What to Do When Windows 10 Support Ends: Navigating Your Options

Windows 10’s official end-of-life date is approaching – October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will cease providing regular security updates for the operating system. While the company may occasionally release critical security patches for severe vulnerabilities, similar to what it has done for Windows XP and Windows 7 in the past, relying on these exceptions is not a viable long-term strategy.

Many users currently running Windows 10 haven’t upgraded to Windows 11 due to their computers not meeting the significantly higher system requirements. This leaves millions facing a dilemma: what to do with their perfectly functional, albeit aging, hardware? Buying a new computer solely for system updates seems wasteful if your existing machine adequately meets your current needs.

Let’s explore the various options available to you, weighing the pros and cons of each approach.

1. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft is offering a lifeline for those hesitant to upgrade immediately: Extended Security Updates (ESU). This program provides continued security updates for Windows 10 for a limited time. The announced pricing starts around $30 for the first year.

Pros:

• Provides a temporary reprieve, allowing you to delay a new computer purchase.
• Offers continued security updates, minimizing the risk of vulnerabilities.
• A good option if you plan to upgrade to Windows 11 soon but want to wait.

Cons:

• The cost may increase in subsequent years.
• This is a short-term solution; you’ll eventually need to upgrade or find another alternative.
• Only provides security updates; no new features or improvements are included.

2. Force the Windows 11 Upgrade

Even if your computer doesn’t officially meet Windows 11’s system requirements, it may be possible to bypass these restrictions and install the new operating system.

Pros:

• Provides access to the latest features and improvements in Windows 11.
• Potentially extends the lifespan of your existing hardware.
• Avoids the cost of purchasing a new computer.

Cons:

• Microsoft doesn’t recommend this approach and may not provide support.
• Your computer might experience performance issues or instability.
• Bypassing the TPM requirement reduces the security of your system.
• Requires technical knowledge and comfort with modifying system settings.

How to Force Install Windows 11 (at your own risk):

Using a tool like Rufus, you can create a bootable USB drive with a modified Windows 11 installer that bypasses the system requirements.

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft.
2. Download and install Rufus.
3. Connect a USB drive (at least 8GB) to your computer.
4. Open Rufus and select your USB drive.
5. Select the Windows 11 ISO file.
6. Leave the other settings as default (GPT partition scheme, UEFI target system).
7. In the "Windows User Experience" dialogue box, tick "Remove the requirement for 4GB RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0."
8. Click "Start" and accept the warning that the USB drive will be erased.
9. Once the process is complete, boot your computer from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.

Important Note: To run Windows 11 at all, your computer must have a processor that supports SSE 4.2 and Popcnt instructions, generally an Intel processor from 2009 or later, or an AMD processor from 2013 or later.

3. Embrace Linux

Consider switching to a Linux distribution. Linux is a free and open-source operating system that offers a viable alternative to Windows.

Pros:

• Free to use.
• Highly customizable and adaptable to older hardware.
• Often requires fewer system resources than Windows, potentially improving performance on older computers.
• A wide variety of distributions are available, catering to different needs and preferences.
• Excellent for privacy and security focused users

Cons:

• The learning curve can be steep for users unfamiliar with Linux.
• Some Windows applications may not be compatible (although compatibility is improving thanks to tools like Wine).
• Hardware driver support can be less comprehensive than on Windows.
• Software installion can be more complicated

Recommended Linux Distribution: Linux Mint

For Windows users new to Linux, Linux Mint is an excellent starting point. It features a familiar graphical interface and is designed to work well out of the box, requiring minimal configuration.

How to Install Linux Mint:

1. Download the Linux Mint ISO file from the official website.
2. Download and install Balena Etcher.
3. Connect a USB drive (at least 4GB) to your computer.
4. Open Balena Etcher and select the Linux Mint ISO file and the USB drive.
5. Click "Flash" to create a bootable USB drive.
6. Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Linux Mint.
8. Select Install Multimedia codecs.
9. Select Erase the disk and install Linux Mint or Install alongside to dual boot.
10. Select the correct disk to install to.
11. Set your username and password.

4. Accept the Risk and Continue Using Windows 10 (Not Recommended)

Continuing to use Windows 10 without security updates is the riskiest option. While it may be tempting to avoid the cost and effort of upgrading, you’ll be exposing your computer to potential security vulnerabilities.

Pros:

• Avoids the cost of a new computer or extended support.
• Requires no effort to upgrade or switch operating systems.

Cons:

• Significant security risks.
• Vulnerable to malware, viruses, and hacking attempts.
• Potential data loss or theft.
• Compromised system performance.

If you choose this option, take these precautions:

1. Keep your web browser and other applications updated.
2. Install and maintain a reputable antivirus program.
3. Be cautious about visiting suspicious websites or downloading unknown files.
4. Use two-factor authentication for all important online accounts.
5. Use a firewall to control network access for applications.
6. Protect via DNS to block malicious websites.
7. Minimize exposure of sensitive data on the computer.
8. Implement a robust backup strategy.

5. Repurpose Your Old Computer

If you’re not comfortable with any of the above options, consider repurposing your old computer for a less critical task:

• Give it away to someone who can use it.
• Use it as a home server for file storage or media streaming.
• Use it as a dedicated gaming computer, kept offline.

Conclusion

The end of Windows 10 support presents a challenge, but also an opportunity to explore new options and potentially extend the lifespan of your existing hardware. Carefully consider your needs, technical skills, and risk tolerance before making a decision. Whether you choose to pay for extended support, force the Windows 11 upgrade, embrace Linux, or repurpose your old computer, make an informed choice that aligns with your individual circumstances.