Windows 10 Home and Pro - Microsoft Lifecycle (2024)

FAQs

How long will Microsoft support Windows 10 Home Edition? ›

Windows 10 Home and Pro follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy. Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10, and all editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date.

The end date is right there on the Microsoft Support document that lists "products retiring or reaching the end of support in 2025." 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.

Original Story 12/3/23: Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025. But if you desperately need to keep using that older operating system rather than upgrading to Windows 11, you can pay to extend the expiration date, Microsoft announced today.

The pro upgrade is valid for the lifetime of the device. If the Windows 10 Home is a retail license, you can transfer the pro upgrade to another computer.

Microsoft will provide support for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. This means you won't get any new security updates or other important updates for Windows 10. However, your Windows 10 desktop will still work and you can use it.

See our ethics statement. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025, and you'll need to pay yearly if you want to continue using the operating system securely. Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 users, with pricing starting at $61 for the first year.

Once a Microsoft operating system (OS) reaches the end of support, customers will no longer receive technical assistance, software updates, or security fixes.

What Is Windows End-of-Life? End-of-life or end-of-support means that a version of Windows no longer receives security updates or support from Microsoft. Such versions present serious security risks and should be upgraded as soon as possible.

If you continue to use an unsupported version of Windows, your PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.

Can I upgrade for free? Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download, however, ISP fees may apply for downloads that occur over metered connections.

How long will Windows 11 be free? ›

How long will the free upgrade offer last? "The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than October 5, 2022."

Windows 10 licenses are for life. Whether you buy Home, Pro or Enterprise the cost depends on the edition you choose. In India Home edition costs typically in the range of ₹7k-₹8k whereas Pro costs in the range of ₹14k-₹15k. These are official prices of Windows from Microsoft store in India.

If you want to skip the product key completely, you can pay Microsoft $99 for an upgrade directly from the Microsoft Store. A word of caution, though: That license is tied to the computer on which you upgrade and can't be transferred to a different device. You only need to use that product key one time.

What Should I Do If I Need to Use My Windows 10 Product Key Multiple Times? If you need to use your Windows 10 product key multiple times, you should purchase a retail license. This type of license can be used up to 10 times and can be transferred to another device.

Microsoft will offer extended support options for Windows 10 PCs, for a price. When the end-of-support deadline rolls around in October 2025, you'll need to pay to keep receiving security updates for your Windows 10 PC.

You don't need to incur any charges to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.1 because you can do this freely. You must visit the official Windows website and download a Windows installation media.