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Windows 10 End of Service 
And What That Means For You

Note: This article links to the Microsoft website throughout. We do not control any of the content provided from those links.

Windows 10 End of Service, And What That Means For You

Note: This article links to the Microsoft website throughout. We do not control any of the content provided from those links.

 

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 is reaching the end of its service on October 14th 2025, a fact that you may already be aware of as Windows 10 has been serving notifications to users informing them to upgrade to Windows 11. If you’re still using Windows 10, now is a good time to figure out what this means for you, before October rolls around and you’re left with an unsupported Operating System.
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What the end of service means

End of Service means that Windows 10 will no longer receive updates - this includes feature updates and security updates. Additionally, Microsoft will stop providing technical support directly, as they are advising everyone to upgrade.

 

While Windows Updates will likely still work for older systems for some time, any new hardware that isn’t already supported could need to be manually installed.

 

Most important is the lack of new security updates - while any huge security flaw could see Microsoft or a third party provide a patch outside of what they’ve outlined, this is far from guaranteed. Additionally any third party offering a fix is done at your own risk, as an average user likely has no way to confirm the legitimacy of the update.

 

New software may also stop being developed and tested for Windows 10 - in the short term this is probably not going to cause them to be unusable, but as Windows 11 continues to develop and gain new features there will be new programs or games that are unable to be used on Windows 10.

Extended Support For Windows 10

For anyone who can’t (or won’t) upgrade, there is an option from Microsoft - though, it’s not free. Microsoft intends to offer Extended Security Updates. As of time of writing the exact method of distribution hasn’t been revealed yet, though pricing for business and customers has been announced:

 

Business users can expect to pay $61 per year, doubling each year. Private customers can expect to pay $30, though it’s unclear if this price will increase per year or if more than one year will even be available.

(This information may change closer to the end of service, see Microsoft’s site for up to date information: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates)

 

Microsoft is offering extended support for 3 years for business, totalling $427 per unit if used until 2028. This will cost either $90 or $210 for individuals, depending on if the same pricing scheme applies or if support is available past 2026 (we hope Microsoft more clearly clarifies this before October.)

What hardware is getting cut off?

Windows 11’s requirements cuts off quite a few systems. While they’ve been known for a while, Microsoft themselves provides a list of required features for your system to be supported.

 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements

 

Alternatively, if you know the exact CPU that your system has, you can check the following lists to see if they’re supported. If they are, it’s likely the rest of your system is (or can be made to be) supported by Windows 11 .

 

Click here for Intel 

 

Or here for AMD

How to check if you can upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft’s PC health check app provides an option to check whether or not your system supports Windows 11, and what needs to change if it doesn’t.

 

Selecting the “Check now” button will have your PC scanned to see whether it has everything Windows 11 wants.

 

In the case of this system, both the TPM chip and Processor are inadequate.

 

(Microsoft’s PC health check tool can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/how-to-use-the-pc-health-check-app-9c8abd9b-03ba-4e67-81ef-36f37caa7844)

How to upgrade to Windows 11

Some people think that upgrading to Windows 11 is easy enough to do by accident, but for everyone who wants to do it on purpose there’s a few ways to upgrade.

 

Windows may offer the upgrade directly from Windows Update - from the Windows start menu open “settings”. Next, select “Update and Security”. At the top of this screen, there may be an option to upgrade directly. ###Photo missing for the update screen

 

Should the upgrade not be available there, Microsoft offers a tool specifically for upgrading a pre-existing installation of Windows. The “Windows 11 installation assistant” is available from Microsoft’s website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

 

If you have your data backed up off of the system already and would like a clean reinstall, we have guides for varying manufacturers.

What to Do if Your Device Is Incompatible with Windows 11

If you find yourself unable to upgrade to Windows 11 on your laptop or PC, then you have a decision to make for when the End of Service arrives. Rest assured that your system will continue working fine until then, but it would be good practice to make sure you know what option you have before the day arrives.

1. Considering Buying a Newer Laptop Instead of Upgrading

This is the easiest and safest option, upgrading to a new laptop offers several advantages over continuing to use an outdated system. Newer laptops come pre-installed with Windows 11, ensuring that you’re protected with regular security updates and patches. Additionally, modern laptops feature improved hardware, such as faster processors, more RAM, and better graphics, which can enhance your overall computing experience.

