The day is almost here. From October 14, Microsoft will be pulling the plug on Windows 10 support, marking the end of an era for millions of PC users across India. This means that the decade-old operating system will stop receiving security patches, technical assistance, and feature updates. Hence, users who are still on Windows 10 have no option but to either pay for extended support or move to Windows 11. Microsoft has also recently warned users of the support coming to an end. Read on to know what you should do if you are still using Windows 10.
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Windows 10 support ends soon
Windows 10 still powers a massive chunk of computers in India, especially among students, small businesses, and older PC owners who haven’t upgraded their hardware. For them, the end of support isn’t just a technicality but a major shift. Without updates, their systems become more vulnerable to malware and security breaches, something Microsoft has warned against repeatedly.
The company says users can continue using Windows 10 after the deadline, but they’ll do so “at their own risk.” To stay protected, Microsoft is rolling out an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, similar to what it offered to enterprise customers in the past.
How to get Windows 10 extended security updates
Under the ESU program, users can pay $30 (around ₹2,550) to continue receiving critical security updates for one more year, until October 13, 2026. However, Microsoft hasn’t yet confirmed whether this pricing will apply directly in India or if local rates will differ.
The ESU program will cover essential patches to keep older PCs safe from emerging threats, but it won’t add any new features. Essentially, it’s a way to buy more time before upgrading.
Interestingly, Microsoft is also offering a free way to get this extended support, though it’s not quite as simple as it sounds. Users can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points or back up their data using the Windows Backup app to qualify for free ESU coverage.
As explained by Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Chief Marketing Officer, once users select one of these options, their device will be automatically enrolled for an additional year of security updates.
The catch? Earning those 1,000 reward points takes effort. You’ll need a Microsoft account and will have to collect points by using Bing for searches, shopping through the Microsoft Store, or playing Xbox games, all before the October 2025 deadline.
