Author/Source: Ed Bott / ZDNET See the full link here
Takeaway
This article explains that Windows 10 will no longer get free security updates after October 2025. You will learn how to continue getting free updates until October 2026 by upgrading your computer to Windows 11, instead of paying for a special update program.
Technical Subject Understandability
Beginner
Analogy/Comparison
Keeping your Windows 10 computer updated by switching to Windows 11 is like getting a free maintenance service for your car by trading it in for a newer model, instead of paying extra to keep the old one running safely.
Why It Matters
After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will stop getting free security updates, which means your computer could be vulnerable to viruses and hackers. Upgrading to Windows 11 is a free way to stay secure, avoiding the $61 first-year cost of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10.
Related Terms
Extended Security Updates (ESU), End of life (EOL). Jargon Conversion: Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a program that lets you pay Microsoft to keep getting security updates for Windows 10 after free support ends. End of life (EOL) is the date when Microsoft stops giving out free updates and help for a product.


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