Microsoft is ending help for Home windows 10 in October 2025, however the firm is now taking the weird step of reopening its beta program for Home windows 10 to check new options and enhancements.
Home windows 10 already bought the AI Copilot characteristic that was initially unique to Home windows 11, and it could effectively get different options quickly. “To convey new options and extra enhancements to Home windows 10 as wanted, we want a spot to do lively characteristic improvement with Home windows Insiders,” explains Microsoft’s Home windows Insider workforce in a weblog publish. “So at present, we’re opening the Beta Channel for Home windows Insiders who’re presently on Home windows 10.”
Microsoft hasn’t revealed what further Home windows 10 options it plans to check subsequent, however Home windows Insiders can decide into the beta channel to get them early. Crucially, the Home windows 10 finish of help date of October 14th, 2025 continues to be unchanged. “Becoming a member of the Beta Channel in your Home windows 10 PC doesn’t change that,” says Microsoft.
Microsoft modified its thoughts on new Home windows 10 options late final 12 months
Microsoft initially mentioned it was carried out with main Home windows 10 updates final 12 months, earlier than its change in method to convey extra options to an OS that might be formally unsupported in round 16 months time. The software program large describes this transformation as a approach “to ensure everybody can get the utmost worth from their present Home windows PC.”
Customers utilizing Home windows 10 may also be supplied paid safety updates for the primary time ever as soon as the OS hits finish of help in October 2025. Microsoft lately revealed companies might want to pay $61 per machine for a 12 months of safety updates. That price doubles to $122 for the second 12 months after which doubles once more in 12 months three to $244. Pricing for client safety updates hasn’t been revealed but, with Microsoft promising it “might be shared at a later date.”
Microsoft continues to attempt to get shoppers to improve to Home windows 11, however thousands and thousands of PCs can’t improve formally to Home windows 11 as a consequence of its strict {hardware} necessities and Microsoft’s safety push with its newest OS. Home windows 11 is simply supported on CPUs launched from 2018 onward and with gadgets that help TPM safety chips.
Home windows 11 utilization has lagged behind Home windows 10, with StatCounter itemizing Home windows 11 at almost 28 p.c of all Home windows model market share for Could 2024. Home windows 10 continues to be at 68 p.c, 9 years after its launch in 2015.