It's The Final Countdown: Windows 10 Hits End Of Support In Less Than 30 Days

Start the countdown! For any administrators living under a rock, Microsoft has posted another warning that Windows 10 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14.

The 30-day reminder is the latest message on the matter and a clear indicator that Microsoft doesn't intend to back down from its plans to turn off support.

This is despite the sheer number of Windows 10 devices excluded from Windows 11 due to the draconian hardware compatibility requirements. This is estimated by some at 400 million PCs.

Microsoft's warning is for Windows 10 22H2 users running the Home, Pro, Enterprise, and IoT Enterprise versions of the operating system. "October 14, 2025, will also mark the end of support for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015," the company said.

It isn't, of course, the end of the road for all versions of Windows 10. Users running Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019, for example, have until January 9, 2029, before extended support runs out. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 is still in mainstream support. Extended support won't end until January 13, 2032.

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Why the LTSC and LTSB naming? Microsoft would prefer customers use "Long Term Servicing Channel" (LTSC), but the LTSB naming convention still lingers in some of the company's documentation.

Switching to an LTSC edition of Windows 10 is a perfectly valid way of sticking with the operating system if the idea of springing for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) doesn't appeal. Personal users of Windows 10 also have the option of a year of free ESUs if they're willing to jump through Microsoft's hoops, which include using Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. You can also pay $30 for a year of updates.

Microsoft's preference is clear: "As always, we recommend that you update your devices to the latest version of Windows 11." This will, for many users still running Windows 10, require a hardware purchase.

Otherwise, the end of the road is rapidly approaching. No, a device won't suddenly stop working when Microsoft turns off the update taps. However, as the company notes:

"The October 2025 monthly security update will be the last update available for these versions. After this date, devices running these versions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats." ®