An assortment of things over time.
Staying with Windows 10 — not updating to Windows 11 — is a valid choice. I’ve written about how you can keep using Windows 10 safely after support ends.
But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there? Over time, things will change. It’s important to understand what those things are and how you need to prepare.
Windows 11: What happens if you don't?
Sticking with Windows 10 is fine for now, but support is ending. Security fixes stop, some apps may drop support (TurboTax already has), and Defender updates end in 2028 (probably). Most programs will keep working for years, but slowly, more will move on. Plan ahead, and don’t panic.
Now: October 2025
As I write this, the official end of support date for Windows 10 has passed. This means a few things.
- If a bug is found in Windows 10, you won’t get a fix for it.
- If that bug is a security-related vulnerability, you won’t get a fix for it.
- Official in-person help resources from Microsoft are no longer available, although documentation remains online, and peer-to-peer support forums continue to operate.
However, Extended Security Updates are available, and stretch support out for a year.
Help keep it going by becoming a Patron.
October 2026
If you sign up for the ESU program — which you should still be able to do at any time — the “end of support date” changes to October 2026.
While there’s been no official word on it, ESU seems to have become a free program (as long as your computer settings are backed up to your Microsoft account), so there’s little reason not to sign up for it (other than that it requires a Microsoft account). This effectively gives you another year of most types of support.
After October 2026:
- If a bug is found in Windows 10, you won’t get a fix for it.
- If that bug is a security-related vulnerability, you won’t get a fix for it.
I believe the termination of in-person support still applies.
Now: at least one app has moved on
At least one popular software package has announced that it will no longer support Windows 10.
TurboTax Desktop 2025 will only run on Windows 11 (64-bit). You won’t be able to install or use TurboTax Desktop 2025 on Windows 10.
Alternatives include not using TurboTax or switching to their online product.
This is the only software I’m aware of now that has pulled Windows 10 support. It’s unusual in that it’s an abnormally quick exit.
Related
Why I Don’t Expect a Windows 10 Apocalypse
Don't believe the FUD; your PC won’t suddenly collapse into chaos when Windows 10 support ends. With updated security tools, smart habits, and backups, you can keep using Windows 10 safely long after Microsoft stops updating it—without fear, hype, or panic.#181353
October 2028
Microsoft has promised that Windows Defender will continue to receive database updates for three years after the original Windows 10 end of support date. While they haven’t said October 2028 specifically, that’s what the math works out to.
If Defender updates stop in October 2028 — and I suspect they may not — you’ll need to switch to a different security package for Windows 10.
The reason I suspect Defender updates may not end at that time is that this is a path they’ve been down before. Even though it was never promised, Microsoft continued to provide database updates for the equivalent Windows 7 tools for many years after its end-of-support date. I expect that a technical rather than a policy issue might drive the actual switch someday. For instance, perhaps wanting to change the underlying security engine or model beyond a simple database update will mean they end Defender updates.
For now: apps keep working
TurboTax aside, the apps you have installed in Windows 10 should keep working just fine. They’re typically on their own update cycle. Those that use Windows Update should continue to be updated, and of course, any tools that provide their own update mechanism will keep updating as well.
For now.
Eventually: apps drop Windows 10 support
When I say eventually, I mean over several years. Most apps will keep working just fine for a long time.
Then, slowly — and sadly, unpredictably — third-party apps may announce an end-of-support date of their own for running on Windows 10. If, when, and how you’re affected depends on which apps you use and what those companies decide to do.
Don’t worry about this until you find out you’re affected. As I said, it’ll likely be a while.
Yes, some may “pull a TurboTax” and end support for Windows 10 early, but I expect that’ll be a short list.
Always: Microsoft nags
Throughout all of this, there’s a good chance that Microsoft will continue to “encourage” you to move past Windows 10.
Depending on whether your machine is capable of running Windows 11, you may be offered the upgrade (which should be free), or you may be encouraged to purchase a new Windows-11-capable machine.
You don’t need to. Dismiss the messages and carry on. When they return or new ones appear, dismiss them as well.
Do this
If you don’t upgrade to Windows 11, there’s little to do other than take the steps you should already be taking to keep running Windows 10 safely.
Someday, you may be affected when an application you use drops support for Windows 10. I wouldn’t worry about it until it happens.
It’s likely that you’ll have replaced your machine by then and be running the then-current version of Windows (or something else).
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Footnotes & References
1: There are apps that still work in Windows XP just fine.
How to sign up for the ESU program, please.
There should be a link in Windows Update.
Right-click the Windows Start Icon
Click “Settings”
Click “Windows Update”
The ESU link should be on that screen.
The reverse is also true in some cases. Some software and hardware drivers that run on Windows 10 won’t run on Windows 11. I had that problem once when I got a Windows Vista machine. My scanner was not supported on Vista.