As of today, October 14, 2025, Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10. This means that Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security or feature updates, nor technical support from Microsoft. While these devices will continue to operate, the lack of regular security updates increases vulnerability to cyber threats, including malware and viruses. Applications running on Windows 10 may also lose support as the platform stops receiving updates.
Will Defender continue to protect Windows 10 devices?
- Defender supports a range of legacy systems, including Windows 10. (See here for a full list of supported operating systems.) Microsoft Defender will continue to provide detection and protection capabilities to the extent possible on Windows 10 and other legacy systems. Keep in mind that security solutions on legacy systems are inherently less secure and may not be able to receive all new features, so please review the next section for important actions you can take.
- For Windows 10 customers without Defender, Microsoft will continue to provide security intelligence updates for the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus protection through October 2028. Of course, Defender Antivirus alone isn't a comprehensive risk mitigation posture without Microsoft Defender detection and response deployed across your digital estate.
What should customers do to protect their Windows 10 devices?
- Upgrade to Windows 11:
Moving to Windows 11 is strongly recommended for PCs eligible to upgrade. Windows 11 delivers the latest security features, improved performance, and ongoing support at no additional cost. This is the best way to ensure your endpoints remain protected and compliant. Devices running Windows 10 will be more vulnerable, even with ongoing security intelligence updates (SIUs). - Extended security update (ESU) program:
If upgrading isn’t immediately possible, Microsoft offers an ESU program for Windows 10. The ESU program provides critical and important security updates but does not include new Windows features or technical support.- Enterprise customers can purchase ESU for up to three years or receive it at no additional cost with a Windows 365 subscription.
- Cloud and virtual environments: Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs via Windows 365 or Virtual Machines are entitled to ESU at no extra cost, with automatic updates.
- Consumer customers have options to enroll for one year of ESU, including free enrollment methods in certain regions.
For further guidance, check out the posts below or connect with your Microsoft account team.
- End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7 | Microsoft Windows
- How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today | Windows Experience Blog
- Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 | Microsoft Learn
To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.
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