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Windows 10 end of support: what to do now (free ESU until 2027)
Windows 10 support ended Oct 2025, but free consumer ESU now runs to 12 Oct 2027. How to enrol, check if your PC can run Windows 11, upgrade free, or pick another option.
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Quick answer: Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025, but home users can still get security updates through Extended Security Updates (ESU) — and Microsoft has extended free consumer ESU to 12 October 2027. Enrol for free by backing up your settings to a Microsoft account (or with 1,000 Rewards points, or $30). If your PC meets the requirements, upgrade to Windows 11 for free through Windows Update — that's the best long-term fix.
Key takeaways
- Windows 10 still works, but without ESU it gets no security fixes — risky for banking, email and browsing.
- Free ESU covers personal PCs until 12 October 2027. One licence covers up to 10 PCs on the same Microsoft account.
- The Windows 11 upgrade is free on compatible PCs. Run PC Health Check to see if yours qualifies.
- Older PCs that can't run Windows 11 can keep going safely with ESU, then move to ChromeOS Flex or Linux — or be replaced.
- Back up your files before any upgrade.
Hundreds of millions of PCs still run Windows 10. If yours is one of them, you have time — but not forever. This guide explains what end of support means, how to get free updates until 2027, how to check and upgrade to Windows 11, and what to do with a PC that can't upgrade.
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What "end of support" means
Since 14 October 2025, Microsoft no longer provides for Windows 10 (outside ESU):
- Security updates — fixes for newly found vulnerabilities
- Feature updates and non-security bug fixes
- Technical support
Your PC won't stop working, and your files stay where they are. But every month new security holes are found, and without updates attackers can use them — especially through web browsers, email attachments and downloaded files.
Option 1: Get free Extended Security Updates (until October 2027)
Microsoft's consumer ESU programme gives home users critical and important security updates. Microsoft extended free coverage from October 2026 to 12 October 2027, and PCs already enrolled are covered automatically.
Who can enrol
- PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates
- Personal devices (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Workstations)
- Not PCs joined to a company domain or managed by work device management — businesses use the paid commercial ESU
Three ways to get it
| Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sync your PC settings to a Microsoft account (Windows Backup) | Free |
| Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points | Free |
| One-time purchase | $30 (or local equivalent) |
In the European Economic Area, signing in with a Microsoft account is enough. One ESU licence covers up to 10 PCs linked to the same Microsoft account.
How to enrol
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Install all pending updates and restart.
- Look for "Enroll now" under the Windows 10 support message.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if asked.
- Choose Back up your PC (free), Rewards points, or purchase.
- Finish the wizard. Windows Update will now show ESU updates as normal.
Tip: Don't see "Enroll now"? Make sure you're on 22H2, all updates are installed, and you're signed in as an administrator. It can take a few days to appear after updating.
Option 2: Upgrade to Windows 11 for free
If your PC meets the requirements, the upgrade is free and keeps your files and apps.
Windows 11 minimum requirements
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2+ cores, 64-bit, on Microsoft's supported list — roughly Intel 8th gen or newer or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer |
| RAM | 4 GB (8 GB+ recommended for daily use) |
| Storage | 64 GB or more |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot capable |
| Security chip | TPM version 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | 720p, 9" or larger |
Check your PC
- Download Microsoft's PC Health Check app (or open it if already installed).
- Click Check now.
- It tells you if the PC is ready, or which part fails.
Common fixable problems:
- TPM not enabled — many PCs have TPM 2.0 (called Intel PTT or AMD fTPM) switched off in the BIOS. Turn it on.
- Secure Boot off — enable it in UEFI settings (your drive must use GPT, not MBR).
- Low storage — free up space or add a bigger SSD.
How to upgrade
- Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud.
- Open Settings → Windows Update. If your PC is eligible, you'll see "Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready".
- Click Download and install. It takes 30–90 minutes and several restarts.
- You have 10 days to roll back to Windows 10 if something doesn't work.
If the offer doesn't appear, use Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
Warning: There are tricks to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Microsoft says such PCs may not get updates and aren't supported. For most people, ESU is a safer choice on an older PC.
Option 3: Keep an older PC useful
If your PC can't run Windows 11:
| Option | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on Windows 10 with ESU | Until October 2027 | Easiest; nothing changes |
| ChromeOS Flex (free from Google) | Browsing, email, documents, streaming | Runs mostly web apps; Windows programs won't run |
| Linux (Ubuntu, Linux Mint) | Browsing, office work, coding | Free; some learning; many Windows apps won't run |
| Use it offline | Old games, a single program | Disconnect from the internet to reduce risk |
| Recycle or trade in | Very old or slow PCs | Wipe your data first |
Option 4: Buy a new PC
If your PC is 6–8 years old, slow, or can't run Windows 11, a new one may be worth it. Look for 16 GB RAM, an SSD of 512 GB or more, and a recent processor. Our laptop buying guide explains what matters. Memory shortages pushed PC prices up in 2026, so compare carefully and consider last year's models on sale.
Will my apps keep working on Windows 10?
- Most apps keep working for now, but developers will gradually stop supporting Windows 10.
- Microsoft says Microsoft 365 apps will continue receiving security updates on Windows 10 for a while after end of support, and Microsoft Defender antivirus definitions continue too — but these don't replace operating system patches.
- Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) usually support older Windows versions for some time after end of support.
Staying safe in the meantime
- Enrol in ESU — the single most important step.
- Keep your browser updated and use a standard (non-admin) account for daily use.
- Turn on Microsoft Defender and keep it updated.
- Don't open unexpected email attachments or download "cracked" software.
- Back up regularly to an external drive or OneDrive.
- Use a password manager and passkeys.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows 10 still safe to use in 2026?
Yes, if you're enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Without ESU, it no longer gets security patches, which makes it riskier over time.
Is Windows 10 ESU free?
For home users, yes: back up your settings to a Microsoft account, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Otherwise it costs $30.
How long will Windows 10 ESU last?
Free consumer ESU coverage now runs until 12 October 2027.
Can I still upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?
Yes, on compatible PCs. Check with PC Health Check and use Windows Update or the Installation Assistant.
Will I lose my files when upgrading to Windows 11?
No, a normal upgrade keeps your files and apps. Still, back up first in case something goes wrong.
What if my PC doesn't support Windows 11?
Use ESU until 2027, then consider ChromeOS Flex, Linux or a new PC.
Do I need a Microsoft account for ESU?
Yes, for the free options. You can still use a local account day to day after enrolling with the purchase option in some cases, but the free route needs a Microsoft account.