Support for W10 ends on October 14, 2025.

[MindReader]

Hello everyone;

I'd like to hear from you about the discontinuation of support for Windows 10 and Office 2016 on October 14, 2025, and the unavailability of updates.

It's said that the extension period can be extended for a fee, but I don't prefer that.
My current desktop computer (W10 22H2) is not compatible with Windows 11, and I don't want to spend money on upgrading its hardware.

By the way, I want to mention this.
When I bought the computer I mentioned in 2017, Microsoft announced, "This will be the last Windows; there will be no versions like Windows 11 or Windows 12; updates will be made through Windows 10." But they didn't keep their word.

Anyway, I gave one of the AIs information about my computer and Office program and asked what would happen after October 14, 2025, and what the risks were.

He said that even my emails and bank passwords could be compromised.

He also warned me that if I format my computer after that date, Office documents like Word and Excel might become "Read-Only" during the activation of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2016.

I'm planning to format my current desktop computer before October 14, 2025, perform a clean installation, and use it "isolated," completely disconnecting from the internet. I'll also use a new laptop to meet my internet needs.

I see that there are people on this forum using W7 and W8.1, which were discontinued years ago.
That's why I'm starting to wonder if the information provided by the AI ​​is exaggerated.

I would appreciate any information and advice you could offer.

Thank you in advance.

[phred]

You can extend support for free for one additional year. There was a link on the Settings > Update & Security window when I last did an update. I extended four PCs (one by one) for the additional year.

Never put 100% faith in what you get from an AI Chatbot. Yes, after the end of support your PC might get compromised as you're not getting any more security updates. As for your Office files, if they're on your PC (and not in the cloud) I don't think they'll become Read Only. To be safe, make backups -before- you reinstall Windows and Office and the rest of your PC.

[admin]

When I bought the computer I mentioned in 2017, Microsoft announced, "This will be the last Windows; there will be no versions like Windows 11 or Windows 12; updates will be made through Windows 10." But they didn't keep their word.

Under the hood, it's still Windows 10. The "11" is just a marketing label (or cover) for the endless Windows 10 bug fixes.

[WirlyWirly]

I'm still on 10 myself, might look into the upgrade this weekend. Hoping there's no breaking compatabilities with any of the software I use

[phred]

Under the hood, it's still Windows 10. The "11" is just a marketing label (or cover) for the endless Windows 10 bug fixes.

Have there been endless Windows 11 bug fixes?

Windows Update says three of my four PCs do not have the hardware to support W11. I'm not getting new PCs just to run 11. My PCs are all running fine and as you said, W11 is just window dressing for 10 (no pun intended.)

[noembryo]

My current desktop computer (W10 22H2) is not compatible with Windows 11, and I don't want to spend money on upgrading its hardware.

The hardware restrictions are a bit fishy IMO.
Have you heard about Windows 11 IoT?
Why this can run almost anywhere?

[PeterH]

As far as I know it's rumored
- that free extended support for one more year is / might be country dependent (i.e. not for all)
- that with Rufus you can create a Win11 boot stick with options to install it on almost(!) every hardware
(i.e. at least if it can run Win10. )
- though I've never tried.

I hope this can help some people.

(Glad to hear results...)

[phred]

- that with Rufus you can create a Win11 boot stick with options to install it on almost(!) every hardware

This is (potentially) good to know. Just in case. But at this point I see no reason to leave W10. Thanks.

[iaseac]

If you got sucked into paying $100 for a Microsoft 365 subscription, like me, then you should be ok. I got somewhat emotional on Copilot with these dudes. They clearly march to a different drummer. Copilot said it would be good for 3 years.

[MindReader]

Hello everyone,

First, I want to thank everyone who shared their opinions. I thanked you in advance in my first post, but I wanted to say it again.

I don't want to accept the Extended Security Updates (ESU) terms. This is because it requires a "Microsoft Account" on Windows 10 Home. I only want to use a "Local Account" on my computer. Also, as I said before, I didn't want to spend extra money on an old desktop.

