What You Need to Know About Windows 10 End of Support 2025

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If you're still running Windows 10, you're probably wondering what this actually means for you and whether you need to do anything about it.

Let me break down what's happening, why it matters, and what your options are.

What Does "End of Support" Actually Mean?

When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it means they stop providing:

• Security updates: No more patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities
• Bug fixes: Issues won't be addressed, even if they're causing problems
• Technical support: Microsoft won't help you troubleshoot Windows 10 issues
• Feature updates: No new capabilities or improvements

Your computer won't suddenly stop working on October 15, 2025. Windows 10 will continue to boot up and run your programs just like it did the day before. But without security updates, you're increasingly vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other security threats.

Why Is Microsoft Ending Support?

Windows 10 launched in July 2015—that's over 10 years ago. Microsoft has been supporting it longer than most previous Windows versions. The company wants to focus resources on Windows 11, which has better security features, modern architecture, and improved performance.

This is standard practice in the software industry. Operating systems have lifecycles, and eventually, maintaining old versions becomes impractical.

What Happens If You Keep Using Windows 10?

Technically, you can keep using Windows 10 after support ends. Here's what that looks like:

The Risks

• Security vulnerabilities: Hackers actively look for exploits in unsupported systems. Without patches, you're an easy target.
• Compliance issues: Many industries require up-to-date, supported operating systems for regulatory compliance
• Software compatibility: New applications and updates may stop supporting Windows 10
• Hardware driver issues: Manufacturers will stop releasing Windows 10 drivers for new hardware
• No help from Microsoft: If something breaks, you're on your own

Who Might Stay on Windows 10 (For Now)

Some situations where staying on Windows 10 temporarily might make sense:

• Older computers that can't run Windows 11
• Specialized software that doesn't work on Windows 11
• Businesses with large deployments that need more time to migrate
• Air-gapped systems (not connected to the internet)

But even in these cases, you should have a plan to upgrade or replace the system eventually.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program

Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, but it's not free and it's primarily aimed at businesses.

How ESU Works

• First year (2025-2026): $61 per device
• Second year (2026-2027): $122 per device
• Third year (2027-2028): $244 per device

The price doubles each year to incentivize migration. ESU only provides critical security updates—no new features, no bug fixes for non-security issues, and no technical support.

For most individuals and small businesses, paying for ESU doesn't make financial sense. You're better off upgrading to Windows 11 or buying new hardware.

Can Your PC Run Windows 11?

Before you decide how to upgrade, check if your current computer meets Windows 11's requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit compatible (Intel 8th gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer)
• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Storage: 64 GB or larger
• Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: HD (720p), at least 9" diagonal, 8 bits per color channel

The big sticking points are usually the processor generation and TPM 2.0. Most computers from 2018 or later meet the requirements, but many from 2017 or earlier don't.

How to Check Compatibility

1. Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft
2. Run it and click "Check now"
3. It'll tell you if your PC is compatible and what's blocking you if it's not

Your Upgrade Options

You have several paths forward, depending on your hardware and budget.

Option 1: Free Upgrade to Windows 11 (If Compatible)

If your PC meets the requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is free and straightforward:

1. Back up your important files (always do this before major updates)
2. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
3. If Windows 11 is available, you'll see an option to download and install
4. Follow the prompts—your files and apps will transfer automatically

The upgrade typically takes 30-60 minutes. Your PC will restart several times during the process.

Option 2: Buy a New Windows 11 PC

If your current computer doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements, it's probably 7+ years old. At that age, buying a new PC often makes more sense than trying to upgrade.

Modern computers are significantly faster, more energy-efficient, and come with Windows 11 pre-installed. You can find decent Windows 11 laptops starting around $400-500, or desktops from $500-600.

Option 3: Upgrade Your Hardware

If you have a desktop PC from 2017-2018 that's close to meeting requirements, you might be able to upgrade components:

• Add more RAM (if you only have 4 GB)
• Upgrade to an SSD (if you're still on a hard drive)
• Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS (if your motherboard supports it but it's disabled)

However, if your processor is too old, you'd need to replace the motherboard, CPU, and possibly RAM—at which point you're basically building a new computer.

