Home » Windows Updates » Windows 10 End of Support: What To Do
If you are still running Windows 10 in 2026, here is the most important thing you need to know right now: Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more security updates, no more bug fixes, no more technical support — and your PC is now at serious risk every single day you stay on it without taking action.
But don’t panic. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to do, whether you want to upgrade for free, buy a new PC, extend your security for another year, or even switch to a completely different operating system. We have researched every option so you don’t have to.
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📅 What Exactly Happened on October 14, 2025?
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft’s 10-year support lifecycle for Windows 10 officially came to an end. This is not a rumour or a scare — it is official, confirmed policy. According to Microsoft’s official support page, the following services have now stopped for all Windows 10 editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education):
- ❌ No more free security updates or patches
- ❌ No more bug fixes
- ❌ No more new features
- ❌ No more free technical support from Microsoft
- ❌ Office 2016 and Office 2019 support also ended
Your Windows 10 PC will still turn on and run — nothing explodes on Day 1. But every week that passes without security patches makes your computer a bigger and easier target for hackers, malware, ransomware, and data thieves. This is not hypothetical: unsupported Windows versions have historically seen a dramatic rise in cyberattacks within 6–12 months of end of support, exactly as happened with Windows XP and Windows 7.
🗺️ Your 5 Best Options Right Now
Here is a quick overview of all your available options. We will cover each in full detail below.
| Option | Cost | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free) | £0 / $0 | Compatible PCs | ⭐ Easy |
| 🛡️ Enrol in ESU Program | Free or ~$30 | Older PCs, extra time needed | ⭐ Easy |
| 🖥️ Buy a New Windows 11 PC | $400–$1,500+ | Old hardware, best experience | ⭐ Easy |
| 🐧 Switch to Linux | £0 / $0 | Old hardware, tech-savvy users | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium |
| ⚠️ Stay on Windows 10 (Risky) | $0 (but costly if hacked) | Offline-only PCs, short-term | ⭐ Easy but dangerous |
✅ Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free (Best Option)
If your PC meets the hardware requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is completely free — and it is by far the best option available. Windows 11 is faster, more secure, and will receive support from Microsoft until at least 2031, giving you years of protection ahead.
Does My PC Qualify for Windows 11?
Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements. The most important ones are:
- 🔲 Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit compatible (8th gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 3000+)
- 🔲 RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB+ recommended)
- 🔲 Storage: 64 GB or larger
- 🔲 TPM 2.0: Required (most PCs made after 2017 have this)
- 🔲 Secure Boot: Must be capable
- 🔲 Display: 720p minimum, 9-inch+ diagonal
How to Check Compatibility & Upgrade for Free:
- Download and run the free PC Health Check app from Microsoft — it tells you instantly if your PC can upgrade
- If compatible, go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
- Click Check for Updates — the Windows 11 upgrade offer will appear
- Alternatively, use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official site
- The process takes about 45–90 minutes; all your files, apps, and settings are preserved
Once upgraded, you will want to make the most of your new OS. Check our guide on How to Speed Up Windows 11 to get the best performance from day one.
🛡️ Option 2: Enrol in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program
If your PC cannot run Windows 11 — or if you simply need more time to plan your move — Microsoft has launched the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This gives you one additional year of critical security patches, protecting your Windows 10 PC through October 2026.
How Much Does ESU Cost?
According to Windows Central’s confirmed reporting, there are three ways to access the ESU program:
- 🆓 Free — Sign in with a Microsoft Account and sync your PC settings to the cloud via OneDrive
- 🏆 Free via Rewards — Use 1,000 Microsoft Reward points (earned through Bing searches or the Microsoft Store)
- 💳 $30 / ~£25 per device — Pay directly if you do not want to use a Microsoft Account or sync settings
How to Enrol in the ESU Program:
- Ensure you are on Windows 10 version 22H2
- Sign in with or create a Microsoft Account on your PC
- Enable settings sync via OneDrive (Settings → Accounts → Windows Backup)
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
- The ESU enrolment option will appear there — follow the prompts
- You must sign in with your Microsoft Account at least once every 60 days to remain enrolled
Remember: ESU is a temporary bridge, not a permanent solution. Use this year wisely to plan your transition to Windows 11 or a new device.
🖥️ Option 3: Buy a New Windows 11 PC
If your current PC is old, slow, or simply cannot run Windows 11, buying a new device might be the smartest long-term investment. New Windows 11 PCs come with modern hardware, better battery life, faster processors, and years of Microsoft support baked in.
What to Look for When Buying a New PC in 2026:
- 💾 Storage: NVMe SSD (minimum 256 GB — 512 GB preferred). Avoid HDD-based laptops completely.
- 🧠 RAM: 16 GB DDR5 is the new standard. 8 GB is the absolute minimum.
