As Windows 10 approaches its end of support deadline in just five months, Microsoft continues to address lingering bugs while simultaneously preparing users for the transition. With October 14, 2025, firmly established as the cutoff date for Windows 10 support, millions of users worldwide face important decisions about their aging systems.
Windows 10 End-of-Life Timeline
- Official end of support date: October 14, 2025
- Current version: 22H2 (final version of Windows 10)
- Extended Security Updates available for up to 3 years (until October 2028)
The Final Windows 10 Bug Fix
Microsoft has recently resolved a frustrating Start menu bug that had been affecting Windows 10 users since February 2025. The glitch, which broke jump list functionality in the Start menu, prevented users from accessing context-sensitive options when right-clicking on app icons. According to Microsoft's release health dashboard, the problem stemmed from an attempt to backport Microsoft account control experiences from Windows 11 to the Windows 10 Start menu. After recognizing the issue, Microsoft paused the rollout on April 25 and implemented a service-side fix. Users experiencing this problem should ensure their devices are connected to the internet to receive the automatic resolution, which will take effect after the next system reboot.
No Extensions or Reprieves Expected
Despite hopes from some users that Microsoft might extend Windows 10 support or relax Windows 11's hardware requirements, industry experts are confident that no such changes will materialize. The October 14, 2025, end-of-support date is firmly established under Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy, with version 22H2 confirmed as the final Windows 10 release. After this date, Windows 10 will continue to function, but Microsoft will cease providing security updates, non-security updates, and technical support for the operating system—potentially exposing users to significant security risks.
Limited Options for Incompatible Hardware
For users whose hardware doesn't meet Windows 11's requirements, Microsoft has outlined several paths forward. The most straightforward option is purchasing new Windows 11-compatible hardware, though this represents a significant expense and potential e-waste concern. Alternatively, users can subscribe to Windows 365, Microsoft's cloud PC service, which allows remote access to Windows 11 virtual machines while continuing to use existing hardware. To encourage adoption, Microsoft is currently offering a 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new customers, with the promotion strategically running from May 1 to October 31, 2025—perfectly aligned with Windows 10's end-of-life timeline.
Windows 365 Promotion
- 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans
- Available for new customers only
- Promotion period: May 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
- Discount applies for remainder of Enterprise Agreement or first year (whichever is shorter)
Extended Security Updates at a Cost
For those determined to continue using Windows 10 beyond October 2025, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for up to three years. However, these updates come at a price. Educational institutions receive the most favorable terms, with ESUs costing just USD $1 per machine for the first year, USD $2 for the second, and USD $4 for the third. Business customers face substantially higher costs: USD $61 per device for the first year, doubling each subsequent year (USD $122 for year two, USD $244 for year three), totaling USD $427 for the full three-year extension. Consumers have a more limited option—a one-year extension for USD $30, which would provide security updates until October 2026.
Extended Security Update Pricing
- Education: USD $1 (Year 1), USD $2 (Year 2), USD $4 (Year 3)
- Business: USD $61 (Year 1), USD $122 (Year 2), USD $244 (Year 3)
- Consumer: USD $30 (One year only)
Unofficial Upgrade Paths
Despite Microsoft's official stance, technically savvy users have discovered methods to bypass Windows 11's hardware compatibility checks. These workarounds typically involve registry edits and ensuring proper configuration of Secure Boot with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) enabled. Even older PCs with TPM 1.2 chips can often be upgraded successfully. For systems originally designed for Windows 7 or 8.1, third-party tools like Rufus (version 4.6 beta or later) can help circumvent installation challenges. The only absolute limitation appears to be CPUs lacking support for POPCNT and SSE 4.2 instruction sets, which cannot be worked around through software modifications.
Alternative Operating Systems
Some users may consider abandoning Windows entirely in favor of alternative operating systems. Linux distributions offer a free option for those with sufficient technical expertise, while Google's ChromeOS Flex provides another alternative for compatible hardware. However, these options may not be practical for users with significant investments in Windows software or specialized applications that lack cross-platform support.
The Clock Is Ticking
With just five months remaining until Windows 10 reaches its end of support, organizations and individuals must carefully evaluate their options and develop transition plans. Whether upgrading hardware, migrating to Windows 11, subscribing to extended support, or exploring alternative operating systems, the time for action is now. Microsoft has made it abundantly clear that, unlike previous Windows versions that received last-minute extensions, Windows 10's retirement date is firmly established and will not be postponed.