Microsoft will stop providing free updates and standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
Your PC will still start. Your files will still be there. But the quiet protections that run in the background — the security fixes, quality patches, small bug repairs — those stop flowing from Microsoft.
The choice millions face
Rough number: between 35–40% of Windows users still run Windows 10. That’s a lot of machines. For many people, this is more than an IT checkbox; it’s their daily computer.
So what changes on October 15? New vulnerabilities discovered after the deadline won’t be patched. Over time, that makes a device easier for attackers to exploit. Browsers and apps will gradually drop support, too — and then it gets awkward in earnest.
Who can upgrade — and who can’t
Windows 11 is free for eligible machines, but eligibility matters. Minimums include 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and, crucially, TPM 2.0 (a hardware security module). If your laptop was made before about 2018, it may not have that chip.
If your device can’t run Windows 11, you’re left with three options: buy new hardware, enroll in Microsoft’s short-term safety program, or install an alternative operating system.
The short-term safety net: ESU
Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 devices. That extends critical security patches until October 13, 2026. Enrollment is available through Settings for machines on version 22H2. If you sign in with a Microsoft account and sync settings, ESU can be free; otherwise, Microsoft lists a one-time fee (about $30) or the option to redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points.
Important: ESU covers only critical and important security fixes — not new features, not full tech support.
Can old machines live longer without Windows 11?
Yes. Two practical routes:
• Install a Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Mint): free, actively updated, and kind to older hardware.
• Try ChromeOS Flex: Google’s lightweight option for web-centric tasks.
Both keep hardware useful and reduce e-waste — but they may require patience (and a little setup work).
The environmental and consumer fallout
Right-to-repair groups warn of a surge in e-waste.
CALPIRG’s Jenn Engstrom put it bluntly: The change is “bad for consumers, bad for security, and bad for the planet.” Estimates suggest hundreds of millions of devices worldwide could be affected. Most old electronics aren’t properly recycled; many end up in landfills.
That’s a valid worry. Upgrades are pricey. For a household or small business on a tight budget, replacing a perfectly serviceable machine is real pain.
Why Microsoft wants you on Windows 11
Microsoft says Windows 11 is more secure by design — hardware-based protections, smarter app controls, improved memory safety. The company reports fewer security incidents on newer devices. Also, newer “Copilot+” PCs push AI and new features that older systems were never built to run.
What happens if you do nothing?
Your PC keeps working for a while. But cracks appear. App updates stop. New software may refuse to install. Microsoft 365 apps will keep receiving security updates on Windows 10 only until about October 2028, after which functionality and safety will erode.
Antivirus helps, but without OS-level patches it’s only a partial shield.
Back up everything: OneDrive, external drives — do it before any change.
If eligible, upgrade to Windows 11 (free).
If not, consider ESU (short-term), Linux/ChromeOS Flex (longer-term), or look for trade-in/recycle programs from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and major retailers.
If you keep using Windows 10, tighten browser and email hygiene: update apps, enable multi-factor authentication, and avoid risky downloads.
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