- ⚡ Processor: Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen 7000 series, or Qualcomm Snapdragon X for best efficiency
- 🔋 Battery: Look for 10+ hours claimed battery life (Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X excel here)
- 🛡️ Security: Ensure TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled (all new Windows 11 PCs include these)
- 💰 Budget: Solid Windows 11 laptops start from around $400–$600; premium options range to $1,500+
Should You Consider a Copilot+ PC?
Copilot+ PCs are Microsoft’s new category of AI-powered devices launched in 2024/2025. They include dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for on-device AI tasks, exceptional battery life, and exclusive Windows 11 AI features. If you are buying a new PC in 2026, they are worth considering — particularly for laptop users who prioritise portability and battery life.
After getting your new PC, be sure to read our guide on How to Personalise Windows 11 with Custom Skin Packs to make it feel like home from day one.
🐧 Option 4: Switch to Linux (Free, Works on Old Hardware)
If your PC cannot run Windows 11 and you do not want to spend money on a new device, Linux is a genuinely excellent free alternative — and in 2026, it is easier to use than ever before. Several Linux distributions are specifically designed to look and feel like Windows, making the transition surprisingly smooth.
Best Linux Distributions for Former Windows 10 Users:
- 🟢 Linux Mint (Cinnamon) — The #1 recommendation for Windows switchers. Familiar taskbar, Start menu layout, file manager. Free, stable, and fast.
- 🟢 Zorin OS — Specifically designed to mimic the Windows interface. Even has a “Windows 11 layout” mode.
- 🟢 Ubuntu LTS — The most widely used desktop Linux. Massive community support, thousands of tutorials.
- 🟢 LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition) — Ultra-lightweight, ideal for very old hardware (4 GB RAM, old processor).
What Can You Still Do on Linux?
The vast majority of everyday tasks work perfectly on Linux in 2026:
- ✅ Web browsing (Chrome, Firefox, Brave — all available)
- ✅ Email (Thunderbird, web-based Gmail/Outlook)
- ✅ Office work (LibreOffice — free and compatible with .docx/.xlsx)
- ✅ Video streaming (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ — all work in browser)
- ✅ Video calls (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet — all have Linux versions)
- ✅ Photo editing (GIMP — free Photoshop alternative)
- ❌ Gaming — limited (Steam and Proton help, but not all games work)
- ❌ Adobe Creative Suite — not natively available on Linux
⚠️ Option 5: Stay on Windows 10 (Not Recommended — But Here Is How to Stay Safe)
We understand that some users genuinely cannot move right now — maybe due to specific legacy software, budget constraints, or hardware limitations. If you must stay on Windows 10 beyond the ESU period, here are the precautions you need to take seriously:
- 🔒 Install a strong third-party antivirus — Microsoft Defender alone will not be enough without security updates. Consider Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, or ESET.
- 🌐 Use a secure browser — Chrome and Firefox receive their own security updates independently of Windows. Keep them updated.
- 🔥 Enable your router’s firewall and consider a VPN for public Wi-Fi use
- 📦 Keep all applications updated — especially your browser, PDF reader, and any software that handles files from the internet
- 💾 Back up regularly — Use an external hard drive or cloud backup. If ransomware strikes, you will be glad you did.
- 🚫 Avoid downloading unknown files or clicking suspicious links — with no OS-level patches, phishing attacks are especially dangerous
- 📴 Consider going offline — If you use the PC only for specific offline tasks (local accounting software, design tools), keeping it disconnected from the internet dramatically reduces risk
📋 What Happens to Microsoft Office on Windows 10?
This is one of the most common questions, and the answer depends on which version of Office you are using:
| Office Version | Status After Oct 14, 2025 | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 (Subscription) | ✅ Still works — Security updates continue until Oct 2028 | Keep subscription active, upgrade Windows when ready |
| Office 2021 / LTSC 2021 | ⚠️ Runs but no longer supported on Windows 10 | Upgrade Windows or move to Microsoft 365 |
| Office 2019 | ❌ Support fully ended | Upgrade to Office 2024 or Microsoft 365 |
| Office 2016 | ❌ Support fully ended | Urgent: Upgrade immediately |
| Office 2024 | ⚠️ Runs on Windows 10 but unsupported configuration | Upgrade to Windows 11 for full support |
The good news is that Microsoft 365 (the subscription version) will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 2028 — giving Microsoft 365 subscribers a longer runway to plan their Windows upgrade.
