As the clock ticks down to October 14, 2025, a significant milestone looms for millions of computer users worldwide: the end of support for Windows 10. Microsoft has confirmed that after this date, no more free security patches, bug fixes, or feature updates will be provided for this widely used operating system, marking its official End of Life (EOL). This cessation poses a substantial risk, leaving devices vulnerable to viruses and malware as hackers can exploit unpatched flaws without fear of intervention. With an estimated 34.4% of all Windows devices globally still running Windows 10, including 21 million users in the UK alone, the scale of potential exposure is staggering. Many remain unaware of the dangers or are unprepared to transition, making the need for actionable solutions urgent. This article explores the critical choices available to those still relying on Windows 10, providing clarity on how to safeguard data and devices in the face of impending security threats.
The impact of this deadline cannot be overstated, especially when considering the personal data at stake—family photos, banking records, passwords, and more. Microsoft has been steadfast in maintaining the EOL date, despite recently extending support for Microsoft Office apps by three years. Meanwhile, statistics paint a troubling picture: around 5 million Britons plan to continue using Windows 10 post-deadline, exposing themselves to cyber risks. With 42.99% of Microsoft-powered PCs still dependent on this system, the potential for widespread vulnerability is clear. The following sections detail five distinct paths forward, each tailored to different needs and circumstances, ensuring users can make informed decisions before time runs out.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free
For users whose devices meet the necessary criteria, transitioning to Windows 11 at no cost presents a straightforward solution to maintain security and functionality. Microsoft offers this upgrade free of charge, mirroring the earlier program that allowed Windows 7 and 8 users to switch to Windows 10. To determine eligibility, devices must have a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and support for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Compatibility can be verified using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool or third-party software like WhyNotWin11. If eligible, the process is simple: access the Windows Start button, navigate to Update & Security, and select Windows Update to initiate the upgrade. This option ensures access to the latest features and security updates, keeping devices protected against emerging threats without additional expense.
However, the path to Windows 11 is not without hurdles, as the stringent hardware requirements have sparked frustration among many. A significant number of older devices lack the necessary specifications, particularly TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, rendering them ineligible for the upgrade. While unofficial workarounds, such as registry modifications or tools like Rufus, exist to bypass these checks, they come with risks, including potential issues with future updates. Microsoft emphasizes that these hardware standards are crucial for the enhanced security features embedded in Windows 11, ensuring files and data remain safeguarded. For those unable to upgrade, alternative options must be considered to avoid being left vulnerable after the support cutoff.
2. Purchase a New PC with Windows 11 Preinstalled
When existing hardware fails to meet Windows 11’s requirements, acquiring a new computer with the latest operating system preloaded becomes a viable, albeit costly, choice. Since Windows 10 is no longer available on new devices, any modern PC, laptop, or tablet purchased today will come with Windows 11 as standard. This ensures immediate access to a secure and updated platform without the need for manual upgrades. Additionally, newer hardware often includes advanced features, such as those found in Copilot+ PCs—a category of Windows 11 devices with unique AI capabilities like the Recall tool. Brands like Microsoft with its Surface series, as well as Samsung, ASUS, Lenovo, and HP, offer these innovative machines, providing a cutting-edge user experience.
Despite the benefits, this option has drawn criticism for its financial and environmental implications. The push to replace functional computers contributes to electronic waste, with estimates suggesting that up to 240 million devices could end up in landfills due to software incompatibility. Critics argue that Microsoft’s strict hardware criteria for Windows 11 exacerbate this issue, forcing users to discard otherwise usable equipment. While the company defends these requirements as essential for security and performance, the environmental cost remains a concern. Users considering this route should weigh the benefits of modern technology against the broader impact of contributing to e-waste, exploring whether other solutions might better suit their needs.
3. Subscribe to Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
For those unable or unwilling to upgrade immediately, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) program to provide critical security patches for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. This subscription plan is a temporary measure, costing individual users $30 (£24) for one year of updates, while businesses face a starting fee of $61 (£48.19), which doubles annually to $244 (£192.78) by the third year. Enrollment in the ESU ensures continued protection against vulnerabilities, addressing the immediate risk of unpatched flaws. However, it’s important to note that this program covers only security updates, excluding new features or technical support, and for consumers, it’s currently confirmed for just one year, from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026.
