Is Windows 10 shutting down? Everything to know as Microsoft officially ends free support and how to upgrade to Windows 11

The era of the Windows 10 operating system came to an end on October 14, 2025, as Microsoft ended its standard free support for its decade-old operating system. This OS was used by millions of devices all over the world

First released in 2015 as a replacement for Windows 8.1, Windows became Microsoft’s most widely used operating system for nearly a decade. Additionally, although Windows 11 came out in 2021, statistical figures suggested that four out of ten users worldwide still used the previous OS (as per Statcounter)

As per the official Microsoft blog post dated December 11, 2024, Microsoft announced that the Windows 10 system itself wasn’t “shutting down.” However, it would no longer receive free "security and feature updates" or technical assistance.

Additionally, these security updates typically addressed vulnerabilities. So if Windows users did nothing, they would become particularly vulnerable to hacker-related issues, etc.

The Microsoft post further stated that as "technology" evolved, "phasing out older operating systems and upgrading to newer versions" was a natural part of their "lifecycle." It helped the company ensure that users had the "latest security features and innovations.”

The post also detailed that Windows 11 was built upon the "strengths and familiarity" of the previous Windows. Therefore, it offered a "modern", "secure", and "highly efficient computing experience."

To reduce the risk of threats, Windows 10 users need to upgrade to Windows 11. It can be done directly via Windows Update. Alternatively, users can also use Windows 11 Installation Assistant or use Microsoft's Media Creation Tool.

What else do we need to know before upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 (Image via Getty Images)

Before upgrading, Windows 10 users need to first check whether their computers meet the system requirements for Windows 11.

PCs purchased in the last four years old can usually run the new operating system. The minimum specifications for Windows 11 are 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The computers also need a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0), which stores credentials in a secure chip, similar to all modern smartphones.

To verify compatibility, Microsoft also recommended users download the PC Health Check app from its official Windows support page. This tool can scan the device and confirm whether the device will be able to support key Windows 11 features like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, etc.

According to the aforementioned Microsoft article, Windows 11 is “the most secure version of Windows.” However, if a user chose not to upgrade, they could opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU).

Extended Security Updates (ESU) would allow users one additional year of critical security patches. However, Enrollment into ESU is not automatic, and users would have to register through the Updates and Security section in Settings.

Even with the ESU, after October 13, 2026, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive any security updates.

For users whose PCs don’t meet Windows 11’s requirements, the last resort would be to get a new device with Windows 11 pre-installed to ensure continued support and protection.

Edited by Shayari Roy