Windows 10 Support Ending Soon—Explore Your Survival Options

Microsoft has announced it will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. For the numerous users of Windows 10 devices unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to stringent hardware requirements, several viable options are available.

5 Upgrade to Windows 11

Bypass Hardware Requirements with a Useful Tool

Not everyone is keen about making the switch to Windows 11, and many users simply aren’t able to upgrade due to strict hardware constraints set by Microsoft. However, there’s a workaround to enable Windows 11 installation on older machines.

Tools such as Flyby11 allow users to deactivate Windows 11’s hardware prerequisites, even when the computer fails to meet the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements. This platform utilizes a Windows Server installation method, which bypasses some of the limitations of the standard consumer version.

Despite this workaround, users should be cautious; Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may hinder your system from receiving critical security updates. Furthermore, users will need to perform clean installations after each major update, meaning automatic upgrades won’t be available.

4 Consider Extended Windows 10 Security Updates

Official Microsoft Support at an Annual Cost

ESU Windows 10 — Image credit – self captured (Tashreef Shareef) – No Attribution Required

If you need to continue using Windows 10, or possess compatible hardware that doesn’t support Windows 11, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides essential security updates for Windows 10 until October 2026.

Enrollment in the ESU program is straightforward via the Settings application, costing $30 per device per year for the extended security license. However, after your one-year subscription ends, pricing beyond this period remains uncertain and may increase, particularly for enterprise clients.

3 Upgrade to a New PC

Modern Hardware Provides Greater Compatibility

Testing new laptops — Image credit – Hannah Stryker / MakeUseOf

If you’re still using an older Windows machine, the imminent end of support for Windows 10 might be the perfect signal to invest in a new computer. Although purchasing a new device isn’t the cheapest option, it makes sense if your current hardware is aging or if you’re already contemplating an upgrade.

New devices readily support TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, allowing seamless installation of Windows 11. Additionally, modern computers offer enhanced processing speed, superior battery life, and improved security features that older models cannot compete with.

2 Use Windows 10 LTSC for Continued Security

Enterprise Edition Secure Until 2027

An alternative for users who want to maintain their Windows 10 usage with security updates is to utilize the LTSC version of the operating system. This enterprise-grade option will continue to receive security updates until 2027. Though it does not offer feature upgrades, this limitation is less significant considering Windows 10’s upcoming end of support.

Switching to LTSC from your Windows 10 Pro involves a minor workaround, and while a genuine product key is required to activate LTSC, it proves to be a more cost-effective solution than the ESU. With ESU fees expected to double after the first year, LTSC can be an economical choice for receiving long-term security.

1 Create a Backup of Windows 10

Secure the ISO Before Microsoft Withdraws It

To download the Windows 10 22H2 ISO, follow these steps:

Visit the Download Windows 10 page and click Download under Create Windows 10 installation media.
Run the MediaCreationtool.exe file and adhere to the on-screen instructions.
Select Create installation media, opt for the ISO file option, and then click Next.
Rename the downloaded file to ISO Windows 10 22H2 and click Save.

Alternatively, you could create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 and keep it for emergencies. Such a drive can be used to repair or reinstall Windows 10 on any computer in the future.

While upgrading to Windows 11 can be a good option for some users, it may not suit everyone due to its limitations. For those who wish to remain on Windows 10, the available choices—either the ESU program or the LTSC edition—allow for secure operation without immediate disruptions. Moreover, the end of October 2025 should not be interpreted as the end of usability for your device; numerous alternatives remain to keep your computer functional and secure.

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