🔄 Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
One of the most common hesitations is simply not knowing whether Windows 11 is actually better. Here is a direct comparison:
| Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Security Updates | ❌ Ended Oct 2025 | ✅ Until 2031+ |
| Design & Interface | Functional but dated | Modern, cleaner, centred taskbar |
| Performance | Good on older hardware | Better on modern hardware, comparable overall |
| Gaming (DirectStorage) | Not supported | ✅ Supported — faster game loading |
| AI Features (Copilot) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Built-in Windows Copilot AI |
| Android Apps | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Run Android apps via Amazon Store |
| Virtual Desktops | Basic | ✅ Enhanced, more customisable |
| Snap Layouts | ❌ Not available | ✅ Powerful multitasking tool |
| Microsoft Support | ❌ Ended | ✅ Active until 2031 |
The verdict is clear: Windows 11 is the better, safer, more future-proof choice. The interface takes getting used to, but most users adapt within a week — and the security improvements alone are worth it.
After upgrading, learn how to speed up Windows 11 for maximum performance and explore the Microsoft Update Catalog to keep everything current and patched.
✅ Your Step-by-Step Action Plan Right Now
Not sure where to start? Follow this simple decision flowchart:
- Run the PC Health Check app — Download it free from Microsoft and find out in 60 seconds whether your PC can run Windows 11
- If compatible → Upgrade to Windows 11 for free — Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for Updates. Done.
- If not compatible → Decide: ESU or Linux or New PC
- Short on budget? → Enrol in ESU free (sign in with Microsoft Account) and plan to buy a new PC within 12 months
- Very old PC, everyday tasks only? → Try Linux Mint — it is free and your PC will run great
- Ready to invest? → Buy a new Windows 11 PC with SSD and 16 GB RAM
- Back up your data NOW regardless of which path you choose — Copy important files to an external drive or upload to OneDrive before making any changes
- Stay protected in the meantime — Install a strong browser extension blocker (uBlock Origin), keep your browser updated, and enable your router firewall
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Windows 10 still work after October 14, 2025?
A: Yes — your PC will still boot and your apps will still run. But it will receive no further security patches, meaning every new vulnerability discovered from that date onwards will remain permanently unpatched. It is functional but increasingly risky over time.
Q: Is the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 really free?
A: Yes, completely free — provided your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, compatible processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage). Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to verify eligibility instantly.
Q: What if my PC cannot run Windows 11 and I cannot afford a new one?
A: Your best options are: (1) Enrol in the ESU program for free using a Microsoft Account to buy another year of security updates; or (2) Install Linux Mint, which is completely free and runs superbly on older hardware that Windows 11 rejects.
Q: How long will the ESU program protect Windows 10?
A: The consumer ESU program provides security updates for one additional year beyond the October 14, 2025 end-of-support date — meaning protection through October 2026. After that, no further updates will be provided under any program for consumer editions.
Q: Will Windows 10 become dangerous to use immediately after October 2025?
A: Not immediately dangerous on Day 1 — but increasingly risky over weeks and months. Hackers typically ramp up attacks on unsupported systems after 3–6 months, once they know patches will no longer close the vulnerabilities they exploit. Act before that window closes.
Q: Can I force Windows 11 to install on an unsupported PC?
A: Technically yes — tools like Rufus can create a bootable Windows 11 USB that bypasses TPM and CPU checks. However, Microsoft explicitly warns this may cause instability, and these PCs may not receive future Windows 11 updates. This is an option of last resort for advanced users only.
🏁 Final Verdict: What Should YOU Do?
Here is the bottom line on Windows 10 end of support — what to do:
- If your PC is compatible → Upgrade to Windows 11 for free today. It is the fastest, safest, and most future-proof action you can take.
- If your PC is not compatible → Enrol in ESU for free (sign in with Microsoft Account) and use that year to either save up for a new PC or transition to Linux.
- If you want a fresh start → Buy a new Windows 11 PC with SSD and 16 GB RAM. Entry-level options start around $400 and will serve you for 5–8 years.
- If budget is truly zero → Install Linux Mint. It is free, secure, actively maintained, and genuinely excellent for everyday use.
Whatever you decide, do not stay on unprotected Windows 10 indefinitely. The risks compound with every passing month, and the consequences — ransomware, data theft, identity fraud — are far more costly and painful than any upgrade path.
For more Windows guides and PC help, explore these articles on PG Update:
- 📖 How to Speed Up Windows 11 — 12 Proven Tips
- 📖 Microsoft Update Catalog — Complete 2026 Guide
- 📖 How to Personalise Windows 11 with Custom Skin Packs
- 📖 Windows GPUpdate Commands — Complete Guide
- 📖 How to Install Windows on a Chromebook
Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend or family member still running Windows 10 — you could save their PC (and their data). Got questions? Drop them in the comments below and our team will help you out! 💬
Last Updated: February 2026 | Author: PG Update Tech Team | Sources: Microsoft Support, Windows Central, TechRadar | Read Time: ~9 minutes
