By now, you have likely heard that Windows 10 has officially reached the end of its supported lifecycle. As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft no longer provides security updates, feature updates, or technical support for Windows 10. If you are still using a Windows 10 device, there is no need to panic, but continuing without a plan does carry real risks. The good news is that there are both short-term and long-term options available to help you navigate the Windows 10 End of Service and move forward safely.
We will cover those options shortly. First, we will explain the risks of staying on Windows 10 after support has ended, followed by how to upgrade to Windows 11, what to do if your PC is not eligible, and the temporary option of extended Windows 10 security updates. We will finish by highlighting a few Windows 11 devices to consider if upgrading an older PC is not worth the effort.
End of Service?
Before looking at the consequences of not upgrading, it is important to understand what End of Service (EOS) actually means for an operating system. EOS indicates that the developer, in this case Microsoft, has permanently stopped providing official updates, security patches, and technical support for that version of the OS.
Windows 10 reached End of Service on October 14, 2025, just over ten years after its original release in July 2015. Any system still running Windows 10 after this date is considered unsupported.
What happens if I don't upgrade to Windows 11?
Unfortunately, there’s a whole host of dangers that await you and your Windows 10 device if you choose to simply ignore the Windows 10 EOS:
1. Security vulnerabilities. Devices lacking TPM 2.0 will find themselves without hardware-based security updates. This means that you’ll be vulnerable to all of the latest, nastiest threats including viruses, ransomware, and malware. Much like leaving the keys in an unlocked car, unsupported systems are welcome targets for hackers, who find it easy to access your data.
2. Software compatibility issues. If the security risks weren’t enough to persuade you, and you’re still on the fence about upgrading, how about we throw increasing software compatibility issues into the mix? The latest software apps are always designed for the latest OS, and resultantly may not run correctly, or at all, on an outdated version of Windows. This also applies to existing programs, as they may no longer receive updates compatible with your system.
3. Loss of technical support. Sticking to Windows 10 will also mean that you lose access to official technical support from Microsoft. If you run into problems or system failures down the line, you won’t be able to get help from Microsoft troubleshooting resources or customer service. Without official channels of technical support, sorting any issues you encounter may become more challenging as you’ll need to rely on third party solutions and community forums. Without patches or updates for issues, your system may be left exposed to malware and operational challenges.
4. Decreased productivity and performance. As stated above, the latest applications and software updates are optimized for Windows 11 OS, meaning that older operating systems may have a hard time running them efficiently. This means longer load times, as well as slower processing speeds and even system crashes. You’ll also be without the new Windows 11 features and improvements, including improved multitasking and better overall performance.
5. Compliance/ regulatory risk. If your business decides to continue using an outdated Windows version, you may be exposed to compliance and regulatory risks. Depending on your industry, specific data security and privacy regulation standards such as GDPR or PCI DSS may have to be met. Running Windows 10 may leave you unable to comply with evolving regulations, which could lead to a whole other kettle of fish: legal consequences and fines.
What should you do to upgrade to Windows 11?
If your device supports the upgrade, then simply updating to Windows 11 is the best method to keep your system safe and sound. The caveat is that your PC must meet the following minimum system requirements in order to upgrade:
- 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.
- RAM: 4 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB and above
- System Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required.
- GPU: Your graphics card must be compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- 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.
What if my computer can't upgrade to Windows 11?
If your device doesn’t quite cut the mustard and you’re unable to upgrade, then you essentially have two options:
1. Pay for extended Windows 10 service. You can buy extended security updates to help you prepare for the inevitable transition to Windows 11. ESUs are not a long term solution, and they do not include new features or non-security fixes, or design change requests. Take note that the ESU price doubles every year, for a maximum of three years.
2. Invest in a new device. If you’re unable to upgrade to Windows 11, then purchasing a new computer pre-installed with Windows 11 could be a smart idea that also future-proofs you for a while! If you’re in the market for a new device, be sure to check out the Acer Aspire range of versatile, feature packed laptops, including Copilot+ PCs. Business users may choose to opt for a laptop from the TravelMate family: lightweight, durable devices designed to help you win at work.
Final thoughts on Windows 10 End of Service
Windows 10 is now officially unsupported, and continuing to use it without a plan carries increasing risk. Whether you choose to upgrade to Windows 11, purchase extended security updates, or invest in a new Windows 11 device, taking action is essential.
The longer you delay, the more exposed your system becomes. Moving forward ensures better security, improved performance, and access to modern Windows features designed for today’s workloads.
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