Microsoft officially ceased security support for Windows 10 Home and Pro editions on October 14, 2025, concluding a decade of updates for the operating system. This decision impacts hundreds of millions of users globally.

Story Highlights

• Windows 10 security support ended on October 14, 2025, potentially exposing users to new vulnerabilities.
• Microsoft is encouraging hardware upgrades or paid security subscriptions for continued protection.
• Small businesses and families may face increased costs for system upgrades or ongoing security services.
• The move has also raised discussions about artificial obsolescence and electronic waste.

Microsoft released a final security patch on October 14, 2025, before permanently discontinuing vulnerability protection for Windows 10 Home and Pro editions. This change presents users with options that include purchasing new hardware, subscribing to ongoing security services, or continuing to operate systems without official security updates.

Windows 10 has reached the end of its support. pic.twitter.com/3D2LPpiAmw

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 14, 2025

The timing of this transition aligns with Microsoft’s efforts to promote Windows 11 adoption. The company has implemented hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0 chips and newer processors, which many existing computers do not meet.

Without monthly security patches, newly identified vulnerabilities in Windows 10 will remain unaddressed. This situation could make unsupported systems targets for malware, ransomware, and data breaches. Individuals and families who store personal data, documents, and financial records on these systems face potential risks of data loss.

Small businesses may experience a disproportionate impact due to potential hardware replacement costs, which could be substantial per workstation. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update program, which provides continued protection through ongoing subscription payments.

The hardware requirements for Windows 11 have also led to discussions about artificial obsolescence, as millions of functional computers may no longer receive official support. This practice contributes to electronic waste, as older hardware configurations are no longer supported by the software.

Watch the report: Why the end of support for Windows 10 is uniquely troubling

Sources:

Windows 10 Home and Pro Lifecycle
Windows 10 Support Ends on October 14, 2025
Extended Security Updates
Windows 10 Support Ends FAQ