Windows 10 Support Has Ended

Here's What You Should Do Right Now

Your Windows 10 PC still works, but it's no longer protected. Here are your options—including a free one.

The Problem (In Plain English)

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows 10. This means:

• No more security patches — New vulnerabilities discovered in Windows 10 won't be fixed
• Your PC becomes an easier target — Hackers actively look for unpatched systems
• Your computer still works — It won't suddenly stop functioning, but the risks grow over time

If you're still running Windows 10, you need to take action. The good news? You have several options, and one of them is completely free.

Quick check: Not sure what version you're running? Press Windows key + R, type winver, and hit Enter. You'll see your Windows version instantly.

Your Options

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free, If Your PC Qualifies)

Best for: PCs purchased in the last 5-6 years

This is Microsoft's recommended path, and it's free if your computer meets the requirements.

How to check if your PC can upgrade:

1. Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft (search "PC Health Check" or visit aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp)
2. Open the app and click "Check now"
3. You'll instantly see if your PC meets Windows 11 requirements

If you pass: Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and you should see the Windows 11 upgrade offer.

Common reasons PCs fail the check:

• Missing TPM 2.0 (a security chip) — Sometimes this is just disabled in your BIOS settings and can be turned on
• Processor too old — Generally, you need an Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
• Not enough storage — You need at least 64GB of space

Option 2: Get Extended Security Updates for Free

Best for: Anyone who wants to stay on Windows 10 a bit longer without paying

Microsoft is offering one more year of security updates through their Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For home users, you can get this completely free—but there's a catch.

First, make sure you qualify:

• Your PC must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 (check via Settings → System → About)
• You need the latest Windows updates installed
• You must be an administrator on the PC

The free method:

1. Sign into Windows with a Microsoft account (not a local account)
2. Turn on Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud
3. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
4. Look for the "Enroll now" button for ESU
5. Click through the prompts—if you're syncing your settings, enrollment is free

The catch: Microsoft wants you using their cloud services. If you back up your Windows settings to your Microsoft account, they'll give you the security updates at no cost through October 13, 2026.

Alternative ways to enroll:

• Pay $30 — One-time fee, no cloud sync required
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points — If you use Bing, you may already have enough

Important: Your ESU license covers up to 10 PCs, so one enrollment can protect your whole household.

Option 3: Pay for Extended Security Updates ($30)

Best for: People who don't want to use Microsoft's cloud services

If you prefer using a local account and don't want to sync your data to Microsoft's cloud, you can simply pay $30 for one year of security updates.

How to enroll:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
2. Click "Enroll now"
3. You'll need to sign in with a Microsoft account to complete the purchase (but you can switch back to a local account afterward)
4. Select the $30 paid option
5. Complete the purchase

This keeps you protected until October 13, 2026—giving you another full year to plan your next move.

Option 4: Buy a New Computer

Best for: PCs that are 7+ years old or failed the Windows 11 compatibility check

Sometimes the most practical solution is a fresh start. If your PC can't run Windows 11 and you rely on it daily, a new computer might make more sense than nursing along aging hardware.

What to look for:

• Any new Windows PC sold today will come with Windows 11 pre-installed
• Budget laptops start around $300-400
• Consider what you actually use your computer for—you may not need a high-end machine

Before buying: Back up your important files. Windows Backup (Settings → Update & Security → Backup) can help transfer your files, settings, and even some apps to your new PC.

Quick Decision Guide

What to Avoid

• Ignoring this entirely — Your PC will keep working, but running an unpatched system connected to the internet gets riskier every month as new vulnerabilities are discovered.

• Panicking — You have options, including free ones. Microsoft has made it easier than ever to stay protected while you plan your next move.

• Bypassing Windows 11 requirements — While workarounds exist to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, Microsoft warns this can cause stability issues and may block future updates.

The Bottom Line

If you're still on Windows 10, here's the simplest path forward:

1. First, run the PC Health Check to see if you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free
2. If not, enroll in ESU (free if you sync your settings, or $30 if you don't)
3. Use that extra year to save for a new PC or wait to see if your situation changes

The ESU program runs through October 13, 2026. That gives you time—but don't wait too long. Every day without protection is a day your PC is more vulnerable.

Have questions about your specific situation? Drop them in the comments below.