India's CERT-In steps in to warn users about Windows 10 end of support

Microsoft’s Windows 10 support deadline is set for October 14, 2025. Now, the Government of India (GoI) has stepped in with its own warning. Through a new advisory, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is encouraging users to move to Windows 11 before time runs out.

The agency’s advisory notes:

Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Windows 10 is approaching the end of their support lifecycle on 14 October 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. Systems running on Windows 10 will become increasingly susceptible to zero-day attacks, malicious software, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Microsoft had already reminded users about this in May. Since then, PC vendors like ASUS have also urged customers to prepare for the transition, describing it as a “mandatory upgrade to Windows 11.”

However, staying on Windows 10 remains possible if you’re willing to accept the risk. Speaking of risk, Microsoft recently warned users through an ad, noting to stay on the right side of the risk by upgrading to Windows 11.

For those who can’t upgrade in time, CERT-In points to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. That’s a paid option offering critical fixes after October 2025—but with a catch.

Individual consumers and organizations who need more time to transition to Windows 11 have the option of enrolling in the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for critical patches. The ESU program does not extend the official product lifecycle or offer full technical support for the product beyond its lifecycle.

India is one of the first governments to issue public guidance, but more will likely follow. We expect the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to weigh in soon.