In this paper we report on an empirical study of the absorption and laser damage threshold behavior of uncoated KCI and KBr windows at 10.6 micrometers . Absorption measurements were performed with the aid of CO2 laser calorimeter. Single-shot damage thresholds at different spot sizes were measured by a computer-controlled test facility using 100 ns pulses from a TEA-CO2 laser. A video microscopy system was installed for on-line damage detection. Onset-damage thresholds (0\% LIDT) are compared with the 50\% damage thresholds. Damage morphology was investigated by Nomarski microscopy.