December 11, 2024

A complete guide to Windows 10 end of support

We’ve got important news for your Windows 10 devices. Starting October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security and feature updates and technical support. Windows 11 builds upon the strengths and familiarity of Windows, offering you a modern, secure and highly efficient computing experience that meets the current demands for heightened security by default and by design. Moving to Windows 11 is easier than ever. New Windows 11 PCs offer stronger security, better performance¹, and greater productivity—for work, school, and play. Plus, get even more out of Windows 11 with a Copilot+ PCs—the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever that unlock unique AI-powered experiences.

What does this mean for you?

As technology evolves, phasing out older operating systems and upgrading to newer versions is a natural part of the lifecycle—one that helps ensure you have the latest security features and innovations. With Windows 10 support coming to an end on October 14, 2025,, we’re here to provide information and resources to help you choose the path that works best for you to upgrade to Windows 11. Use this checklist to ensure you have what you need before the upgrade:

Update by software download: If your device meets the minimum system requirements, you can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Check here for a more detailed list of system requirements.
Move to Windows 11 through the cloud with Windows 365: For organizations that need another way to move to Windows 11 without replacing every device right away, Windows 365 has you covered. It’s a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative, while still providing enhanced security and operational efficiency. This cloud-based solution delivers a secure Windows 11 experience to any device through a Cloud PC, so your team can work from almost anywhere.
Buy a new device: If your current device doesn't meet the minimum system requirements, consider purchasing a new device pre-installed with Windows 11, such as a Copilot+ PC. Not sure which device is right for you? Take this quiz to get personalized recommendations for your next PC.
Enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program: We understand that additional time may be helpful for individuals and organizations alike before moving to a Windows 11 PC or Copilot+ PC. During this period, you can take steps to help secure your existing PC. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available to keep your Windows 10 PC protected during the transition. Enrolled PCs will continue to receive Critical and Important security updates for Windows 10; however, new features, bug fixes and technical support will no longer be available on your device from Microsoft.

Enjoy the benefits of Windows 11

Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows ever. And more choice in the PC ecosystem means there's a PC made for each of us. Each device offers a personalized experience, whether it’s enhanced multitasking features or AI-powered experiences, all with the peace of mind of next generation security. A new PC with Windows 11 can significantly enhance speed and experience. Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs.^*

In addition to security features you enjoyed on Windows 10, Windows 11 offers a growing list of next-gen security features enabled by default so you can use your device with greater peace of mind. With Windows 11, you can look forward to features such as passkeys¹⁰ integrated with Windows Hello for more secure sign-in management, Smart App Control¹², which only allows apps with good reputations to be installed on your Windows PC, and more¹¹.

Windows 11 Copilot+ PC sitting on a table next to a cup of coffee

Key Windows 11 features

Windows 11 has more to love. Not only is it easy to make the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11, but you can also enjoy elevated performance, enhanced security, and save on battery life² and energy.

Easy onboarding: Moving to Windows 11 is easy

Windows 11 offers a more modern, streamlined UI while keeping the familiar layout and functionality of Windows 10. The Start menu and taskbar have been refreshed for a cleaner look, with the overall navigation and usability remaining intuitive and user-friendly, like Windows 10. Several features make the transition from Windows 10 to 11 easier include:

OneDrive: OneDrive is available on both Windows 11 and 10, providing your photos, docs, and other files a second life in the event your PC is stolen, for example.
Quick assist: Quick Assist on Windows 11 lets you share your screen with someone you trust.³ They can see what you see, troubleshoot, and fix it themselves if you allow control.
Photos: The Photos app helps you organize and edit your pictures. However, only on Windows 11 do you receive the latest features that make reliving those moments more fun.
Clipchamp: With dynamic templates^4,5 and dazzling effects, Clipchamp makes it easy for anyone to edit videos like a pro. It comes built into Windows 11.

Performance: The speed you need

Windows 11 delivers high performance with quick wake times, faster web browsing, and streamlined navigation. Copilot+ PCs offer more power and efficiency, enabling AI-powered productivity and creativity tasks. Additionally, you can enjoy these performance features in Windows 11:

