When does Windows 10 end of support hit?
Last reviewed by the MSLicenseHub Licensing Desk.
Support for mainstream Windows 10 editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education, version 22H2) ended on 14 October 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer ships security updates for free.
Three paths remain. Upgrade to Windows 11 on hardware that meets the TPM 2.0 / Secure Boot / supported CPU requirements — the upgrade is free for existing Windows 10 Pro and Home licenses. Hardware refresh for devices that don't meet the bar. Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations that need more time — organizations can buy up to three additional years of paid security patches (through October 2028); the one-year consumer ESU programme ended on 13 October 2026.
Apply this to your deployment
- Device
- Edition
- Activation
Match Home, Pro or Enterprise to the required management features. Check Windows 11 hardware eligibility and the exact release support date; a working activation does not prove entitlement.
Decision checklist
| Check | What to record |
|---|---|
| Product and version | Record the full name, edition, version and part number in the quote. |
| Scope of use | Identify the user, device or deployment; count only the metric applicable to this product. |
| Evidence and support | Retain the agreement, invoice and support lifecycle date; perpetual licensing does not mean perpetual support. |
Official Microsoft terms and licensing guidance · Product support lifecycle
Practical checklist
- Windows 10 Home and Pro (22H2) reached end of support on 14 October 2025.
- Organisations can buy Extended Security Updates (ESU) for up to three years, until October 2028, priced per device and rising each year.
- The one-year consumer ESU option ended on 13 October 2026; commercial ESU can run to October 2028.
- Windows 10 LTSC editions have their own, longer lifecycle dates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the computer stops working after end of support — it runs, but without security fixes.
- Ignoring hardware readiness for Windows 11 (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU).
- Delaying ESU enrolment and losing patches.
Official source: Microsoft documentation. Licensing terms change; confirm against the current Product Terms before buying.
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