Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and offered home users a year of Extended Security Updates. That extra year ends on October 13, 2026. After that, Windows 10 computers stop getting security fixes.
What “end of support” means
- Your computer keeps turning on and working – nothing shuts off
- But new security holes are no longer fixed, so it becomes riskier to use for email, banking and shopping online
- Over time, browsers and other programs drop support for Windows 10 too
Step 1: check if your PC can run Windows 11
Open Settings → Windows Update. If your computer is eligible, Windows usually says so there and offers the free upgrade. Microsoft’s PC Health Check app gives a clear yes or no and the reason. Many computers from about 2018 onward qualify; older ones often don’t, because Windows 11 needs a newer processor and a security chip called TPM 2.0.
Step 2: pick your option
- It’s eligible: back up your files, then upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Your files and most programs come along.
- It’s not eligible, but the computer is otherwise good: a replacement is the safe long-term answer. Your old files, photos and email can be moved to the new computer.
- Keep using it for now: if you must, avoid banking and shopping on it, keep your browser and antivirus updated, and plan to replace it soon.
Be careful with tricks you may find online for forcing Windows 11 onto unsupported computers. They can stop working after future updates and leave you without security fixes anyway.
We can help either way
A $49 diagnostic tells you whether your computer can upgrade and whether it’s worth it (credited toward the work). If it’s time for a new one, new computer setup & file transfer is $99 – everything moved over, set up and ready. See computer repair or call or text 567-376-5863.
