Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Your computer still works, but it no longer gets free feature updates or technical help, and security updates are now only available through an extended scheme. Here’s what that means and what your options are.
What “end of support” means
Security updates fix weaknesses that viruses and hackers use to get into computers. Without them, a computer becomes more vulnerable over time, especially if you use it for online banking, shopping or email. Over time, some programs and browsers also stop supporting older versions of Windows.
Extended security updates for home users
Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, and has extended the scheme for home users until October 2027. To enrol, your computer needs Windows 10 version 22H2, and you need to sign in with a Microsoft account. You can join at no extra cost by syncing your settings with Windows Backup or by using Microsoft Rewards points, or you can pay for a one-year licence. ESU only provides security updates, not new features or support, so it buys you time rather than replacing an upgrade.
Can my computer run Windows 11?
Windows 11 has stricter requirements than Windows 10. The main ones are:
- A supported processor, which generally means Intel 8th generation or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
- TPM 2.0, a security chip built into most computers made in the last few years
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
- At least 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage
The easiest way to check is Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app. On some computers TPM is simply switched off in the BIOS, and turning it on is all that’s needed.
How to upgrade safely
- Back up your files to OneDrive or an external drive before you start.
- Check your important programs and printers work with Windows 11.
- Look in Settings, then Windows Update. If your computer is eligible, the upgrade is usually offered there for free. Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant is another option.
- Leave plenty of time and keep the computer plugged in. Don’t switch it off part-way through.
If your computer can’t run Windows 11
- Use ESU to buy time until October 2027 while you plan what to do next.
- Upgrade the hardware. Some desktops can take a new motherboard and processor, though this isn’t possible on laptops.
- Replace the computer. Our guide Repair or Replace? can help you decide.
- Dispose of the old one safely. Our sister company EcoReboot provides secure data destruction and IT recycling.
There are unofficial ways to force Windows 11 onto unsupported computers, but Microsoft doesn’t support them and they can cause problems with future updates, so we don’t recommend them for most people.
What about businesses?
Businesses can also pay for Extended Security Updates, with different pricing and terms from the home scheme. Planning upgrades early spreads the cost and avoids disruption, and any computers you retire should have their data securely destroyed rather than simply being thrown away.
How we can help
We can check whether your computer is compatible, back up your files, carry out the upgrade, move everything across to a new machine, or set up a replacement. We also handle upgrades for businesses with several computers. See our computer and PC repair and business IT support pages.
In short: Windows 10 still works, but it’s running on borrowed time. Check whether your computer can run Windows 11 with PC Health Check, back up and upgrade if it can, and use Extended Security Updates to plan ahead if it can’t.
Need a hand? PC Masters offers a free diagnosis over the phone, a £59 same-day call-out across Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Harpenden and Leighton Buzzard, No Fix, No Fee, and a warranty from 1 month up to 36 months. Book online or call 0800 145 5521, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm.