Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. After that date, the operating system will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes.
This situation is particularly alarming because for the first time in a long time, hundreds of millions of computers will not be able to migrate to a newer version of Windows. The announcement of Windows 11 introduced stricter hardware requirements, leaving around 200 million Windows 10 devices unable to upgrade to this new version.
Windows 10, possible options after October 2025
After October 2025, Windows 10 users will have five options to continue receiving support:
- Upgrade to Windows 11
Users can upgrade to Windows 11 if their PC meets the necessary hardware requirements. - Microsoft Paid Support Program (Windows 10 ESU)
Microsoft offers a paid support program, Windows 10 ESU, which extends the end-of-support date by an additional three years. Retail pricing has not yet been announced. - Continue using Windows 10
Users can continue to use Windows 10 with the understanding that the security of their system will deteriorate over time. - Migration against Linux
For non-gamers, migrating to Linux is an interesting option, albeit a daunting one at first. This transition requires getting used to a new environment and new applications. - Join the 0Patch program
0Patch is a service that provides security updates for Windows 10 until 2030.
0Patch
0Patch is a micro security patch service for older operating systems and software. It is known to be available for older versions of Windows, including Windows 7 and several server products.
Regarding Windows 10, 0Patch announced that after October 2025, it will adopt Windows 10 v22H2 and provide critical security fixes for at least five years, or even longer if there is demand.
The company writes
After October 2025, 0patch will adopt Windows 10 v22H2 and provide critical security fixes for at least another 5 years – even longer if there is market demand.
The service is not free, with a subscription of $25 tax-free/year for full support. This includes security updates for Windows 10 and other Microsoft products, including older versions of the Office suite.
The work is based on a small piece of software that applies the corrections”to processes running in memory” without modifying the Microsoft binaries. So no reboot is needed. 0Patch focuses on critical, easily exploitable vulnerabilities and does not plan to create patches for every vulnerability found.
However, it is possible to provide fixes for security issues that Microsoft has marked as “will not be fixed” and for 0-day vulnerabilities for which no official security update is available.