Windows 10 Support Ending in 1 Year: What to Do Next

Preparing for the End of Support for Windows 10

As Microsoft gears up to cease support for its decade-old Windows 10 operating system on October 14, 2025, users are left contemplating their next steps. Without further updates, this transition marks a significant shift for the millions still relying on Windows 10. Acknowledging this, Microsoft encourages users to either upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new PCs with the latest operating system.

However, the road to Windows 11 isn’t smooth for everyone. Many users may find themselves unable to upgrade due to stringent system requirements or may choose to hold onto their current devices for preservation and financial reasons. Windows 10 continues to reign as the most popular version of Microsoft’s operating systems, catering to hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

In this article, we will explore:

How to upgrade to Windows 11 (with important considerations).
Options for extending Windows 10 support.
Switching from Windows to Linux or ChromeOS Flex.
The process of purchasing new or refurbished PCs pre-loaded with Windows 11.
What it means to stay on Windows 10 without action.

1. Upgrading to Windows 11: Your Key to New Features

Upgrading to Windows 11 may appear to be the most straightforward solution. You can initiate the upgrade through Windows Update, which offers the transition free of charge. However, many Windows 10 users may discover their devices fall short of the necessary system requirements.

If your device is deemed incompatible, Windows Update won’t provide the upgrade notification. Fortunately, there are workarounds for those who are eager but unable to meet the prerequisites. Keep in mind, such methods can lead to complications when new feature updates arrive from Microsoft.

To check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11, download the PC Health Check app. Activate the “check now”option to assess compatibility.

If your device is compatible, follow these steps:

Navigate to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Click on “Check for updates”— Windows 11 should be available for installation.
If not compatible, you can still install Windows 11; just create a system backup before proceeding.
For advanced users, you can tweak the Windows Registry to circumvent checks. Steps to do this manually are outlined below:

Open the Start menu.
Search for regedit.exe and press Enter.
Agree to the security prompt.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup.
Right-click on MoSetup, choose New > Dword (32-bit) Value.
Name it AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU.
Set the value to 1 by double-clicking the new Dword.
Restart your PC.

After the restart, you should be able to either upgrade via Windows Update or by executing setup.exe from a USB drive containing the Windows 11 ISO.

To use Rufus, follow these simple steps:

Plug a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space into your PC.
Download the latest Rufus version from the official site.
In Rufus, click the down-arrow next to “Select”and choose the “Download”option.
Approve the downloads from the “Download ISO Image”window following the prompts.
Select your preferences: Windows 11 version, language, and architecture (x64), then proceed to download.
Once downloaded, click “Start”in Rufus and confirm the selected options to begin.

Finally, access the USB drive and run setup.exe to get going with the upgrade!

2. Extending Windows 10 Support: Keeping the Door Open

For users who intend to remain on Windows 10 until the last minute, Microsoft provides security updates until October 14, 2025. To avoid unintended upgrades to Windows 11, consider utilizing free tools such as InControl, which helps prevent automatic updates.

Additionally, there are options for users interested in extended support:

Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
0Patch provides an alternative subscription-based model for ongoing support.

The cost for Microsoft’s extended support hasn’t been disclosed for home users yet, but for businesses, it can reach up to $61 in the first year, doubling in subsequent years. For those opting for 0Patch, the yearly subscription is around $25 plus tax, covering all supported systems.

However, it’s crucial to note 0Patch only addresses critical security vulnerabilities.

3. Making the Switch: Embracing Linux or ChromeOS Flex

If upgrading to Windows 11 or paying for extended support doesn’t align with your goals, exploring alternative operating systems deserves consideration. While switching operating systems can feel overwhelming, Linux offers compatibility with many Windows applications.

To ease the transition, consider testing Linux through live installations. These allow you to run Linux without modifying your hard drive. Explore various distributions, such as Linux Mint, to see what resonates with you before making a permanent shift. For guidance, check out the installation instructions on Google’s support website for ChromeOS Flex.

4. Investing in a New or Refurbished PC with Windows 11

If you’re ready to invest in a new computing experience, purchasing a new or refurbished PC can be a smart choice. A wide range of options is available, focusing on your specific needs, whether it’s for productivity tasks or high-performance gaming.

When selecting a new machine, aim for at least 8 GB of RAM and a solid-state drive (SSD) for improved performance. Research processor specifications to ensure a good balance between capabilities and pricing. If the listing lacks detailed specifications, it may be wise to steer clear.

5. Choosing Inaction: Risks of Staying with Windows 10

While opting to do nothing as Windows 10 nears its support expiration appears tempting, it poses significant risks, primarily regarding security vulnerabilities. Without ongoing updates, systems become prime targets for cyber threats.

If you are strictly using the PC offline or are cautious with your online activity, you can reduce your risk exposure significantly. Nonetheless, taking proactive measures to protect your devices is strongly recommended. Most users will find better security and functionality by considering other available options.

In Conclusion

As support for Windows 10 dwindles, users have limited time to evaluate their options. With twelve security updates remaining before the end, now is the perfect time to make informed decisions about transitioning. Microsoft is expected to announce home user pricing for extended support shortly, which may be more favorable than business pricing.

Are you still on Windows 10? What’s your plan for the upcoming year? Will you opt for extended support from Microsoft? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Additional Insights

1. What happens when Windows 10 support ends?

Once Windows 10 support ends, Microsoft will cease to offer updates, including critical security patches, leaving systems vulnerable to security threats and malware.

2. Can I still use Windows 10 after the support ends?

Yes, you can continue to use Windows 10 after support ends, but it’s not recommended due to security risks. To mitigate this, ensure your PC is not connected to the internet or enhance security measures.

3. What are the benefits of switching to Linux or ChromeOS Flex?

Switching to Linux or ChromeOS Flex can provide improved security, better resource management, and a customizable user experience. Additionally, both systems are generally less demanding on hardware, making them suitable for older devices.

Source & Images