What to Do Before Windows 10 Ends Support in October 2025

Patrick_Yu · August 29

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The clock is ticking for Windows 10. After a decade of powering millions of PCs around the globe, Microsoft will officially end support for this trusted operating system on October 14, 2025. This date marks the end of an era, as Windows 10 users will no longer receive the crucial security updates, bug fixes, or technical support that have kept their systems running smoothly for years.

As this deadline approaches, users are faced with a critical decision. Continuing to use Windows 10 without support will leave systems increasingly vulnerable to security risks and performance issues. Although your PC won’t stop working overnight, the absence of updates from Microsoft signals a significant shift that can’t be ignored. To make informed decisions about the future, it’s important to understand exactly what the end of support means.

Impact of Windows 10 end of life

Once Windows 10 officially reach the end of its support lifecycle, Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for any version of Windows 10, including the latest version, 22H2.

Without these updates, your PC becomes increasingly vulnerable to security risks. Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly, and without patches, any new vulnerabilities discovered in Windows 10 will be left exposed. Statistics show that unpatched systems are significantly more likely to be targeted by malware and cyberattacks, potentially leading to data breaches, identity theft, or loss of sensitive information.

Additionally, the lack of bug fixes means that any existing or new software issues will remain unresolved. Over time, this can result in degraded system performance, crashes, and compatibility problems with newer software and hardware. For businesses, this could lead to operational disruptions, increased IT costs, and compliance risks.

Microsoft’s decision to end support is firm, with no plans to extend the deadline. This leaves users with limited options: upgrade to a supported operating system, invest in new hardware, or risk running an unsupported, vulnerable system.

Given these risks, it’s essential to evaluate your current setup and plan your transition away from Windows 10 to maintain security and functionality.

Preparing for the end of Windows 10 support

As the end of support for Windows 10 approaches, it’s essential to plan your next steps to ensure your system remains secure and functional. Continuing to use Windows 10 without updates is risky, but fortunately, there are several options available to help you navigate this transition. Here’s what you can do to prepare for the end of Windows 10 support.

1. Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 is the most straightforward way to ensure your system remains secure and supported beyond Windows 10's end-of-life. However, your PC must meet specific minimum requirements to make the transition. Here’s what you need to know:

Minimum System Requirements

To upgrade to Windows 11, your PC must meet the following minimum system requirements:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor. The processor must be on Microsoft’s list of approved CPUs. Note that even if your CPU meets the speed and core count, it may still be unsupported if it lacks certain modern features. For example, the Intel Core i5-6600K (from the 6th-generation "Skylake" series) meets the GHz requirement but is not supported for Windows 11 due to the absence of TPM 2.0.
RAM: 4 GB or more.
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
System Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. If your device is currently running BIOS instead of UEFI, you may need to change settings or upgrade your firmware to enable Secure Boot.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required. TPM 2.0 support started becoming standard in CPUs and motherboards around 2016, with Intel’s 7th-generation "Kaby Lake" processors and AMD’s Ryzen series. However, TPM is often tied to the motherboard rather than the CPU itself, so your system must have the appropriate firmware to enable it. If your PC doesn’t have TPM 2.0, you might be able to enable it through your firmware settings, or you may need to upgrade your hardware.
Graphics Card: Your graphics card must be compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver. DirectX 12 was released alongside Windows 10 in 2015, and graphics cards started supporting it around the same time. NVIDIA’s GeForce 900 series (Maxwell architecture), AMD’s Radeon 300 series, and Fury series (GCN 3.0 architecture), as well as Intel integrated graphics in 6th-generation "Skylake" processors, were among the first to support DirectX 12. If your GPU is from this era or later, it is likely compatible with Windows 11.
Display: A high-definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 inches diagonally and supports 8 bits per color channel.
Internet Connectivity and Microsoft Account: For Windows 11 Home edition, an internet connection and a Microsoft account are required to complete the setup on first use.
Current Windows Version: Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade via Windows Update.

If your PC doesn’t meet the Windows 11 requirements, upgrading certain components might be a viable solution. Adding more RAM or increasing storage can be straightforward and relatively inexpensive. Enabling TPM 2.0 through your system’s firmware settings might also make your PC compatible.

However, if your processor or graphics card falls short, upgrading these components can be more complex and costly. In such cases, weigh the costs of these upgrades against the potential benefits to determine if it’s worth it or if a new system might be a better investment.

2. Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU)

If upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t feasible due to hardware limitations or other factors, purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESU) offers a temporary solution to keep your Windows 10 system secure. ESUs provide critical security patches for Windows 10 after its official end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. The ESU program is available to both businesses and consumers, allowing them to extend security coverage for up to three additional years. However, this service comes at a cost that increases each year: $61 per device in the first year, $122 in the second year, and $244 in the third year. Importantly, the updates are cumulative, meaning that if you choose to enroll later, you’ll need to pay for all previous years.

While ESUs offer a critical safety net for systems that cannot be upgraded immediately, they are not a long-term solution. Microsoft has made it clear that ESUs are intended as a temporary measure to provide extra time for users to transition to a supported operating system. Additionally, ESUs only cover security updates, with no new features or non-security updates included. This option is particularly useful for businesses or individuals who need more time to upgrade but should be seen as a stopgap rather than a permanent fix.

3. Buy a new device

If your current PC doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11 and upgrading individual components isn’t feasible, buying a new device may be the best option. A new computer will come pre-installed with Windows 11, ensuring you have a system that’s fully compatible with the latest software and security updates.

Purchasing a new device guarantees that you’ll be running a supported operating system, with all the benefits of the latest hardware technology. Modern PCs offer improved performance, better power efficiency, and enhanced security features that older systems lack. Additionally, new devices often come with warranties and support services that can provide peace of mind.

If you’re considering a new PC, be sure to check out the wide range of options available at the Acer Store. Acer offers a variety of devices that are not only equipped to handle Windows 11 but also provide cutting-edge AI features and reliability.

While this is the most expensive option upfront, it’s also the most future-proof. Investing in a new computer not only ensures compatibility with Windows 11 but also positions you well for future software updates and technological advancements. If your current device is aging or struggling to keep up with modern demands, a new PC might be the most practical and long-term solution.

4. Switch to a different operating system

If upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing a new device isn’t feasible, switching to a different operating system could be a viable alternative. This option allows you to keep using your existing hardware while maintaining a secure and supported environment. Two popular alternatives are Linux and Chrome OS Flex, each offering unique advantages depending on your needs.

Linux

Linux is a powerful, free, and open-source operating system that can run on a wide range of hardware, including older machines that might not be compatible with Windows 11. Popular distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint are user-friendly and have extensive community support, making them accessible even to those new to Linux. Linux can handle most tasks that Windows does, including web browsing, office productivity, and even gaming, thanks to compatibility layers like Wine and Steam Proton. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the system to your specific needs. However, there’s a learning curve, especially if you’re used to the Windows environment, and some specialized Windows software might not run natively on Linux.

Chrome OS Flex

Chrome OS Flex, developed by Google, is another viable alternative, especially for users whose primary activities are web-based. It’s a lightweight operating system designed to run efficiently on older hardware, offering a smooth and secure experience. Chrome OS Flex integrates well with Google’s suite of apps and services, making it an excellent choice for users already invested in the Google ecosystem. If you’re interested in transforming an older laptop into a Chromebook, you can learn more about it in this article. Chrome OS Flex is ideal for basic tasks like browsing, email, and online productivity but is less suitable for more demanding applications, as it primarily supports web applications rather than full desktop software.

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Switching to a different operating system can extend the life of your current hardware and provide a secure environment without the costs associated with upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing a new device. However, it requires careful consideration of your specific needs and whether the chosen OS can support the software and workflows you rely on.

5. Continue using Windows 10 without support (Not Recommended)

Continuing to use Windows 10 without updates leaves your system vulnerable to new threats, making it an easy target for hackers and malware. Over time, you’ll also face increased risks of system instability, reduced performance, and compatibility issues with newer software and hardware.

If you do choose to continue using Windows 10 after support ends, the safest approach is to completely disconnect the computer from the internet. This means disabling Wi-Fi, unplugging any Ethernet cables, and avoiding any online activities altogether. While this can reduce the risk of online threats, it severely limits the functionality of your system and doesn’t eliminate the risks associated with using an unsupported operating system.

While it might seem convenient to keep using Windows 10, the long-term risks outweigh any short-term benefits. For these reasons, it’s strongly recommended to explore other options like upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing Extended Security Updates, switching to a different operating system, or buying a new device.

Conclusion

The end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, is a critical moment for users who need to ensure their systems remain secure and functional. With several options available—upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing Extended Security Updates, investing in a new device, or switching to a different operating system—it's important to take action now to avoid the risks associated with an unsupported system.

Continuing to use Windows 10 without updates isn't advisable due to increased security risks and potential system issues. If you choose this route, disconnecting from the internet is essential, though it will significantly limit your system's functionality.