Battery life: Whether you're on your PC at a coffee shop or poolside with friends, you have powerful performance that gets the job done with battery life that lasts.²
Storage: Access and transfer data at lightning-fast speeds with solid-state drives (SSDs). On average, computers with SSDs weigh less than five pounds. And because SSDs consume less power, you get longer battery life.²
Better multitasking: Features like Snap Layouts and Multiple desktops help you stay organized and productive.
Built-in accessibility features: Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed and most accessible version of Windows yet. Windows 11 includes a host of accessibility improvements designed for and with people with disabilities.
Copilot, your AI companion: With Copilot on Windows, you can get straightforward answers, learn, grow and gain confidence. Easily accessible right from the Windows taskbar or the Copilot key on new Windows 11 PCs.
Touch: Windows is versatile and adaptable, transforming to fit your needs. Use touch⁶, digital pen⁸ ⁹, and voice⁷ to work the way you want. Windows 11 now recognizes more touch gestures.⁶ In addition to your standard swipe, pinch, and scroll, you can swipe in from the edge of your screen to open useful tools like notifications, widgets, and the taskbar.
Thin, light models: With a more portable Windows 11 PC, go wherever adventure takes you. Choose from a variety of devices that best fit your lifestyle. Newer computer models with solid-state drives often weigh less than five pounds– which make them perfectly lightweight.

Security: We got you covered

Windows 11 is secure by design and default featuring advanced security features like TPM 2.0, virtualization-based security and the vulnerable driver block list enabled by default, as well as Smart App Control¹². In addition, Windows 11 PCs are more secure than Windows 10 devices, with a reported 62% drop in security incidents and 3x reported reduction in firmware attacks.¹⁰

Here’s how Windows 11 keeps you secure, wherever you go:

Identity: Windows Hello is a faster, more personal, more secure way to get instant access to your Windows devices using only your facial recognition, fingerprint, or a PIN number.¹¹
Passkey: With passkeys, you can use Windows Hello  to sign in with a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint,¹¹ making signing into web sites and applications faster and more convenient than ever before.¹³
Smart App Control: Smart App Control adds significant protection from new and emerging threats by blocking apps that are malicious or untrusted.^¹²It works alongside your other security software, such as Microsoft Defender or non-Microsoft antivirus tools, for added protection.
Microsoft Account: From your PC to the cloud, online or on the go, your Microsoft account helps protect your identity and data. You can also create a family group and set parental controls for free with Microsoft Family Safety.

Save energy: Windows and energy efficiency

Designed with energy efficiency in mind: Featuring power-efficient settings and carbon-aware Windows Updates,¹⁴ Windows 11 can help you reduce your device’s energy consumption.

Windows 11 Home vs Windows 11 Pro

Once you upgrade to Windows 11, you may want to consider whether you want to install your device with Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro. While both versions have much in common, such as robust firewall protection and Windows Hello, they also have their differences.

For most users, Windows 11 Home has everything that you might need for everyday use, school, and gaming. This version of Windows 11 comes equipped with a sleek and user-friendly interface, app compatibility, and improved security, so you can enjoy watching your favorite shows and playing the latest games, all while keeping your data protected.

If you are an IT professional looking for a system to manage multiple PCs in a business environment, Windows 11 Pro has everything you might need. Not only does it come equipped with enhanced security features, such as BitLocker encryption and Windows Information Protection, it also offers management features, such as Group Policy Management and Remote Desktop, making it a powerful and versatile operating system for your business. And if your business needs more time, there is an Extended Security Updates Program for you as well.

More is possible

With its faster performance, improved security, sustainability features, and easy onboarding, Windows 11 improves upon Windows 10 and is designed to meet your needs for work, gaming, or casual surfing. Whether you're looking for a better way to enjoy gaming or a more secure system for your business, Windows 11 caters to all these needs and more. Upgrade to Windows 11 and see for yourself that more is possible.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
[1] Compared to Windows 10.
[2] Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage, and other factors.
[3] Requires Microsoft account and Internet connectivity in order to help. No roles, permissions, policies, or domains necessary.
[4] Microsoft Clipchamp subscription sold separately (premium filters & effects, premium stock content, brand kit, advanced AI features - highlights, retake and filler word removal, premium output (4k)).
[5] Available in English only.
[6] Requires a PC with touchscreen capability.
[7] Hardware dependent. Requires Windows PC with microphone capability.
[8] Pen-capable tablet or PC required. Pen accessories may be sold separately.
[9] Some third-party apps may not be compatible with handwriting to text conversion.
[10] Windows 11 Survey Report. Techaisle LLC, September 2024. Commissioned by Microsoft.
[11] Hardware dependent.
[12] Only available on the latest version of Windows 11. In order to keep you as safe as possible, you must start with a fresh system. PCs that have been running previous versions of Windows must do a full reset of the Windows 11 operating system for the feature to work. Available in US and WE only.
[13] Website and app owners will have to create a passkey for their site or app for Windows users to leverage.
[14] When devices are plugged in, turned on, connected to the internet and regional carbon intensity data is available, Windows Update will schedule installations at specific times of the day. Installing updates at these specific times might result in lower-carbon emissions because a higher proportion of electricity is coming from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid.