Microsoft to end support for older Windows operating systems in October 2025

Microsoft has announced it will end support for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems in October 2025, and is encouraging all PC users to upgrade.

From October 14th 2025, Microsoft will stop releasing technical support and security updates for the operating systems and is recommending moving to its most up-to-date operating system, Windows 11, to ensure computers continue to receive critical updates and stay secure online.

While Windows 10 PCs will continue to function, they will be at greater risk for viruses and malware when the operating system reaches end of support. Microsoft 365 apps will also not be supported on Windows 10 when it reaches end of support.

Both businesses and individual users will be able to upgrade their Window 10 machines to Windows 11 for free, however, some older PCs may not meet the processing requirements necessary to upgrade to the new operating systems. In such cases, a new computer will be required in order to continue receiving support.

For larger organisations that may need more time making the change to Windows 11, Microsoft will continue to offer Critical and Important security updates as part of a paid service. Final pricing and enrolment conditions for the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program will be announced closer to the October 2025 date for the end of support.