Windows 10 support will be ending October 14, 2025. What does this mean? It means Microsoft will no longer release other versions of Windows 10, beyond the current version, which is version 22H2—released October 18, 2022. In this article, we will be exploring the options available to you after Windows 10 end of support. Some of the steps and tools in this article require some technical knowledge. So, if you need computer help, contact your local computer repair store.
Windows 10 Support End — What You Need To Know
Microsoft’s operating systems have a 10 year lifecycle. During that lifecycle, Microsoft releases different versions of their operating systems, which often include bug fixes and security patches. Those automatic updates stop at the end of each operating system’s lifecycle. But don’t throw out your Windows 10 machine just yet. Microsoft offers Windows 10 extended security updates.
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates
If you wish to continue using Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, Microsoft says they offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. According to Microsoft, “Individuals or organizations who elect to continue using Windows 10 after support ends on October 14, 2025, will have the option of enrolling their PCs into a paid ESU subscription.” You can find out more about the ESU program here.
Can My PC Support Windows 11?
To find out if your PC is compatible with Windows 11, if you are tech savvy, use the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft. It is probably already on your Windows PC through Windows Updates. But if not, you can download the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft. Please note, the results from running this tool may need to be evaluated by a computer expert. So, if you need computer help contact your local computer repair shop. If your PC’s CPU is supported, you may only need to turn on the TPM chip from your Windows PC’s Firmware/BIOS settings. This step requires technical experience.
My PC Does Not Support Windows 11, What’s Next?
Fear not. If you had your Windows PC setup just how you like it, it is possible to migrate your Windows 10 system to Windows 11 compatible hardware. After that, you can upgrade your system to Windows 11 after Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10. This process requires some technical steps to ensure that your Windows 10 system migrates successfully without errors.
The other option is to buy a new PC of course and start afresh. A word of caution on this is that Windows 11 requires a Microsoft account by default to set up Windows 11. There are pros and cons to that. If you set up your Windows 11 machine, be sure to write down or keep track of your Microsoft account password, not PIN. Otherwise, you will risk losing your data. My article about BitLocker On Windows 11 explains why.
Windows 10 Computer Help Orchards, WA
Do you need help upgrading or migrating your Windows 10 system to Windows 11 compatible hardware? If you live in Orchards—Vancouver, WA; Washougal, WA; Camas, WA; Battle Ground, WA; Brush Prairie or Ridgefield areas, please give PC Rescue Wiz a call at 360-773-3401. I am here to help.