Microsoft loosens the noose on Windows 10 users with new end-of-support timeline?

[Draco1962]

If only they would loosen the noose on supported CPUs - still too much kit that has TPM 2.0, secure boot and UEFI but unsupported processors.

Microsoft loosens the noose on Windows 10 users with new end-of-support timeline

So far, there is no change noted on the official MS sites for any end-of-support updates timelines for Enterprise or Consumer (e.g. us) on either of these sites to support the premise of this article:

Enterprise - Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10

Consumer - Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025

[tthurman]

Whatever MS, pound sand!

https://bazzite.gg/

[Draco1962]

According to 0Patch blog "With October 2025, 0patch will "security-adopt" Windows 10 v22H2, and provide critical security patches for it for at least 5 more years - even longer if there's demand on the market."

Am I allowed to use 0patch for free (without purchasing a license)?

Apparently, yes, up to 10 devices.

[Draco1962]

No loosening of PC requirements continues.  Mainstream support will still end October 14, 2025 but not all will lose security and/or feature updates on this date:

• MS has extended personal and commercial support for security updates to MS 365 Apps through October 10, 2028 feature updates through August 2026.
• Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue through October 2028.

So not quite as dire as some have imagined. Of course, you may see some 3rd-party companies removing support of their apps from Windows 10 at any time after the EOL deadline this Fall.

Per the most recent blog post, it appears that MS has added alternatives to paid subscription ESU for personal use:

• For individuals: An enrollment wizard will be available through notifications and in Settings, making it easy to enroll in ESU directly from your personal Windows 10 PC. Through the enrollment wizard, you’ll be able to choose from three options:
  • Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud—at no additional cost..
  • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points—at no additional cost..
  • Pay $30 USD (local pricing may vary).

This appears to be just a one-year extension, so not likely that this will extend past October 2026, so keep 0Patch on speed dial if you are going to use your Windows 10 PC beyond.

Read more here: Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

[Darikail]

0Patch or upgrade, no guarantees apps will keep working?

[Draco1962]

1 hour ago, Darikail said:

0Patch or upgrade, no guarantees apps will keep working?

Nope. No guarantees. Most will probably be OK up to a certain version but will not be able to upgrade to whatever the newest version of that app. Nothing new really.

[Draco1962]

Google Chrome will check Windows 11 eligibility on your PC for Windows 10 EOL

Other developers are likely to do the same. Regardless of bypasses taken to circumvent the minimum Windows 11 installation requirements, it is possible for installers to poll your system hardware to ensure that it meets these requirements. 

[Draco1962]

October 14 spells the end of mainstream support for Windows 10, with ESU for only one year after, UNLESS you are using Windows 10 LTSC (with EOL January 12, 2027) or Windows 10 IoT LTSC (with EOL January 13, 2032).

Is anyone currently gaming with either LTSC versions? Any "gotchas" to be aware of?