Home › Guides › Windows 10 end of support: options for homes and small offices
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. That means Microsoft stopped releasing security updates for it. If you’re still running Windows 10 on a computer, you now have three realistic choices: upgrade to Windows 11, buy Extended Security Updates, or switch to an alternative operating system like Linux.
Why end of support matters
When an operating system reaches end of support, the manufacturer stops releasing security patches. New vulnerabilities are discovered regularly, and without patches, computers running Windows 10 are increasingly vulnerable to ransomware, theft of personal data, and malware. A computer without security updates gets riskier the longer you use it.
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
The straightforward path is to upgrade to Windows 11. It’s a newer operating system with modern security features. Rather than one fixed retirement date for the whole product, Microsoft releases a new annual version roughly every year, each supported for about two years on Home and Pro editions, so staying on a current version keeps you continuously covered. Windows 11 runs the same software as Windows 10 for most users, though a few older programmes may not work.
Check if your computer can run Windows 11. Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements are: a compatible 64-bit processor of 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0 security chip. It’s the TPM 2.0 and processor-compatibility requirements that rule out many older machines, even ones that otherwise still run well. You can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check compatibility tool to verify.
Cost: If you buy a new computer, Windows 11 usually comes pre-installed at no extra cost. A standalone licence can also be bought directly from Microsoft or retailers if you’re upgrading an eligible older PC that didn’t come with one.
Option 2: Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If you need more time before upgrading, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates. This is a paid service that delivers security patches for Windows 10 even after official support ended.
For consumers: Microsoft’s consumer ESU programme covers eligible Windows 10 devices until 12 October 2027. You can enrol at no cost by syncing your PC settings through Windows Backup, or by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points; alternatively there’s a one-off paid option. Once enrolled, the device keeps receiving security-only updates through to the programme’s end date.
For businesses: Organisations can buy ESU for Windows 10 through Microsoft’s volume licensing, on an annual subscription for up to three years after the October 2025 end-of-support date. Pricing is per device, starting at a set rate for Year One and doubling in each subsequent year, so cost rises sharply the longer a business delays upgrading.
When to use ESU: ESU is useful if you’re still running a mission-critical system on Windows 10 and upgrading would be disruptive, but you want security updates whilst you plan the transition. It’s a temporary solution, not a long-term strategy.
Option 3: Switch to an alternative
If your computer is too old to run Windows 11, or if you want to avoid Microsoft’s licensing costs, you can switch to Linux (a free operating system) or to Apple macOS (if buying a new Apple computer).
Linux is free and secure. Many free programmes run on Linux—web browsers, office software (LibreOffice), email clients, and media players. It’s less familiar to most users, but simple tasks like browsing, email, and document editing are straightforward. Ubuntu is a beginner-friendly Linux distribution, and it runs on most computers.
macOS (Apple’s operating system) is polished and secure, but it requires buying an Apple computer, which costs more than a Windows machine. If you’re buying a new computer anyway, it’s an option, though not cost-effective if you have a perfectly good Windows computer already.
Why not just keep using Windows 10?
You can, technically. Computers don’t stop working when support ends. However, the longer you use Windows 10 without updates, the greater your risk of infection. If you connect to the internet, access email, or handle financial information, a Windows 10 computer without updates is increasingly dangerous. Cybercriminals actively exploit unpatched systems. For personal use, it’s risky. For business use, it’s unwise.
What to do now
Make a decision without too much delay. If you’re happy with Windows 10 and your computer is compatible, plan to upgrade to Windows 11 well before consumer ESU coverage ends on 12 October 2027. If your computer is old, budget for a new one or prepare to switch to Linux.
Before upgrading: Back up your files using the 3-2-1 backup rule. An upgrade can go wrong, and you want your data safe.
If you work for a small business: Upgrades can disrupt staff. Plan the upgrade during quieter periods, or roll it out gradually. Get IT support to handle the upgrade if you’re not confident, to minimise downtime.
Key points
- Windows 10 support ended 14 October 2025; computers no longer receive security updates
- Three options: upgrade to Windows 11 (each version supported for about two years, with new versions released roughly annually), buy Extended Security Updates (consumer coverage runs until 12 October 2027), or switch to Linux or macOS
- Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 security chip, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage; many computers from around 2017–2018 onwards meet this, but plenty of older machines don’t
- Extended Security Updates are a temporary bridge, not a long-term strategy; consumer coverage ends in October 2027
- Continuing to use Windows 10 without updates increases your risk of ransomware and data theft
Related: Find IT support near you