Windows 10 end of support is finally here

As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 has reached end of support. Your PC will keep running, but free security updates and feature releases stop today. Here’s how to stay safe: upgrade to Windows 11, use Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a bridge, or move to an alternative OS—and how to wipe and retire a machine properly.

What end of support actually means

  • No more free security patches: Newly discovered vulnerabilities won’t be fixed for standard Windows 10 installations.
  • Microsoft 365 timelines shift: Microsoft 365 apps continue receiving security updates on Windows 10 for a limited period, but feature parity and long-term reliability favor Windows 11.
  • Third-party app drift: Over time, browsers, drivers, and key applications will drop Windows 10 support, increasing risk and reducing compatibility.

Option A — Upgrade to Windows 11 (preferred)

If your PC meets requirements (TPM 2.0, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, etc.), upgrading is the simplest way to keep security updates flowing.

  • Check eligibility: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.
  • Before you upgrade: Back up data, free 25–30 GB of space, update BIOS/UEFI if needed, and disconnect non-essential USB devices.
  • After upgrading: Re-enable BitLocker/Device Encryption, update chipset/GPU drivers, and verify Windows Hello/TPM status.

Option B — Use Windows 10 ESU as a short-term bridge

Extended Security Updates (ESU) provide critical patches for a limited time after EOL. Treat ESU as a bridge to an upgrade, not a permanent strategy. Check Microsoft’s ESU program page for availability, pricing (where applicable), and enrollment steps for your edition (Home/Pro vs. business SKUs).

Option C — Switch OS on older hardware

Machines that can’t meet Windows 11 requirements can still be useful:

  • Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora Workstation) for web, office, and coding workloads on older PCs.
  • ChromeOS Flex for simple, secure, low-maintenance setups on supported hardware.

If you’re retiring a Windows 10 PC: wipe it properly

  1. Back up first: Use File History or Windows Backup, and verify restores on a second device.
  2. Reset the PC: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything → choose the thorough (drive-wiping) option for HDDs. For SSDs, use vendor secure-erase tools when available.
  3. De-authorize accounts: Sign out of Microsoft account, deactivate paid apps (e.g., Adobe), and unlink the device from multi-factor authenticators.
  4. Dispose or hand-off securely: Reinstall to OOBE before resale; recycle via certified e-waste programs if the machine is beyond use.

Risk if you do nothing

Unpatched systems accrue vulnerabilities. If the PC is used for banking, school, or work, the cumulative risk of compromise rises every month you remain on an unsupported OS without ESU.

Quick decision guide

  • PC passes Windows 11 checks? Upgrade now.
  • Almost compatible but needs time? Enroll in ESU to buy a short window, then upgrade.
  • Old hardware / limited budget? Switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex and extend the machine’s life securely.

Sources

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