- Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10: computers will continue to work, but without security patches.
- Increased risk of cyberattacks and progressive loss of app compatibility; Microsoft 365 will maintain security on Windows 10 until 2028.
- Official options: Upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware is compatible or enroll in ESU until October 2026 (one year free in the EEA for individuals).
- If you can't upgrade: alternatives like ChromeOS Flex or Linux, and tools to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware at your own risk.
Microsoft has announced the Windows 10 end of support: Since October 14, the system has stopped receiving support and security patches, putting an end to a decade of continuous updates.
Windows 10 computers will continue to power on and operate normally, but will now be more exposed to Threats such as viruses, malware, and exploits, so it's time to decide how to keep your computer useful and protected.
What the end of support means
Without regular patches, any vulnerability discovered from now on will remain uncorrected in the base system, increasing the risk of cyberattacks, fraud, and ransomware; this has been underlined by Microsoft officials and various security experts. You can expand on the details What changes and how to prepare.
Additionally, the ecosystem will adjust: over time, some apps will no longer be updated or supported on Windows 10, and certain features may be degraded. On the business and education front, Microsoft has indicated that apps Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates until October 10, 2028, and feature enhancements until August 2026.
The impact is notable because Windows 10 still accounts for a very significant portion of the market: recent estimates place its global share above 40% of Windows computers, and various reports indicate that it is still the majority in many organizations, leaving millions of devices in a precarious situation.
Official Microsoft Options
The recommended path is to upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC meets the hardware requirements (including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot). To check on Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and tap Search for updatesIf your device is eligible, you'll be given the option to migrate for free. Before doing so, back up your data and review the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and its requirements.
If your computer is not compatible, there is the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for Consumers (ESU) program. This annual subscription service allows you to receive only critical security patches until October 13, 2026. Enrollment is handled through Windows Update when the system detects that you cannot upgrade to Windows 11; check out more information on this point at How to prepare for the end of support.
In the European Economic Area, private users have a additional year of ESU at no costBeyond this free period, the program is a paid program and does not include new features, technical support, or non-security bug fixes.
In specific licensed environments, extended support editions are available. For example, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC extends its lifespan to January 12, 2027, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC to January 13, 2032; they are designed for professional use cases with strict requirements.
If your PC can't update: alternatives and plan B
There are third-party tools that allow you to install Windows 11 on computers that are not officially supported (for example, solutions like Tiny11, NTLite or installation wizards that reduce requirements and bloatware). They work, but Microsoft doesn't endorse them: use them at your own risk and always with a valid license.
Another way is to change the operating system. Chrome OS Flex can give a second life to modest computers by focusing their use on the web, and Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint or Fedora offer a complete, stable and free environment for work, study and leisure.
If you prefer a more familiar transition, there are distros that are reminiscent of Windows (such as Q4OS or Linuxfx), although it is advisable to check driver and application compatibility before making the final leap and, of course, make a backup.
Best practices if you're still on Windows 10
Minimize the attack surface: Use a non-administrator account for day-to-day use, keep your system up to date, browser and antivirus that still support Windows 10, and turn on your firewall. If you need quick instructions, check out our emergency kit for Windows 10.
Avoid installing outdated or dubious software and consider isolating sensitive tasks in a virtual machine or a hardened browser. Uninstall unnecessary plugins and services to reduce risks.
Make regular backups to external drives or the cloud with versioning and encryptionThis way, you can recover your files if a ransomware attack or other incident affects your computer.
Games, apps and compatibility in the medium term
Platforms like Steam will continue to work on Windows 10 64-bit, but the trend is that over time some games and applications will stop updating or limit compatibility with this system. On 32-bit, support is already very limited; read about the end of 32-bit support.
In the short term you will be able to use most of your programs, but the deterioration will be gradual: fewer updates, more security problems and possible bugs with new versions of apps and drivers. In addition, manufacturers such as NVIDIA have also confirmed the end of driver support in certain branches, which may affect performance and compatibility.
With official support now closed, the outlook is clear: either you upgrade to Windows 11 if your computer allows it, or you stick with ESU for a while, or you explore alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex; in all cases, the security and backups should be at the center of your decision.
