Guides / Consumer & Business
Windows 10 end of support: what you can do now
On 14 October 2025 Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10. Millions of PCs keep running regardless — here are the realistic options, sorted by effort and cost.
Option 1: Consumer ESU — the grace period until October 2026
For the first time, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) to private users too: security updates for Windows 10 until 13 October 2026. Enrolment runs directly through the Windows Update settings. That buys a year — there are no new features, and after October 2026 it is definitively over for private users.
Option 2: Upgrade to Windows 11 — if the hardware allows
The upgrade is free, but fails on many older PCs due to the requirements (TPM 2.0, CPU list). Check the official PC Health Check first. If the machine meets the requirements, upgrading is the simplest path.
Option 3: New or refurbished device
If the hardware is too old, you don't necessarily need a brand-new device: refurbished business machines with Windows 11 are often 40-60 % cheaper and come with a warranty. For pure office/web use, business laptops 3-5 years old are usually more than enough.
Option 4: Linux — for the second PC or the brave
On hardware that can't run Windows 11, a current Linux (e.g. Linux Mint) runs excellently and keeps getting security updates. For browser, mail and office, the switch is much easier today than its reputation suggests.
And in the enterprise?
For businesses, commercial ESU is available until October 2028 at the latest (getting more expensive each year). In parallel: take a device inventory, check Windows 11 capability, plan the migration. Unsupported Windows 10 clients on the corporate network are a compliance and insurance issue.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows 10 keep running after end of support?
Yes, the PC starts and works normally. But without ESU there are no more security updates — the risk grows every month, especially for online banking and shopping.
What does consumer ESU for Windows 10 cost?
Microsoft offers the extension for private users either for a small one-off fee, via Microsoft Rewards points, or free of charge when using Windows Backup. It runs until 13 October 2026.
My PC can't run Windows 11 — do I have to throw it away?
No. Options: use ESU until October 2026, switch to Linux, or keep using the PC offline. Only after that does the question of buying new arise — refurbished devices are the affordable alternative.