 

Long-Term Support and Compatibility
By purchasing a Windows 11 ready system, you ensure that you’re using a device that will be supported for years to come. Windows 11 will continue to receive updates, offering security patches, new features, and software compatibility. This not only improves system performance but also safeguards your device against cyber threats, such as malware and ransomware, that target unsupported systems.

2. Continue using Windows 10 without extended support

Although we do not recommend it, this is by far the simplest option. Since you won’t receive security updates, you’ll have to take your system’s safety into your own hands. While not impossible, given free and paid security software that are available, it will require you to take a more active role in managing threats.

 

Think of this as “doing nothing”; it may not cause any problems now; in most likelihood, nothing is going to break the same day as support ends. But nobody can say for certain when it will become a problem, and the person who will have to deal with the problems if they appear is you.

 

Note: Continuing unsuported exposes your system to increasing vulnerabilities over time. While it may seem like nothing will break immediately, the reality is that critical security flaws will become more widespread and easier to exploit.

 

The Risks of Using Windows 10 After End of Service

 

Security Vulnerabilities and Cyber Threats
Without regular updates, your device becomes an easy target for cybercriminals. Hackers can exploit unpatched security vulnerabilities, making your system vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and viruses. In fact, many cyberattacks target outdated operating systems that are no longer receiving patches. A compromised system could lead to loss of personal data, identity theft, or even financial theft.

 

Data Breaches and Privacy Risks
As the security of your system weakens, the risk of data breaches increases. Attackers could gain unauthorized access to your sensitive information, including passwords, bank details, and personal files. This can lead to severe privacy issues and potential legal consequences, especially for business users handling customer data.

 

Software Compatibility Issues
Another risk of using Windows 10 after the end of service is software incompatibility. As new applications and software updates are designed for Windows 11, many programs may no longer be supported on Windows 10. Over time, you may find that newer software, especially security tools, will not run on your outdated system, leaving your device even more vulnerable to attacks.

 

Lack of Technical Support
After the end of service, you will no longer have access to official Microsoft support for troubleshooting, bug fixes, or technical assistance. If you encounter problems, you may need to rely on third-party solutions, which might not be reliable or safe.

3. Buy extended support

If you need Windows 10 for just another year, this may be a great option. So long as you understand that this is kicking the can down the road, using the extra time to prepare another option, then extended support may be just what you need.

 

It won’t last forever though, and when extended support ends you’ll end up back to square one; unless you’re finishing school on a small budget or are part of a big business and need the time to shift gears, maybe make other plans sooner.

4. Try another Operating System (Linux)

For some people, this is a complete non-option. Important software you need is just not available, peripherals you use every day aren’t supported and you have an irrational hatred of penguins - all are completely fair reasons not to use Linux. But while Microsoft has decided that hardware is no longer usable, anyone with older hardware that works fine could be served well.

 

“Software compatibility” might be a scary term, but all it boils down to is: do the programs that you need work? Check what you use in Windows and search if they work (or have alternatives) on Linux. If your work is done in a web browser, there’s a good chance it will.

 

Programs such as Adobe Premier or AutoCAD aren’t supported, and while alternatives such as KDENLive and FreeCAD do exist, there will be a learning curve. On the other hand, Google Chrome and Blender are supported just as much on Linux as they are on Windows and should be a very smooth experience.

 

It’s not for everyone, but whether it’s to avoid paying for a new computer or a desire to prevent e-waste, it remains a hidden niche for saving older systems.
 
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Make Your Plan Before Windows 10 Support Ends

While Microsoft has the ability to push back the Windows 10 end of service date, there's no guarantee they will. With Windows 10 support ending on October 14, 2025, it's essential to start planning ahead. Whether you decide to hold out for extended support, purchase extended security updates, or upgrade your system to Windows 11, the clock is ticking.

 
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Delaying your decision could leave your system vulnerable to security threats, software incompatibility, and a lack of technical support. To protect your device and data, it's best to explore your options now and make the transition well before the deadline. Take action today to ensure your system remains secure, up-to-date, and fully supported.

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