check before: 2025-10-14
Product:
Defender, Defender XDR, Windows
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft ends Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, stopping security updates and technical support. Microsoft Defender will still offer limited protection. To stay secure, upgrade to Windows 11 or use the Extended Security Update (ESU) program if upgrading isn’t immediately possible. Review compliance needs accordingly.
Details:
As of 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 their vulnerability to cyber threats.
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 important actions you can take.
Actions you can take:
Upgrade to Windows 11: 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 ESU for Windows 10. ESU provides critical and important security updates but does not include new features or technical support.
For further guidance, connect with your Microsoft account team or check out these resources:
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
[Compliance considerations:]
Review compliance considerations as appropriate for your organization.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-10-15
updated:
2025-10-15
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Increased Vulnerability to Cyber Threats
Without security updates, Windows 10 devices will be more susceptible to malware and cyber attacks, leading to potential data breaches.
- roles: IT Security Manager, System Administrator
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/end-of-support?icid=SSM_Search_Windows10Endofsupport_Surface_CTA2&r=1
Limited Security Features
Microsoft Defender will not be able to provide the latest security features on Windows 10, reducing overall protection effectiveness.
- roles: IT Security Manager, End User
- references: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/10/31/how-to-prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-support-by-moving-to-windows-11-today/
Compliance Risks
Organizations may face compliance issues if they continue using unsupported Windows 10 devices, as they may not meet regulatory security standards.
- roles: Compliance Officer, IT Manager
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/end-of-support?icid=SSM_Search_Windows10Endofsupport_Surface_CTA2&r=1
Increased IT Support Burden
The IT department may experience a higher volume of support requests due to issues arising from unsupported systems, impacting overall efficiency.
- roles: Help Desk Technician, System Administrator
- references: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/10/31/how-to-prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-support-by-moving-to-windows-11-today/
User Experience Degradation
Users may experience performance issues and lack of new features, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End User, IT Support Staff
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/end-of-support?icid=SSM_Search_Windows10Endofsupport_Surface_CTA2&r=1
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 months ago ago
