Windows 10 end of support: what will happen?

Windows 10 end of support: what will happen?

Microsoft has announced the official end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025. After this date, no more security updates will be released for this operating system. If you are still using Windows 10, here is what you need to know — and what you can do to prepare.

What does "end of support" actually mean?

End of support does not mean Windows 10 will stop working overnight. Your computer will continue to start and operate normally. However, starting October 2025:

• ❌ No more security updates — newly discovered vulnerabilities will no longer be patched
• ❌ No more technical fixes — identified bugs will remain unresolved
• ❌ End of Microsoft support — no assistance from Microsoft for Windows 10
• ⚠️ Increasing security risks — your PC will gradually become more vulnerable to cyberattacks

What are the risks if you do nothing?

Continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends is not without consequences, especially in the medium term:

• 🦠 Unpatched vulnerabilities exploited by hackers
• 🔓 Personal data exposed — passwords, files, banking information
• 🚫 Gradual incompatibility with new software and applications
• 📵 Some websites and services might block connections from an unsupported OS

For businesses, the risk is even higher: cyber insurance and certifications may require an actively supported operating system.

Is it mandatory to upgrade to Windows 11?

Not necessarily immediately, but it is highly recommended for several reasons. However, not all computers are compatible with Windows 11, especially due to TPM 2.0 and processor requirements.

Check your PC's compatibility

Use Microsoft's official PC Health Check tool to find out if your computer can run Windows 11. If your PC is compatible, upgrading is the safest long-term solution.

What to do if your PC is not compatible with Windows 11?

You have two options:

1. Continue with Windows 10 by subscribing to Extended Security Updates (ESU) — a paid program offered by Microsoft, mainly intended for businesses
2. Replace or upgrade your hardware to meet Windows 11 requirements

The simplest solution: upgrade to Windows 11

If your PC is compatible, upgrading to Windows 11 is the best decision. You will benefit from a modernized interface, better performance, enhanced security, and guaranteed support from Microsoft for several more years.

Windows 11 offers enhanced security thanks to TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot hardware requirements, a modern interface with a centered Start menu, and performance optimization ideal for recent PCs.

At Licence24.ch, you can get a digital Windows 11 license at a competitive price, with instant delivery by email and activation within minutes via Microsoft servers.

👉 Discover our Windows 11 Home and Pro licenses

And if you want to stay on Windows 10 a little longer?

If your PC is not compatible with Windows 11 or if you want to extend its use before investing in new hardware, it is still possible to get a valid Windows 10 license to ensure a properly activated system until the transition.

👉 See our available Windows 10 licenses

What this means for businesses

The end of support for Windows 10 is a major issue for organizations. Many are already planning their transition. Key points to anticipate:

• Inventory of workstations — identify which PCs are compatible with Windows 11
• Migration budget — licenses, possible hardware replacement
• Team training — getting familiar with the new Windows 11 interface
• Compatibility testing business software before deployment

💡 Microsoft offers paid ESU (Extended Security Updates) programs for businesses that cannot migrate immediately — but these programs are costly and only a temporary solution.

In summary: what to do now?

Need help with the transition?

Our support team is available 7 days a week to assist you in choosing your license and installing Windows 11. Feel free to contact us via chat or by email at hello@licence24.ch.

For more information, also check out our practical guides:

👉 How to activate Windows 10/11 with a product key

👉 How to reinstall Windows without losing your data

⚠️ Disclaimer — Licence24.ch is an independent reseller of perpetual digital software licenses. We are not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation, nor are we official partners or authorized agents. The product names, trademarks, and logos mentioned (Windows 10, Windows 11, Microsoft, PC Health Check) are the exclusive property of Microsoft Corporation. All licenses offered can be activated directly through Microsoft servers, in accordance with the applicable European and Swiss legal framework for software license resale.