Updates & End-of-Support, in Plain English
Last verified: October 2026
Your Windows, your Office, and even your router have expiration dates for security updates — and past them, known holes stay open. Here are the dates that matter and a simple routine to stay current. Confirm the moving dates with Microsoft; rather have a hand? My number is (330) 200-8042.
The Dates That Matter, at a Glance
Software and gear only get security fixes while they're supported; past end of support, known holes stay open forever. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, and Office 2016 and 2019 ended the same day. A consumer ESU option can bridge Windows 10 version 22H2 for about a year — but the terms and end date have been changing, so confirm the current ones with Microsoft. Routers, firewalls, and NAS boxes expire too. The fix is a monthly update check and a simple calendar. There's a printable 29-page version up top.
Common Questions
1 My Windows 10 PC still works — do I have to do anything?
Yes. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so a standard, unenrolled machine no longer gets free security updates even though it still runs. Plan to upgrade it to a supported version, replace it, or enroll it in ESU as a bridge — and confirm the current ESU details with Microsoft.
2 What is Windows 10 ESU and what does it cost?
ESU (Extended Security Updates) gives Windows 10 version 22H2 roughly one more year of security-only updates. It's been described as free with a Microsoft account and Windows Backup/sync, or via 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or a modest yearly fee — but the terms and end date have changed, so confirm current options with Microsoft.
3 What about my Office programs?
Office 2016 and 2019 ended support on October 14, 2025. Office 2021 / LTSC 2021 runs through about October 2026 (confirm). If you subscribe to Microsoft 365, the apps update continuously while your subscription is active, so there's no cliff — just keep letting them update.
4 Does my router really need attention?
Yes. Everything in your office flows through the router or firewall, so an end-of-support model with unpatched holes undercuts your other protections. Check the maker's lifecycle page, keep firmware current, change the default admin password, and replace retired models.
5 How does this affect my cyber insurance?
Applications ask whether you patch promptly and run any end-of-support software, because unpatched software is a common way in. Running it is a frequent reason for higher premiums or exclusions, and overstating 'we're current' can get a claim denied. See our cyber-insurance application guide.
6 What's the simplest routine to stay current?
Set machines to update automatically, then once a month confirm updates actually installed (restart if one is waiting), check Office and your browser, glance at the router a few times a year, and keep a one-page calendar of expiration dates with reminders a few months ahead.
Would You Rather I Just Help?
Staying current is one of the cheapest, highest-value things a small business can do — and it's exactly the kind of thing I'm glad to take off your plate. I'll inventory what you're running, confirm the current end-of-support dates (they move, so I check the source), flag what needs a plan, and set up a simple monthly habit so nothing slips. $99 flat for a visit, 30-day come-back-free, nothing to sell you.
Would you rather I just do this for you?
No shame in it — plenty of folks would rather hand it off, and that's what I'm here for. I'll come to your home, set it up right, and make sure it's working before I leave. Flat $99 per visit — no jargon, no upsell, and every visit is 30-day come-back-free.
Not a hardware job? I can often fix it remotely for $49 — a secure screen-share, up to 2 hours, that you watch the whole time and can end whenever (included free for $39/mo Support Plan members, and it counts toward the $99 if it turns out I need to come out).