline Means for You

The time is almost up for Windows 10, says Microsoft. Let us walk you through the Windows 10 end of life schedule and what you can do about it.  

The clock is striking the midnight hour and, for Windows 10, the murky Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is arriving, pronouncing a projected end of life: October 2025. But what can be done before the deadline hits? What will the Windows 10 end of life (EOL) look like after 2025? Will support options see the light and change their ways or will users bear the brunt of this update and find ways to cope with the predicted future? Read on to learn more about what you can expect and how US Cloud can guide you safely through this major software shift.  

What’s Happening to Microsoft Windows 10?

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will drop out of Microsoft’s support system. In other words, future security updates may be available for a fee for some users, but anyone using the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) will have a longer period of update availability.

Extended support for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC will conclude on January 13, 2032. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC will be supported through January 9, 2029. For everyone else, Microsoft updates will stop on October 14, 2025.

In October of 2024, Microsoft began preparing customers to make the transition by providing proactive support, reminding customers of the system’s positive points while reminding them that the software has some hardware requirements of Windows 11 that were included as a protection against modern security threats.

Windows 10 End of Support vs. End of Life

Windows 10 is going through an end of life cycle, but the end of support is being deferred under certain conditions and for certain costs. The official end of life for this product is happening in October 2025, which means you won’t be able to obtain a new license for Windows 10 after that time.

However, Microsoft has extended support options for certain licenses through the next few years. That means that the Windows 10 end of support isn’t arriving for another few years.

In other words: the end of life is coming up first, and a full stop to the end of support is coming up in a matter of years.

Mainframe Dependence and Growth Trends in Enterprise Computing.

Is Windows 10 Shutting Down in 2025 Completely?

When it comes to “upgrading” to Windows 10 or getting support for it, then yes. You might still be able to use the windows 10 system, but you will no longer be able to expect support or security updates for it. You may also experience limitations to personalization or feature access.

Therefore, any Microsoft users who resume use of Windows 10 past the October 2025 deadline will not see an interruption in service right away, however the above-mentioned limitations may create cracks in service and protection that will grow larger and more obvious over time.

Why Does Windows 10 End of Life Matter?

Microsoft laptop with "Windows 10 End-of-Life" text.
Windows 10 approaching end-of-life support—time to plan upgrades.

While a lack of system updates or support may seem easy enough to work around at first, this absence of protective measures may leave users increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Such a condition will likely create a growing blind spot when it comes to data security.

Additionally, sending the Ghost of Christmas future after Windows 10 has skeptics afraid that the shift will send millions of PCs straight to the landfill faster than last year’s highly preserved fruitcake that somehow maintained its form in the back cupboard for a whole year.

How could Windows 11 dependence increase PC traffic to your local landfill? While Windows 10 was more or less “backwards-compatible” by allowing certain older operating systems to upgrade, Windows 11 has more hardware stipulations that prevent plenty of older devices from using the Microsoft system at the Windows 11 level.

What to Do about Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life

Where possible, official recommendations from Microsoft are to upgrade to Microsoft 11.

If a device upgrade is not possible, using Microsoft 10 past October 2025 may still be an option. You will simply no longer receive free security updates to keep your system protected. While certain users will be able to pay to extend the expiration date of Windows 10 software beyond the October 2025 deadline, this may not be a feasible option for all users.

Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program will begin after support for Windows 10 ceases. For commercial licenses, it should be noted that licenses for Enterprise, Education, and Pro for Commercial uses will qualify for the Windows 10 ESU program.

In any case, businesses operating on a Windows 10 system must consider the following:

  • Security Concerns: How continued use of the system may redefine your company’s security considerations
  • Operational Disruptions: What your business may need to plan for in the face of service interruptions if there is an issue with your Windows 10 or your team needs time to transition to Windows 11
  • Resource Allocations: What costs will be associated with transitioning to Windows 11 or maintaining your operation through Windows 10

If you’re worried about Microsoft’s deadline for Windows 10, you’re not alone. The technical staff at US Cloud features experts who know how to guide you through the final stages of Microsoft Windows 10 end of life.

How USC Can Support You Through Windows 10 EOL

Unless you have already acted ahead of the cut date for Windows 10 EOL to prepare your business for sustained service, then your next steps should not be delayed for much longer. To prevent this software (and hardware) shift from interrupting the flow of your business by leaving your company increasingly open to data insecurities and decreasing support options, talk to US Cloud to explore your options.

When you integrate US Cloud into your IT infrastructure, your team can better prepare for your team’s next steps, such as upgrading your machines, training your staff, identifying legacy software or hardware dependencies, identifying key security vulnerabilities in your current (or new) environment, and more.

Request more information about how we can help you transition your systems even more efficiently than Mr. Scrooge transformed himself to a loving uncle and penitent benefactor at the end of his story.

You can also contact us directly to get started on your support from US Cloud ahead of next year’s deadline. That way, no security “ghosts” slip through your Windows 10 system without your team’s knowledgeable protection.

Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life FAQ

Is Microsoft 10 being discontinued?

Yes. Microsoft’s Windows 10 is being discontinued after October 2025. More specifically, updates for this system will be discontinued and users will no longer have access to support for Windows 10.

That means that Windows 10 users can still operate on that system after October 2025, but they won’t be able to expect any security updates to keep their systems protected. Furthermore, they won’t be able to contact support anymore once things go wrong with their Windows 10 account.

Do I have to buy a new computer for Windows 11?

It depends on what type of device you had prior to your Windows 11 update. Only devices that meet certain hardware requirements will be allowed to upgrade to a Windows 11 system. For more about whether your device’s hardware satisfies those requirements, consult Microsoft’s official Windows 11 guidelines.

Can I upgrade my Windows 10 to 11 for free?

As long as your device meets the Windows 11 requirements for hardware, then upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 are currently free! For unsupported hardware, you may be looking at a device upgrade first before you can upgrade to Windows 11 (which would possibly be already installed on your new device once you’ve upgraded it.)

Is Windows 10 Shutting Down in 2025?

Yes. As of October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer be available to update.

Can I keep using Windows 10 after 2025?

Most users will likely be able to continue using Microsoft 10 after the elimination of the software from update options and support services. However, no new security updates will be available for Windows 10 systems after October 2025. This may render some systems vulnerable to cyberattacks.

What if my computer can’t run Windows 11?

Depending on your license type, you may have support options beyond October 2025. If your license fits Microsoft’s requirements for their Extended Security Update (ESU) program, you may be able to buy yourself some time to transition your team’s device choice to something that meets the Windows 11 hardware specifications.

Mike Jones
Mike Jones
Mike Jones stands out as a leading authority on Microsoft enterprise solutions and has been recognized by Gartner as one of the world’s top subject matter experts on Microsoft Enterprise Agreements (EA) and Unified (formerly Premier) Support contracts. Mike's extensive experience across the private, partner, and government sectors empowers him to expertly identify and address the unique needs of Fortune 500 Microsoft environments. His unparalleled insight into Microsoft offerings makes him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to optimize their technology landscape.
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