On Spot Techs

By Eric Geier (Our Founder & Owner)

Originally published by Cox Media Group on 8/3/25

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​Thanks to Microsoft, computers running the Windows 10 operating system will lose support after Oct. 14. This doesn’t mean the computers will stop working, but the operating system won’t receive any more security patches.

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So, if a hacker figures a way in via Windows vulnerabilities, Microsoft won’t install a patch to fix the security hole. That is unless you enroll into the Extended Security Updates program.

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Extended Security Updates program This will be the first time Microsoft will allow consumers or home users to participate in the ESU program for the Windows operating system. This is a good option for those who have a computer that isn’t compatible with latest version, Windows 11, and don’t want to buy a whole new system yet. Or even those that are compatible but you don’t want to move to Windows 11 yet. You’ll get one more year with Windows 10.

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Enrolling into the ESU program will either cost you $30 or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or potentially not cost anything additional if you enable Windows Backup (which may also be free).

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Although enrollment has begun, not all Windows 10 computers have this option yet. If your computer meets the requirements, at some point you should see the ESU enrollment details on the Windows Update page in the Settings app. But I have a feeling not everyone will see this even by October, so you might not want to count on it.

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If you have an even older version of Windows, like XP, 7 or 8, the ESU doesn’t apply. Support for those ended long ago. Those computers should be replaced immediately.

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Upgrading your current computer If you have a Windows 10 computer that’s compatible with the upgrade, Microsoft might be bugging you about upgrading.

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I don’t suggest doing the upgrade yourself. I highly suggest a tech help do a clean upgrade to Windows 11. If you’re unsure about your computer’s compatibility with Windows 11, contact a computer shop.

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If your computer is more than a few years old, there’s a good chance it won’t be compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft’s system requirements are pretty strict. If your computer isn’t compatible, you should look for a new one.

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Office 2016, 2019 losing support There are two other software titles losing support after Oct. 14, as well: Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 2019. These are the productivity suites that include apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

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Although their security vulnerabilities might not be as crucial as the operating system, there are still security risks if you continue to use them afterwards.

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Microsoft and the big box stores will likely push you into a never-ending monthly or yearly subscription to Office 365, starting at $99.99 per year for up to five devices.

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These subscriptions can be nice if you want the software on many computers, especially if you want to utilize One- Drive for cloud storage or backup.

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If you have one or two computers though, you’ll be paying much more with Office 365 over time than if you were to buy a perpetual license for each device.

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The latest release, Office 2024, can be purchased with a one-time payment of $149.99 per device.

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