With the clock ticking, Windows 10 is entering the final stretch of its support and facing a transition that will affect millions of home and business computers. It's not a complete shutdown: computers will continue to function, but the risk will increase due to the lack of regular security patches.
For those who haven't yet made the switch, Microsoft has put on the table options that allow them to buy time with security updates for an additional period, while the adoption of Windows 11 continues, at uneven rates, in the world and in Europe.
What changes when support ends
The end of support doesn't lock your PC, but it does mean that Windows 10 will stop receiving security patches and bug fixes. Over time, unresolved vulnerabilities accumulate, increasing your exposure to malware and exploits.
Furthermore, a gradual decline in compatibility with newer versions of apps, drivers, and services is expected . Browsers and cloud platforms may have limited functionality, and in regulated environments, using unsupported software could have compliance impacts.
Experience shows that unpatched systems become prime targets for attackers . Cases like WannaCry or critical vulnerabilities exploited after patches were released serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping software up to date.
What real options do you have now?
With the cycle coming to an end, the range of options is clear, and it's advisable to make a sensible decision to minimize risks and costs in the short and medium term.
- Upgrade to Windows 11: If your computer meets the requirements (including TPM 2.0 and compatible CPUs), the transition is free and ensures new features and patches.
- Extending life with ESU: Microsoft allows you to add an additional year of updates security for Windows 10, intended as a temporary margin.
- Continue with Windows 10 or change the system: staying involves taking risks and planning mitigations; alternatives like Linux may be valid on non-compatible equipment.
On home computers, some users are already seeing a button in Windows Update to activate the extra year . The rollout is gradual and offers three options: a one-time payment of approximately $30, redeeming 1.000 Microsoft Rewards points , or backing up your settings to OneDrive. This plan covers only security patches and bug fixes and expires on October 13, 2026.
In the professional sphere, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is contracted per device per year. For organizations using LTSC versions, the cycles are longer and can remain within extended support at no additional cost depending on the edition, which is useful for large deployments that need more time to migrate.
If your PC doesn't meet the requirements, there are unofficial methods to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but they come with limitations and risks (including becoming unsupported), so it's worth carefully considering whether it's worth it compared to upgrading your equipment or exploring alternatives.
The pace of migration, costs and the market picture
Public metrics indicate that Windows 11 accounts for roughly half of all installed systems after almost four years, but its growth is slower than that of Windows 10 at the same age. Meanwhile, Windows 10 maintains a massive user base and, in some recent surveys, has even regained market share.
The slowdown has an explanation: the hardware barrier (TPM 2.0 and supported CPUs) excludes millions of devices that ran perfectly well with Windows 10, delaying the transition. There are also regional differences: in Europe the shift is progressing more slowly, and in Spain Windows 10 still holds around 54% of the market share , with Windows 11 at approximately 42,6%.
For businesses, maintaining Windows 10 with Enterprise Service Units (ESU) is not free. Industry estimates calculate that, with approximately 121 million active PCs in organizations reaching the end of support and a reference cost of $61 per device, the global bill could exceed $7.300 billion in the first year. These are approximate figures, but they illustrate the scale of the impact.
Beyond budget, operational risk is a significant factor: unpatched systems have been the entry point for massive incidents when patches existed but weren't applied. Planning ahead avoids last-minute rushes and reduces the attack surface.
For those who choose to push Windows 10 to its limits, combining the extra year of ESU with good practices (backups, updated browser, less exposure to the Internet, and essential software up to date) can serve as a bridge, but it is a transition strategy, not a final destination.
The situation presents a clear decision for each user: if your computer is compatible, upgrade to Windows 11 ; if it isn't, consider the Extended Support Unit (ESU) to buy yourself some time or explore other options, especially for computers that are still useful for everyday tasks. The important thing is not to remain inactive when support ends.
