Recently, when Margaret opened Microsoft Outlook to read her emails, she saw a pop-up message about Windows 10 support ending. Not knowing what it meant, and nervous about clicking on pop-ups, Margaret dismissed the alert and carried on.
Greg, on the other hand, didn’t wait for the pop-ups. When he read an article in his local newspaper earlier this year about support for Windows 10 ending, he rushed out to buy a new computer.
Who did the right thing? The answer is somewhere in between. Let’s walk through what you need to know if you currently use Windows 10…
When did Microsoft announce Windows 10 support was ending?
In June 2021, when Microsoft revealed Windows 11, the company confirmed that Windows 10 support will officially end on 14 October 2025.
What does it mean for you?
After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide:
- Security updates or bug fixes for Windows 10. These are the updates that help protect your device from new online threats or software errors. So, if they are no longer being provided, it means your computer (or other device) will be less protected from software threats.
- Feature updates or new improvements to the system. This includes any upgrades that add new features or improve how your computer’s software works.
- Free technical support for Windows 10 issues. If something goes wrong after that date, Microsoft’s support team will no longer help with anything related to Windows 10.
What’s the difference between Windows 10 and 11?
Aside from Windows 10 no longer being supported, Microsoft details the differences between Windows 10 and 11 here. The key difference is that Windows 10 offers “backup only”, whereas Windows 11 offers “backup and restore”.
Will your computer still work if you keep using Windows 10?
In Microsoft’s own words, “Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Windows 11 offers a modern and efficient experience designed to meet current demands for heightened security.”
Think of it like driving an older car that has not been serviced in a while. It might still get you from A to B, but over time, it is more likely to run into problems that are harder or more expensive to fix. In the meantime, with car thieves getting smarter, you may also be putting your car’s security at risk if your old car uses an outdated door lock system.
In Margaret’s case, if she never clicks a link in a spam email, and only visits trusted websites, is she putting herself at risk? Unfortunately, yes. Without regular updates, even secure websites can expose her to hidden risks if the software for her operating system is no longer supported with security updates.
Can your computer run Windows 11?
Some computers will be ready to move to Windows 11. Others may not meet the minimum system requirements.
Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool on its support site that you can use to see if your computer is eligible.
Tip: If you are unsure where to start, visit Microsoft’s instructions or ask someone you trust to help you.
What are your options?
As support for Windows 10 winds down, there are a few ways to stay protected:
- Install Windows 11 on your current computer: If your device is eligible, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Microsoft offers simple instructions on their support site.
- Consider a new device: If your current computer cannot run Windows 11, you may need a newer device.
- Look into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates: For those who need more time, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This can give you up to an extra year of limited protection while you decide your next step.
Before you make a change
You might consider saving your photos, documents, and emails somewhere safe such as a USB, external drive, or cloud storage.
What changes for email?
You should still be able to access your email the way you usually do, especially in the short term. But over time, older devices without updates can become less secure or stop working properly with newer websites and services.
If you use webmail, your browser (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Edge) is updated independently of Windows updates. But ultimately your entire system may be vulnerable, not just your Microsoft applications.
What should you do next?
Whether you are like Margaret, quietly clicking past the alerts, or more like Greg, ready to act straight away, it’s important to consider if you are ready for when Windows 10 support ends soon. Some simple steps can help you protect what matters most.