Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Since then, home users have been able to keep getting security fixes through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. That safety net ends on 13 October 2026, and this time there’s no paid extension for home PCs.
If you’re still on Windows 10, now is the time to decide what to do.
What actually happens on 13 October?
Nothing dramatic. Your PC will still switch on, your files will still be there and your apps will still open. But:
- No more security fixes. When criminals find a new hole in Windows 10, it won’t be patched.
- Software will drop support over time. Browsers, antivirus products, printers and apps will gradually stop supporting Windows 10.
- Risk grows every month. An unpatched PC that’s connected to the internet becomes an easier target for malware and ransomware.
Businesses: organisations can buy commercial ESU for longer (up to October 2028), but it gets more expensive each year. It’s a stopgap, not a plan.
Step 1: Check which version you’re on
Press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter. The box tells you whether you’re on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Step 2: Check if your PC can run Windows 11
- Download and run Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app.
- Click Check now.
- It will tell you whether your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements. The main ones are:
- a supported processor (roughly Intel 8th generation / AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer)
- TPM 2.0 (a security chip)
- Secure Boot, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
💡 Don’t give up at the first “no”. Many PCs fail the check only because TPM or Secure Boot is switched off in the BIOS. Turning them on takes a couple of minutes and can make an “incompatible” PC eligible.
Step 3: Back up first
Before any upgrade, back up your documents, photos and emails to an external drive or cloud storage like OneDrive. Upgrades usually go smoothly, but it’s never worth the risk.
Your options
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (free)
If your PC passes the check, go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and look for the Windows 11 upgrade. It’s free, and your files and apps come with you. Allow an hour or two.
2. Replace the PC
If your computer is more than 6–7 years old, it may be time for a new one. Recycle the old one responsibly, and wipe it first (Settings → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything).
3. Switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex
Older hardware often runs well on a free, lightweight operating system. ChromeOS Flex turns an old PC into something like a Chromebook. Linux Mint feels familiar to Windows users. Both are good choices if you mostly browse, email and write documents.
4. Keep it, but offline
If you need Windows 10 for one old program or device, such as a scanner or embroidery machine, keep that PC disconnected from the internet and use another device for browsing and email.
What not to do
- Don’t ignore it. “It still works” isn’t the same as “it’s still safe”.
- Don’t pay for dodgy “Windows 10 security” software that promises to replace Microsoft’s updates.
- Don’t do online banking on an unsupported PC.
Wrapping up
Check your PC with PC Health Check this week. If it qualifies, upgrade for free. If it doesn’t, it may just need a BIOS setting changing, and that’s worth checking before you buy something new.
