Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Home users could sign up for a year of Extended Security Updates (ESU), but that extra year ends on October 13, 2026. After that, home PCs running Windows 10 stop getting security fixes.
Your computer won’t suddenly stop working. But every new security hole found after that date stays open, and that makes an unsupported computer a much easier target for malware and scams.
Step 1: Check which Windows you have
Press Win + R, type winver and press Enter. A box tells you whether you’re on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Step 2: Can your PC run Windows 11?
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including a TPM 2.0 security chip, a supported processor, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
The easiest way to check is Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app. Download it from Microsoft’s website, open it and click Check now.
Option A: Upgrade to Windows 11 for free (if your PC qualifies)
If your PC meets the requirements, the upgrade is free.
- Back up your files first (see our backup guide).
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- If you see Upgrade to Windows 11, click Download and install.
Your files and most apps come with you. The upgrade can take an hour or more, so start it when you don’t need the computer.
Option B: Replace the computer
If your PC can’t run Windows 11, it’s usually five or more years old. A new or refurbished Windows 11 PC, a Mac, or a Chromebook may be the most practical choice. See our guide to deciding whether to repair or replace.
Before you hand the old one on, back it up and wipe it (see our guide to wiping a computer).
Option C: Give an older PC a new operating system
If the hardware still works well, a different operating system can keep it useful and secure:
- ChromeOS Flex (free from Google) turns an older PC into something like a Chromebook. Great for web browsing, email and video calls.
- Linux Mint is a free, beginner-friendly Linux system that looks and works a lot like Windows.
Both replace Windows and erase the drive, so back up first. They also won’t run some Windows-only programs, so check what you rely on before switching.
What if I just keep using Windows 10?
Some people will, at least for a while. If you do:
- Keep your browser updated. Chrome, Edge and Firefox continue updating for a time, and they’re your main line of defense online.
- Keep Microsoft Defender running. It’s still updated with new threat definitions for now, but that doesn’t fix security holes in Windows itself.
- Avoid using it for banking and sensitive accounts if you can do those on a supported device.
- Plan your move. The risk grows every month as new problems are found and never fixed.
Beware of upgrade scams
Expect scam emails, pop-ups and phone calls offering “Windows 10 support” or “urgent security upgrades.” Microsoft won’t call you. Only upgrade through Windows Update or Microsoft’s own website.
The bottom line
Check your version, run PC Health Check, and upgrade to Windows 11 for free if you can. If you can’t, plan to replace the PC or switch it to ChromeOS Flex or Linux. Either way, back up your files first, and don’t leave it too long.
