Windows 10 support has ended: Here’s what you need to do going forward

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Starting October 14, 2025, computers still using Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, making them vulnerable to threats. This affects all Windows 10 users—whether you have the Home, Pro, or Enterprise version—and means you’ll need to take steps to keep your computer safe after that date.

Fortunately, you can still keep your Windows 10 PC safe after October 14th. Microsoft is offering extended security updates (ESU) that will provide security updates for an additional year, until October 2026, for individual users.

➡️ See all of our Windows 10 End of Life coverage

This program is essential to keep your Windows 10 computer safe and protected. Without it, your computer could be exposed to security risks as new vulnerabilities are found in Windows. While the program is free, you’ll need to complete a registration process to start using it.

This article covers what happens when Windows 10 is no longer supported and how to stay protected. You’ll learn about your choices for continuing to use Windows 10 or switching to a different operating system. It’s important to decide what you’ll do before October 14th to keep your computer safe and running smoothly.

What can you do now Windows 10 support has ended?

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Microsoft is offering a way to keep Windows 10 secure after October 2025. Their Extended Security Update (ESU) program provides an extra year of security updates. You can get these updates for free by signing in with your Microsoft account and backing up your PC settings online. If you prefer, you can also pay a one-time fee of $30 or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

As a fan of keeping my system secure, I was relieved to hear that if I’m in the European Economic Area, the Extended Security Update program is totally free – I don’t even need to link my PC settings to the cloud! But, Microsoft does ask that I sign in with my Microsoft account at least every 60 days to stay enrolled. If I forget, they’ll remove my PC from the program, and I’ll stop getting those crucial security updates, which I definitely don’t want!

While Extended Security Updates are one way to stay protected, you have other options – including free solutions or simply getting a new computer. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do when Windows 10 is no longer supported, along with our advice if you decide to invest in a solution.

What does EOL mean?

In business, ‘EOL’ stands for ‘End of Life,’ and it refers to when a company stops supporting an older product. This usually happens because the product is becoming outdated and has been replaced with a newer version. Companies discontinue support to save money when better alternatives are available.

When a PC reaches its ‘End of Life,’ it doesn’t instantly break down. What it *does* mean is that the manufacturer will no longer offer free updates or support – the free assistance you used to get is finished.

If you’re still using Windows 10, you won’t receive any further security updates, bug fixes, or performance improvements. This is a major change for the hundreds of millions of people who still use the operating system, and many are questioning whether Microsoft is ending support too quickly.

Microsoft’s latest operating system is Windows 11, offering a refreshed look and improved security, though it requires more powerful hardware. Since HP and Dell estimate about half of all computers are still running Windows 10, upgrading everyone won’t happen quickly. That’s why Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) – a paid service (or one you can sometimes get with reward points) that provides up to an extra year of important security fixes. While it’s not a permanent solution, many see it as a temporary fix. For small businesses and those on a tight budget, ESU can help them transition to new hardware or a full operating system upgrade over time.

The main issue isn’t just that Windows 10 is being discontinued, but the fact that users have little say in the matter. Microsoft pushes forward with its updates and new versions regardless of whether everyone is prepared, and while Apple does something similar, Microsoft’s widespread use of Windows makes this a bigger problem that consumer advocates are rightly focusing on.

Time is running out, so it’s best to start planning your next move now, before the October 2025 deadline creates a potential security risk.

Are there any alternatives to Windows 10?

Okay, so my Windows 10 is getting a little long in the tooth, and I’m thinking about upgrading. Windows 11 is the obvious choice, but it’s a bit frustrating because my computer needs to meet certain requirements. Specifically, it needs a TPM 2.0 chip – basically, a little piece of hardware that adds an extra layer of security. It protects your PC directly, instead of just relying on software. The good news is, a lot of computers actually *already* have one of these chips built in, so it’s worth checking!

Even if your computer doesn’t meet the requirements, you might still be able to install Windows 11, but success isn’t guaranteed. Microsoft doesn’t recommend this, as they still insist on using TPM 2.0 for security. If you’re not comfortable with these workarounds or staying on Windows 10, there are other options you could explore.

WINUX strongly resembles Windows 11, and this goes beyond just the background image and taskbar arrangement.

Richard Devine, Windows Central Managing Editor

It’s surprisingly easy to replace Windows 10 or 11 on your computer with another operating system, such as Linux or ChromeOS (the system used on Chromebooks). You don’t need to be a tech expert to do it.

WINUX, a newly released free Linux operating system, is designed to feel familiar to Windows users. It copies the look and feel of Microsoft’s operating system, and our tests show it’s the most successful Linux distro at replicating that Windows experience so far.

You’ll find installation instructions for Linux distributions or ChromeOS on their official websites. Generally, the process isn’t complicated and usually only needs a standard USB drive to create a bootable installer.

Upgrading your PC: Our top recommendations

A sure way to avoid problems when Windows 10 support ends is to purchase a new computer. While this isn’t the cheapest solution, we’ve found that one of the best Windows laptops is also surprisingly affordable.

The ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025) is a lightweight 14-inch laptop available at Amazon for around $879. It boasts impressively long battery life thanks to its efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor. Plus, it features a beautiful OLED screen – something ASUS is known for – making it a great value for a Windows 11 laptop under $1,000.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a premium 2-in-1 laptop, typically priced around $1,400 at Amazon. It features a powerful Snapdragon X Elite chip and is designed to take full advantage of Windows 11. Its standout features include a vibrant 120Hz OLED touchscreen and the option to use it as a tablet or with a detachable keyboard, offering a versatile computing experience.

10 years of Windows 10: How did we get here?

Windows 10 was the world’s most-used operating system for almost ten years, but Windows 11 became more popular earlier this year. While a decade of support is typical for operating systems, this situation is unusual because so many computers may not be able to upgrade to the newer version.

We’ll keep this page current with any important updates. We don’t anticipate any changes to Microsoft’s policies, and the Extended Security Update (ESU) program will probably continue to be the best way to keep using Windows 10 if you prefer not to upgrade.

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2025-10-20 16:42