End of Windows 10 Support: How to Extend Your Security Updates?

The countdown has begun. Released in July 2015, Windows 10 will stop getting updates from October 14, 2025. Practically speaking, computers running this operating system will still function beyond this date, but they will no longer receive security patches, functional updates, or technical support. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of still-operational machines could potentially become easy targets for cybercriminals—a situation Microsoft is well aware of.

54% of PCs in France Still Running on Windows 10

For several months now, the American company has been urging users to upgrade to Windows 11—the latest operating system version launched in 2021 for free—to continue receiving security patches and functional upgrades. However, the shift has been slow: as of September 2025, over 54% of PCs in France are still operating on Windows 10, down from 64% in August 2024, according to StatCounter.

Is this due to a lack of communication? Probably. Although it must be acknowledged that the company has made numerous reminders, including in June and July. The real hindrance, however, is hardware-related: many computers do not meet the minimum requirements of Windows 11, which demands, among other things, a 64-bit processor with 1 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, or 64 GB of storage space. To check compatibility, Microsoft offers a free tool, PC Health Check, which indicates whether or not a device meets the necessary prerequisites.

How Can You Continue Receiving Windows 10 Security Updates After October 14, 2025?

For those who do not have a recent machine, there is a straightforward solution as outlined by Microsoft on a dedicated page: replace your PC “with a device that supports Windows 11”. It’s a drastic and costly but effective measure.

For French users, however, there is another option: after much deliberation, Microsoft has ultimately granted a one-year extension to individuals in the European Economic Area (EEA) at no additional cost. “Starting in early October, customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) will begin to see notifications on their Windows 10 PCs offering them the opportunity to register” for the update extension program, the company informed AFP on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Users simply need to be logged into their Microsoft account to opt-in.

Initially, Microsoft considered another route—a paid one—to extend the life of Windows 10 without exposing it to vulnerabilities: registering for the ESU (Extended Security Updates) program. Aimed at businesses, where transitioning can be more complicated, this program was priced at $30 for individuals, approximately 25 euros, allowing access to security updates for an additional year, until October 13, 2026.

The scheme remains active for organizations, but at a higher price: $61 (about 51 euros) per device, renewable for three years with a price increase each year. “This is not a long-term solution,” Microsoft clarifies. [The ESU] does not include new features, updates unrelated to security, design modification requests, or technical support”.