What does it mean if Windows isn't supported? (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean if Windows isn't supported? ›

An unsupported version of Windows will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. These updates include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal your personal information.

Unsupported software does not receive security updates, putting your computer at risk. Computers running unsupported operating systems are vulnerable to attack and will become increasingly vulnerable over time.

Will my Windows 10 PC stop working? No. Your PC will continue to work, but support for Windows 10 is discontinued. After October 14, 2025, your Windows 10 PC will no longer receive security updates and Microsoft will no longer be available to provide Windows 10 technical support.

Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025

After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.

An application or operating system that is unsupported, or end-of-life, means that the vendor will stop providing patches for the system. So when a bug in the software or a security issue is found, there will be no resulting patch to fix the issue.

EOL operating systems no longer receive critical security updates, leaving them highly vulnerable to evolving cybersecurity threats. End-of-life OSs often struggle to run modern software and hardware, resulting in compatibility issues, reduced performance, and lower productivity.

When support ends in October 2025, Windows 10 will still function, but will no longer receive fixes, new features, or security updates.

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.

The schedule is defined by Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy, which is documented on the Microsoft Lifecycle page: "Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025.

Will Windows 10 ever go away? ›

But nothing lasts forever, not even good software. On Oct. 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end public support for Windows 10 — that means no more software updates, security patches, or technical support for your Windows 10 computer, no matter how well it still works.

Users who do not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 10 (including users of Windows Vista and XP), people who're assembling a new PC and Mac users can buy the full version of the OS at Rs 7,999 for the Home version and Rs 14,999 for the Pro version.

When a Windows version reaches its end-of-support date, the software keeps working, but the update channel grinds to a halt: [There] will be no new security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support. Customers are encouraged to migrate to the latest version of the product or service.

If you don't install updates, your computer will be more vulnerable to security threats. It may also miss out on bug fixes and performance improvements, leading to potential stability and compatibility issues.

Once a software is no longer supported, it is effectively sunsetted, and using it becomes very dangerous. (There are a few reasons for that but the main one is that if any vulnerabilities are discovered in the software, there's no one to fix them, so they will remain exposed.)

Outdated software can significantly increase your security risk. Without the latest security patches and updates, your system and data are vulnerable to attack. In addition, outdated operating systems can contain backdoors that cybercriminals can use to gain access to your network and data.

Without patches or updates, vulnerabilities can go unaddressed, making it easier for malicious actors to target and gain unauthorized access to your data and systems. Using unsupported software not only increases your risk but also places an extra burden on your IT teams.

In summary, the security issues from using an unsupported operating system can put your system and your business at risk. It is generally recommended to use supported software that receives regular updates and patches to help protect against these dangers.