Microsoft is approaching the October 14 deadline for ending free support and upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11, affecting around 400 million Windows 10 users. After this date, PCs that are eligible but remain on Windows 10 may be forcibly upgraded to Windows 11.
Earlier moves, such as the automatic installation of the new Outlook client and Windows 11 24H2 updates on managed Home and Pro devices, indicate Microsoft’s growing push to transition users. Additionally, the KB5001716 patch introduced last year warns that feature updates may install automatically as support ends.
Windows 10 support officially ends on October 14, with a paid one-year extension available for $30. Users with PCs incapable of running Windows 11—estimated at 240 million or more—will not be able to upgrade for free and must either purchase the extension or face exposure to security risks.
This deadline coincides with a notable surge in Windows 11 adoption. Recent data shows Windows 11 reaching parity with Windows 10 in global market share at 47.65% each, marking a significant shift after closing a 10% gap in just three weeks.
Meanwhile, PC shipments have increased notably, with European distributors reporting a 22% rise in desktop sales to enterprise customers during April and May, boosting revenue by 17% year-on-year.
In a response to user concerns, Microsoft introduced a nearly free extension program allowing Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade immediately to continue receiving critical security updates for 12 months post-October 14, 2025. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s consumer CMO, outlined enrollment options including:
- Using Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud at no cost
- Redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for free enrollment
- Paying $30 USD (local pricing may vary) for the extension
The enrollment process will be accessible via notifications and settings on Windows 10 devices. However, users should note that Windows Backup relies on OneDrive’s free 5GB storage, which may require a purchase for users with extensive local files.
This extension program suggests a softening of the previously firm October 14 cutoff, providing users more time to transition while encouraging adoption of newer hardware and Windows 11.