What Does End of Life Mean?
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025. "End of life" doesn't mean your PC stops working — but it does mean Microsoft will no longer release security updates, bug fixes or patches for Windows 10. Any new vulnerabilities discovered from that point onwards will remain unpatched, leaving your computer exposed.
For home users and small businesses, running an unsupported operating system is a genuine security risk — particularly for anything involving online banking, client data, or sensitive business files.
First: Check if Your PC Can Run Windows 11
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, meaning not every PC can upgrade. The key requirements are a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and — crucially — a chip called TPM 2.0, which many older PCs either don't have or have disabled in the BIOS.
The easiest way to check is to run Microsoft's free PC Health Check app (search for it in the Microsoft Store or via microsoft.com). It will tell you whether your PC is compatible and flag exactly what's missing if it isn't.
Your Options
Option 1 — Upgrade to Windows 11 (free if compatible)
If your PC passes the health check, the upgrade is completely free via Windows Update.
It's straightforward for most users and takes about an hour.
Option 2 — Buy a new PC
If your PC is more than 5-6 years old and can't run Windows 11, it may be worth replacing
rather than trying to extend its life. A new budget Windows 11 laptop starts from around
£300–£400 and will be noticeably faster than an ageing Windows 10 machine.
Option 3 — Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft offers a paid programme called Extended Security Updates that provides critical
security patches beyond end of life — for a cost. This is mainly aimed at businesses
that need time to plan a migration and can't upgrade immediately.
Option 4 — Switch to Linux
For technically confident users, a free Linux distribution like Linux Mint runs well on
older hardware that can't handle Windows 11, and provides a modern, secure operating system.
It's not for everyone, but it's a legitimate option for home users who mainly browse the web
and use email.
What Small Businesses Should Do
If you're running a small business and have staff on Windows 10, the risk is more significant than for home users — particularly if any devices hold customer data, process payments, or connect to shared network resources. An unpatched PC on a business network can be a route in for ransomware and other attacks.
We'd recommend auditing which devices in your business are still running Windows 10, checking compatibility for Windows 11, and planning upgrades or replacements before the gap in security coverage gets wider.
Need Help With the Upgrade?
We can check your PC's compatibility, perform the Windows 11 upgrade remotely, and make sure everything's working properly afterwards — including transferring your files and settings.
Related Guides
Why Is My Laptop So Slow?
Could be the OS — check these 7 things first.
What is Ransomware?
Unpatched Windows 10 makes ransomware attacks easier. Here's how to protect yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Windows 10 after October 2025?
Yes — your PC won't stop working. But it will no longer receive security updates, which means any new vulnerabilities discovered after that date will stay unpatched. This makes it increasingly risky to use, especially for banking, sensitive data or business files.
Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?
Yes, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for compatible PCs. If your hardware meets the requirements, you can upgrade via Windows Update at no cost.
My PC can't run Windows 11 — what are my options?
You can buy a new PC, pay for Microsoft's Extended Security Updates programme, or switch to Linux. We can help you assess which option makes most sense for your situation.