Option 4: Switch to a Different Operating System

If you don't want to buy new hardware or pay for Windows 11, consider alternatives:

• Linux: Free, secure, and runs well on older hardware. Ubuntu and Linux Mint are beginner-friendly.
• Chrome OS Flex: Google's free OS that turns old computers into Chromebook-like devices

These options work well for basic tasks (web browsing, email, documents) but may not support specialized Windows software.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11: Step-by-Step

If you've decided to upgrade to Windows 11, here's the complete process:

Before You Start

1. Back up your data: Use an external drive, cloud storage, or both
2. Check compatibility: Run the PC Health Check app
3. Free up space: You need at least 64 GB free
4. Update Windows 10: Install all available updates first
5. Plug in your laptop: Don't upgrade on battery power

Method 1: Windows Update (Recommended)

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I)
2. Go to Update & Security → Windows Update
3. Click "Check for updates"
4. If Windows 11 is available, click "Download and install"
5. Accept the license terms
6. Wait for the download and installation (30-60 minutes)
7. Your PC will restart multiple times
8. Follow the setup prompts

Method 2: Installation Assistant

If Windows Update doesn't offer the upgrade:

1. Go to the Windows 11 download page
2. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
3. Run the executable
4. Click "Accept and install"
5. The tool will download and install Windows 11 automatically

Method 3: Clean Install (Advanced)

For a fresh start without old files and settings:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft
2. Create a bootable USB drive (8 GB minimum)
3. Boot from the USB drive
4. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)"
5. Select your drive and follow the prompts

This erases everything, so make sure you have backups.

What If You Have a Windows 10 License?

Good news: if you have a genuine Windows 10 license, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Your license transfers automatically during the upgrade.

If you're doing a clean install, you can use your Windows 10 product key to activate Windows 11. The licensing is compatible across both versions.

What About Windows 10 LTSC?

Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a special edition for businesses and specialized systems. Different LTSC versions have different end-of-support dates:

• Windows 10 LTSC 2019: Supported until January 2029
• Windows 10 LTSC 2021: Supported until January 2027

If you're running LTSC, you have more time, but you should still plan your migration strategy.

Common Questions and Concerns

Will my programs work on Windows 11?

Most Windows 10 programs work fine on Windows 11. The compatibility is very high. However, some older software or hardware drivers might have issues. Check with your software vendors if you rely on specialized applications.

Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading?

Yes, but only for 10 days after upgrading. Go to Settings → System → Recovery and click "Go back." After 10 days, you'd need to do a clean install of Windows 10.

Is Windows 11 slower than Windows 10?

On compatible hardware, Windows 11 is generally as fast or faster than Windows 10. It has better memory management and performance optimizations. If your PC meets the requirements, you shouldn't see a slowdown.

What if I don't want to upgrade?

You can keep using Windows 10, but understand the security risks. At minimum, use a good antivirus, keep your software updated, and avoid risky online behavior. Consider the ESU program if you need more time.

Do I need to buy Windows 11?

If you're upgrading from a licensed Windows 10 installation, no—the upgrade is free. If you're building a new PC or installing on a computer that never had Windows, you'll need to purchase a Windows 11 license.

Timeline: What to Do and When

Here's a practical timeline for planning your transition:

Now (November 2025)

• Check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11
• Back up your important data
• Decide whether to upgrade or buy new hardware

By End of 2025

• Complete your upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new hardware
• Test your critical applications on Windows 11
• Ensure all your data is migrated and accessible

Early 2026

• If you're still on Windows 10, evaluate ESU or alternative solutions
• Finalize your migration plan if you haven't already

For Businesses: Additional Considerations

If you're managing Windows 10 devices for a business, you have extra factors to consider:

• Inventory assessment: Audit all devices to determine compatibility
• Application testing: Test business-critical software on Windows 11
• Deployment planning: Use tools like Windows Autopilot or SCCM for large-scale upgrades
• User training: Windows 11 has interface changes that may require training
• Budget planning: Factor in hardware replacements and potential ESU costs
• Compliance requirements: Ensure your industry regulations allow unsupported OS or plan accordingly

Microsoft offers deployment resources specifically for businesses managing this transition.

My Recommendation

Here's what I'd do based on different scenarios:

If your PC is compatible with Windows 11: Upgrade now. It's free, relatively painless, and you'll be secure and supported. Don't wait until the last minute.

If your PC is 7+ years old and incompatible: Buy a new computer. Modern PCs are significantly better, and trying to limp along with an unsupported OS isn't worth the security risk.

If you're a business with many devices: Start your migration planning immediately if you haven't already. Consider ESU for devices that absolutely can't be upgraded yet, but have a timeline to replace them.

If you have specialized software that won't work on Windows 11: Contact the vendor about Windows 11 compatibility. If they won't update, consider virtualization or finding alternative software.

Final Thoughts

The end of Windows 10 support isn't something to panic about, but it's not something to ignore either. You have options, and the sooner you make a plan, the less stressful the transition will be.

For most people, upgrading to Windows 11 is the right move. It's free if your hardware supports it, and you'll get years of continued support and security updates. If your PC can't run Windows 11, it's probably time for a new computer anyway.

Whatever you decide, don't just keep using Windows 10 indefinitely without a plan. The security risks are real, and they'll only get worse over time.

Take action now, and you'll be set for the next several years of computing.