Mark your calendars: October 14, 2025, is the day Microsoft officially stops supporting Windows 10. If your computer can’t upgrade to Windows 11, you need a plan. Here’s what you need to know and what your options are.
What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends?
After the deadline, your Windows 10 PC will still work, but it won’t get any more security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. This makes your computer more vulnerable to viruses and other security threats.
Your Options:
Here are five options to consider if your PC is incompatible with Windows 11, and you don’t want to use a vulnerable computer:
- Keep Using Windows 10 (Risky!): This is the easiest but least secure option. However, this exposes your system to potential security exploits and your PC becomes an easy target for hackers. Remember the Wannacry Ransomware in 2017 that infected computers in over 150 countries, including 70,000 computers used by the National Health Service in England? They were still using Windows XP that was no longer supported by Microsoft and any easy target.
- Get a New PC or Rent a Virtual One: The simplest solution is to buy a new computer that runs Windows 11. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Microsoft’s Windows 365, which lets you use a virtual Windows 11 PC in the cloud. This is a good temporary fix and will get you security updates for your old PC for up to 3 years.
- Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Microsoft offers paid security updates for Windows 10 for up to three more years.
- For Businesses: It’s expensive, starting at $61 per PC for the first year and doubling each year after.
- For Consumers: You can get one extra year of updates for $30, but that’s it.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 Anyway (Use Workarounds): There are ways to install Windows 11 on older hardware, even if Microsoft says it’s not compatible.
- Registry Edits: You might need to tweak some settings in your computer’s registry.
- Third-Party Tools: Programs like Rufus can help you bypass the compatibility checks during installation.
- Important Note: Very old CPUs might still be incompatible. Also, Microsoft will warn you that your PC isn’t officially supported, but this usually doesn’t stop you from getting updates.
What Does Dr. Tom Recommend?
Dr. Tom advises that if you can afford a new computer, the best option is to make the upgrade and get one that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. This ensures long-term security and compatibility.
However, if purchasing a new computer isn’t financially feasible right now, Dr. Tom recommends paying $30 for a year of security updates for Windows 10. Use this time to start saving for a new computer. With the knowledge that support will end entirely in three years, this approach allows you to budget and plan while maintaining security for your system.
The Bottom Line
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start planning now for what you’ll do when Windows 10 support ends. Consider your budget, your technical skills, and how important security is to you. Choose the option that best fits your needs and keeps your data safe.
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