The financial aspect of the ESU program can become burdensome, especially for those managing multiple devices, as the cost applies per machine. Businesses with large fleets may find the escalating fees particularly challenging, while individual users must decide if the annual expense aligns with their long-term plans. Microsoft positions the ESU as a bridge during transition periods, not a permanent solution, encouraging eventual migration to Windows 11. Users opting for this route should carefully assess whether the short-term security benefits justify the investment, particularly if hardware upgrades or alternative systems offer more sustainable protection against cyber threats in the coming years.
4. Access Free Security Updates Through Windows Backup
An alternative to paying for extended updates is available through Microsoft’s Windows Backup feature, which allows users to secure a year of free ESU security patches by syncing data to the cloud via OneDrive. This option, accessible through a new Enrollment Wizard rolling out by mid-August 2025, eliminates the $30 (£24) fee for those who enable backups of settings, documents, and files. It provides a cost-effective way to maintain device security post-deadline while preparing for an eventual transition. Additionally, users can opt to cover the ESU cost with 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, earned through activities like searching with Bing, playing Xbox games, or shopping at the Microsoft Store, offering further flexibility for those engaged in the rewards ecosystem.
However, limitations exist with the free backup route, particularly regarding storage capacity. OneDrive offers only 5GB of free space, which may be insufficient for users with extensive data, such as videos or large photo collections. Exceeding this limit necessitates purchasing additional storage, starting at £19.99 for 100GB, potentially offsetting the initial cost savings. This approach underscores Microsoft’s intent to support users during the transition, as highlighted by company statements emphasizing data safety. Yet, it remains a temporary fix, and users must plan beyond the one-year ESU coverage to ensure long-term security, evaluating whether this method aligns with their data management and budgetary constraints.
5. Transition to an Alternative Operating System
For those seeking to avoid Microsoft’s ecosystem altogether, switching to a different operating system offers a compelling alternative to maintain security without stringent hardware demands. Google’s ChromeOS Flex provides a free upgrade for Windows 10 devices, transforming them into Chromebooks with automatic security updates and lightweight, browser-based performance. Similarly, the “End of 10” project introduces users to Linux, an open-source option that revitalizes older PCs built since 2010, delivering speed and security without the need for powerful hardware. These solutions not only protect data but also extend device lifespans, reducing the environmental impact of discarding functional equipment.
Additionally, third-party security providers, such as 0patch, have emerged with affordable post-EOL support for Windows 10, offering critical patches at lower costs than Microsoft’s ESU program. These alternatives cater to users wary of upgrade costs or hardware replacements, providing viable paths to keep devices operational and secure. Each option—whether ChromeOS, Linux, or third-party support—carries unique advantages, from ease of use to customization, allowing users to select based on technical comfort and specific needs. Exploring these systems can prevent the vulnerabilities associated with unsupported software while addressing concerns over e-waste, presenting a sustainable approach to navigating the post-support landscape.
6. Planning for a Secure Future
As the deadline of October 14, 2025, approaches, the urgency to address the end of Windows 10 support becomes evident for millions of users globally. Reflecting on the past months, it is clear that decisive action is necessary to protect sensitive data from looming cyber threats. The five options—ranging from free upgrades to Windows 11, purchasing new hardware, subscribing to ESU plans (paid or via backup), to adopting alternative systems like ChromeOS or Linux—offer diverse pathways tailored to varying circumstances. Each choice carries distinct considerations, balancing security, cost, and environmental impact.
Looking back, the focus shifts to actionable next steps that users have taken or still need to consider. Assessing hardware compatibility, evaluating budget constraints, and prioritizing long-term data protection emerge as critical factors in decision-making. For those who have delayed action, exploring immediate security measures, such as enabling backups for free ESU coverage or testing alternative operating systems, provides a starting point. Beyond individual choices, the broader dialogue around reducing e-waste through sustainable options like Linux has gained traction, encouraging a forward-thinking mindset. Ultimately, the journey post-Windows 10 support underscores the importance of proactive planning to ensure a secure digital future.