Microsoft is preparing to shut the door on Windows 10 support, with the operating system’s official end-of-life date set for October 14, 2025. After a decade of updates and widespread adoption, the company will stop releasing security patches, bug fixes, and new features for the platform. While Windows 10 has remained one of the most popular versions of the operating system, powering hundreds of millions of devices worldwide, this milestone forces users to decide: upgrade, extend, or switch.
The biggest concern for those who do nothing is security. Once the cut-off date passes, Windows 10 machines will no longer receive protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities, leaving them increasingly exposed to malware, ransomware, and other exploits. While existing software and drivers may continue to work for a while, history shows that developers gradually phase out support for outdated platforms, creating further usability challenges.
To soften the transition, Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program aimed at consumers. This program, long offered to enterprise customers, allows individuals to keep their Windows 10 machines patched for one additional year, until October 14, 2026. Enrollment can be handled through the Windows Update section in Settings. Eligible users will see an “Enroll now” option, which requires signing in with a Microsoft account. Those who agree to back up their settings to Microsoft’s cloud can access the ESU at no cost. For users who prefer not to use cloud backup, the program is available for $30 or 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, with coverage extending to as many as 10 devices.
For users with modern hardware, upgrading to Windows 11 is the most practical long-term solution. However, the system requirements for Windows 11 are stricter than any past upgrade. Devices lacking newer processors or TPM 2.0 support are not officially eligible, leaving many PCs manufactured before 2018 on the wrong side of compatibility. While there are unofficial workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices, these come with risks and lack official support, which may not be ideal for most households or businesses.
Those who want to move away from Microsoft altogether have other options. ChromeOS Flex, which Google has designed to extend the life of aging PCs and Macs, offers a streamlined, cloud-first operating system that works well for basic tasks. Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Mint provide more flexibility, along with compatibility for a wide range of hardware. These alternatives are free, though installing and configuring them requires more technical confidence than a typical Windows update.
For businesses and families alike, the critical message is that doing nothing is not sustainable. An unsupported Windows 10 system quickly becomes a security liability, particularly if it remains connected to the internet. Whether through the ESU program, upgrading to Windows 11, or adopting an alternative operating system, users need to make a choice before the October deadline to avoid running unprotected machines.
The end of Windows 10 underscores a broader reality of modern computing: even the most widely used platforms come with an expiration date. Planning ahead not only helps maintain security but also ensures a smoother transition into the next phase of desktop computing.
