- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 7
Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025
After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Windows 11 offers a modern and efficient experience designed to meet current demands for heightened security.
Upgrade now to Windows 11
If your PC meets the minimum requirements to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free7. If your PC is not able to upgrade to Windows 11 or if you want to replace it, you can move to Windows 11 by purchasing a new PC. Find a new PC here.
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
Windows BackupYou’ve got important stuff on your PC. Windows Backup helps you save your files, settings and apps, and then restore them on your new Windows 11 device.8 |
Available Backup and restore |
Available Backup only |
Smart App ControlSmart App Control provides a layer of security by only permitting apps with good reputations to be installed on your Windows 11 PC.11 |
Available | Not available |
Snap AssistSnap assist makes the most of your screen space by arranging your open windows into perfectly aligned grids.12 |
Available | Available |
Sync your PC and phoneMake and take calls. Reply to texts. Check and dismiss notifications. Use Phone Link13 to do it all from your Windows PC without even taking your phone out of your pocket. Available for Android™14 and iPhone®15 devices only on Windows 11. |
Available Android and iPhone |
Available Android only |
Compare Windows 10 & 11
See new Windows features and get help selecting the best PC for your needs.
It’s a new era for security
Windows 11 helps protect your data at every level, so you stay secure
How to shop for a laptop
Use our simple guide to start shopping for your new laptop.
Save and transfer your stuff
Windows Backup lets you set up things to your liking on your new PC by easily transferring some of your favourite settings, files and apps from your old device.8
Keep what’s important safe
Security updates for Windows 10 devices end on 14 October 2025. To keep what’s important to you safe, we recommend saving copies of your files—or backing them up—to OneDrive; a secure cloud storage service that will help you easily and safely make the move to Windows 11.
Keep your device secure
Extended Security Updates (ESU) will ensure your Windows 10 PC continues to receive important security updates until 13 October 2026.
Windows 10 will reach its end of support on 14 October 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, security fixes or technical assistance to Windows 10 PCs.
After 14 October 2025, PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function, but they’ll no longer receive software and feature updates, security updates and fixes or technical support.
While your Windows 10 PC will continue to function, it’ll no longer receive regular security updates, making the device more vulnerable and susceptible to viruses and malware. Windows 10 PCs may also experience slower performance and functionality across the device and applications.
Support for Windows 10 ends on 14 October 2025. To stay protected:
- If your PC is eligible, upgrade to Windows for free via Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update.
- If your PC isn’t eligible or you’re ready for a new device, consider purchasing a Windows 11 PC. Find a PC that is right for you here.
- If you need more time, a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme is available on eligible Windows 10 PCs.
We recommend you check with your PC manufacturer or a local hardware expert to confirm what options are available to you. See this article for more information.
When you’re ready to purchase a new Windows 11 PC, we encourage you to leverage trade-in and recycling programmes available at many of our Windows ecosystem partners, including OEMs such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and global retailers like Best Buy, Boulanger, Costco, Currys, Elkjøp, Fnac, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, MediaMarkt & SATURN, officeworks, Sharaf DG and Walmart.
If you have an eligible device, you can also take advantage of the Microsoft trade-in programme18 to securely and responsibly recycle19 your PC – and get some extra cash. This resource can help you learn the trade-in value of your used device. You can also return and recycle your device responsibly with our end-of-life management and recycling initiatives.Support for Windows 10 will end on 14 October 2025. After that date, if you're running Microsoft 365 Apps on a Windows 10 device, the applications will continue to function as before. However, we strongly recommend upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues over time.
In the interest of maintaining your security while you upgrade to Windows 11, we’ll continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 for a total of three years after Windows 10 end of support, ending on 10 October 2028.After 14 October 2025, support for non-subscription versions of Office will be affected in two ways:
- Office 2016 & 2019: Support ends across all operating systems.
- Office 2021, Office LTSC 2021: Will continue to run on Windows 10 but will no longer be supported. Support ends October 2026.
- Office 2024, Office LTSC 2024: Will run on Windows 10 but will not be supported.
Windows 11 is the most secure Windows ever built, with comprehensive end-to-end security that covers antivirus, firewall, internet protections, and more. This means more security features, dashboard displays and ongoing updates to help safeguard against future threats – all built-in at no extra cost. To receive updates, internet access is required and service fees may apply. Read more about Windows security.
If you use assistive technologies or legacy peripherals, upgrading to a supported device can significantly enhance your experience. Windows 11 – especially on Copilot+ PCs – offers the most advanced accessibility features ever built into Windows.
Key accessibility improvements on Copilot+ PCs:- Voice Access: Control your PC and dictate text using your voice – navigate apps, browse the web and write emails hands-free with voice commands.20
- Enhanced Narrator: The built-in screen reader now offers more natural voices, better web navigation and improved responsiveness for reading apps and documents.
- Live Captions: Automatically generate captions for any audio content – whether it’s a video, a call or a podcast – making content more accessible in real time.21
Windows 11 Home is the perfect operating system for personal and household use, while Windows 11 Pro offers all the familiar features of Windows 11 Home, plus additional features such as BitLocker, remote desktop and domain join to support professionals. Compare versions of Windows 11.
We have a website designed to help you with the decision-making process for selecting a new PC.
The upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro to the equivalent edition of Windows 11 is free (for example, Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro). Check to see if this is an option for you by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC meets the minimum system requirements and is able to upgrade, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Learn more.
For S mode users, the upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 Home edition in S mode and Windows 10 Pro edition in S mode is free. If your PC meets the minimum system specifications, the Windows 10 Home edition in S mode can upgrade to the Windows 11 Home edition in S mode. If your Windows 10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro edition is not available in S mode. Learn more about S mode here.Microsoft announced last October, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) consumer programme, which gives the option for eligible Windows 10 PCs enrolled in the programme to receive security updates. The programme gives customers more time before moving to a Copilot+ PC or other Windows 11 device.
For additional information on Consumer ESU programmes, please visit the ESU support page.
For additional information on Commercial ESU programmes, please visit the Microsoft Learn page.
ESU includes critical and important security updates only. It does not include new features, customer-requested non-security updates or design change requests. ESU does not include technical support for Windows 10, except for assistance with ESU licence activation and installation of ESU updates. No other technical support is available.
Any individual using a Windows 10 device on version 22H2 for personal use is eligible. This includes devices that aren’t managed by an organisation or enrolled in enterprise licensing programmes.
Enrolment will be available on Windows 10 devices running 22H2 through a built-in tool available in Settings for eligible devices.
Windows 10 devices enrolled in the ESU programme will continue to receive critical and important security updates until 13 October 2026.
Windows 10 ESU is valued at $30 USD per device and can be purchased directly through the Microsoft Store using the built-in tool available in Settings on eligible Windows 10 devices. To help customers stay protected or move to a new device, ESU includes multiple enrolment paths – some at no additional cost:
- Back up your PC’s settings and apps to help you move more easily to a new Windows 11 device.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Pay $30 USD.
Windows 10 PCs will continue to function. However, from 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide the following for Windows 10 devices:
- Technical support
- Feature updates or new features
- Quality updates (including security and reliability fixes)
While antivirus software – like Microsoft Defender or third-party tools – can help, it’s not enough on its own. Without regular security updates from Microsoft, the operating system remains exposed to new threats. Think of antivirus as a lock on a door, but without ongoing security updates, the doorframe itself may be weak.
No. Enrolment before 14 October 2025 is not mandatory – but it’s highly recommended.
Enrolling by that date ensures customers receive the full benefit of the Windows 10 ESU coverage. Waiting until later won’t extend the coverage window, so enrolling early gives you the most value.You can enrol after the end-of-support date, but the coverage period will not be extended. For example, if you enrol in January 2026, you’ll only receive updates until 13 October 2026. Enrolling early ensures you get the full benefit of the programme.
Looking for more?
Get help with your transition to Windows 11, and make the most of your Windows experience.
Tips & tricks for Windows 11
Use our simple guide to make the most of Windows 11. From accessibility to personalisation, shortcuts and security, find the information you need.
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- Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
- 1 Windows 11 satisfaction claims are based on the U.S. Microsoft Customer Usage & Satisfaction Program Survey, February 2022.
- 2 Windows Hello requires specialised hardware including a Windows Hello capable device, fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.
- 3 Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors.
- 4 Based on average time comparison between typing a password respectively detecting a face or fingerprint to authentication success.
- 5 Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
- 6 Internet access required, fees may apply. Requires Microsoft account.
- 7 Windows 11 upgrade is available for eligible PCs that meet minimum device specifications. Upgrade timing may vary by device. Internet service fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows 11 specifications).
- 8 Windows can back up most files, settings and apps from PCs running Windows 10 and higher. Restore is available on Windows 11, version 22H2 and higher. Geographic restrictions may apply. Requires Microsoft account. Up to 5 GB of Microsoft Storage is included. Data transfers exceeding 5GB require an active Microsoft subscription or trial. When you open apps for the first time on your new Windows 11 PC, some will reinstall when you first open them. Other apps may require you to reinstall them manually from the original app provider. Learn more about Windows Backup.
- 11 Smart App Control: Available on Windows 11, version 22H2 and higher. In order to keep you as safe as possible, you must start with a fresh system. PCs that have been running previous versions of Windows must do a full reset of the Windows 11 operating system for the feature to work. Available in North America and Europe only. Available on all Windows 11 PCs and all Copilot+ PCs.
- 12 Some layouts only available based on display resolution and scale settings.
- 13 Bluetooth connection to PC required.
- 14 Available on supported Android devices. See full compatible devices list here: Connect on a new level with Link to Windows on your Surface Duo or Samsung or HONOR or OPPO device.
- 15 iPhone® only (no iPad® OS support). To experience the full functionality, mobile phones must be running iOS 14 or later with Windows 10 or 11 on the PC. Messaging feature is limited by iOS. Image/video sharing and group messaging is not supported. Messages are session based and will only come through when phone is connected to PC. Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
- 18 Available in select countries for Surface devices only and for other brands in the District of Columbia and New York State. See site for details.
- 19 Available through the Microsoft Store online in the United States. See site for details.
- 20 Voice Access with flexible commands available now on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon® X Series processors. Supports multiple languages; some features only available in English. See What’s new in Voice Access.
- 21 Live Captions Translation for video and audio subtitles into English from 40+ languages and from 27 languages into Chinese (Simplified). See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
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