Windows 10 End of Life: Microsoft Stops Support and Updates, What's the Impact?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Microsoft has officially announced the end of support for the Windows 10 operating system, version 22H2, for October 14, 2025.

This decision has significant implications for the security and functionality of devices still running Windows 10.

After that date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive monthly security updates, non-security updates, or paid support assistance from Microsoft.

Therefore, it is crucial for both individual users and organizations to understand what this Windows 10 end-of-life means and immediately plan mitigation steps.

Various options are available, from upgrading to Windows 11 to paid security update programs.

End of support (EOS) for Windows 10 is the moment when Microsoft officially stops providing updates and technical support.

This includes security updates, non-security updates, and paid support options for that version of the operating system.

The official end-of-life date for Windows 10 version 22H2, the final version of the operating system, is October 14, 2025.

After that date, all editions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations, will no longer receive support from Microsoft.

This end of support means that devices still running Windows 10 will operate without the latest protections against cyberthreats.

It also means no new bug fixes or feature enhancements will be released, potentially impacting system stability and compatibility in the future.

The most immediate impact of Windows 10 end of life is increased security risks.

Without monthly security updates, the operating system becomes an easy target for attackers exploiting new vulnerabilities.

This can lead to malware infections, personal data theft, ransomware attacks, and even unauthorized system access.

Furthermore, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive non-security updates or bug fixes.

Issues or bugs that arise after October 14, 2025, will not be fixed by Microsoft, resulting in decreased system stability and compatibility issues with the latest software or hardware.

Users will also lose access to official Microsoft technical support.

If technical issues occured, they will have to rely on community forums or third-party solutions, which may not always be effective or safe.

Compatibility issues with new applications and hardware will also arise, as developers tend to focus on supported operating systems.

For businesses and organizations, using unsupported Windows 10 can pose a regulatory compliance risk.

Microsoft strongly recommends users migrate their devices to Windows 11.

This upgrade is free for devices that meet the minimum system requirements, offering a long-term solution with the latest security and feature updates, and improved compatibility with modern ecosystems.

For organizations or individuals unable to immediately transition to Windows 11, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available.

The ESU program provides critical and critical security updates for up to three years after the EOS date, but it is a paid service.

ESU program details include:

• Who's it for: Intended for organizations and also available for home users who cannot migrate to Windows 11.
• Paid: ESU is a paid service that provides security updates for up to three years after the EOS date.
• Annual Subscription Model:
  • Year 1: Begins October 14, 2025, ends October 14, 2026.
  • Year 2: Begins October 14, 2026, ends October 14, 2027.
  • Year 3: Begins October 14, 2027, ends October 14, 2028.
• Price: ESU prices increase annually. The first year is approximately $61 per device, the second year is $122, and the third year is $244.
• Not a Long-Term Solution: ESU only provides security updates, not feature updates or non-security fixes. It's only a temporary solution.

If a device isn't compatible with Windows 11 and the ESU option isn't desired, replacing the device with a new one that already has Windows 11 installed or is compatible for the upgrade is the best option.