Windows 10 support will officially cease on October 14, 2025, marking the end of a significant era for one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems. Following this date, devices operating on Windows 10 will no longer receive feature updates, security patches, or official assistance. Nonetheless, users do not have to abandon their computers.
Here are three primary choices to ensure safe continued use of your computer after the support deadline.
Highlights
1. Join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program
The most straightforward option is to enrol in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which extends important and security updates until October 13, 2026.
Microsoft provides three ways to enrol:
- Free: Available if files are backed up to OneDrive.
- Microsoft Rewards: Can be redeemed with 1,000 Rewards points.
- Paid: A one-time fee of $30 (approximately ₹2,500).
Users can register up to 10 devices associated with the same Microsoft account. Once they are enrolled, PCs will continue to receive crucial security updates, but will not benefit from new features or enhancements.
2. Upgrade a supported PC to Windows 11
If the device meets Microsoft’s system specifications, upgrading to Windows 11 is the advisable path. Compatible hardware should include a processor with TPM 2.0 support, a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and Secure Boot enabled.
The upgrade can be carried out through:
- Windows Update in Settings
- The Windows 11 Installation Assistant
- A clean installation using an ISO file
For systems still utilising BIOS with an MBR partition, it is essential to convert to UEFI with GPT before upgrading. Microsoft’s MBR2GPT tool facilitates this transition without data loss.
3. Upgrade unsupported PCs with workarounds
For older systems that fall short of the requirements, it is technically feasible to install Windows 11 using custom media creation tools like Rufus, which can circumvent TPM and Secure Boot checks.
While this approach keeps unsupported hardware functional, Microsoft does not endorse it. Updates may be inconsistent, and the absence of hardware-level protections can render devices more vulnerable.
Backup before upgrading
Regardless of the selected option, specialists highly recommend conducting a complete system backup before proceeding with upgrades or ESU enrolment. This will ensure that data can be restored in the event of failed installations or compatibility problems.
Implications for users
Windows 10 PCs will remain operational beyond the October 2025 deadline; however, without ongoing updates, security threats will increase significantly. The ESU program offers a temporary solution, while transitioning to Windows 11 presents the safest long-term approach. Users of older machines may find that unsupported upgrades enable continued use, but this may compromise stability and security.