Windows 12 will come out soon and Windows 13 will probably come in 3-4 years. I thought my computer should be compatible with them, so I bought a new laptop with Windows 11. I formatted my Windows 10 desktop and I am still using it.

I have a question:

While my Windows 11 laptop was downloading the "2025-12 Dynamic Update package", I cut the internet and paused updates until January 21, 2026. I know Microsoft is forcing people to use a Microsoft Account. I think this update is for that purpose. Also, I heard that you cannot uninstall this update; you have to format the computer to remove it.

I don't want a Microsoft Account. I am currently using a "Local Account" on my Windows 11 laptop too.

What are your thoughts about this "2025-12 Dynamic Update package"?

Thank you in advance.

[phred]

I have no idea what the Dynamic Update is or does. But I can tell you I did NOT use a MS account when extending my W10 updates for the additional year. I clicked on the "extend" button and it was done. Now when I go to Windows Update it shows "Your PC is enrolled to get Extended Security Updates."

[MindReader]

Hi everyone,

@Phred, thank you again for your interest and the information you've provided.

As it is known, there are various versions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Pro Education, and enterprise editions. I am not sure which specific version you are using, but I am on Windows 10 Home.

Since I didn't want to leave this topic unresolved, I asked Gemini for clarification and received the following response:

"In fact, Microsoft announced that once Windows 10 support ended (after October 2025), security updates would normally be sold for a fee of around $30. However, they have opened some 'free' pathways to keep users within their ecosystem (cloud backup, etc.).

What is Free ESU via 'Windows Backup'? If you are using Windows 10 Home or Pro, Microsoft's proposition is: 'If you agree to back up your computer's settings and files to my cloud system (OneDrive/Windows Backup), I will waive the $30 fee and provide security updates for free for one year.'

Let’s clarify the details that might seem 'unclear' at this point:

Continuous Sign-in Requirement: If you earned the free ESU right through this method (by enabling backup), Microsoft requires you to remain signed in with your Microsoft account on the computer to verify that the eligibility continues.

The 60-Day Rule: If you switch your computer entirely to a 'Local Account' or sign out of your Microsoft account, the system will continue to provide updates for approximately 60 days. However, after 60 days, since it can no longer verify if you are 'still backing up,' it will deactivate the ESU subscription and stop the updates.

Backup Content: The 'Windows Backup' feature involves syncing your desktop files, browser favorites, and Windows settings to OneDrive. If this feature is disabled or if you have signed out of your Microsoft account, you will be considered in breach of the 'free eligibility' terms."

[phred]

@MindReader- I'm using Win10 Pro and I do NOT have an account with MS. I do not (nor will I) allow MS to be the backup destination for my PCs. I am long past the sixty days you quoted and I am still getting Windows Updates. And I'm certainly not paying anything for my updates.

You should never rely 100% on what a chatbot, even Gemini, tells you. The information returned is not always accurate. I'm curious if you were to ask the exact same question of Gemini if you would get the exact same response.

But in the long run, I don't really care. I'm getting what I want, without paying, without having an account with MS, and without having to trust them with my backups.

[MindReader]

Hello everyone,

First of all, thank you @Phred. You summarized the topic through your own personal experiences.
It couldn't have been better.

However, I feel like I’ve put you in a position where you felt obligated to reply.
You might be feeling bored or tired of the subject, so I want to say I’m sorry and apologize for that.

That being said, I wouldn't have felt right if I hadn't shared the AI's response with all of you. You mentioned that we shouldn't trust AI 100%. You’re right—they can make incredible mistakes. For instance, while explaining a time-sensitive event on a different topic, an AI once told me, "We are currently in 2024." Yet, there are also times when they hit the nail on the head and provide very accurate warnings. That’s why I felt compelled to share the information I received; as I mentioned before, I wouldn't have been at peace with myself otherwise.

Anyway, I’m glad to hear that you haven't faced any issues.

Have a great day, everyone.