Microsoft is officially ending free support and updates for Windows 10 in October 2025. The company is shifting its focus entirely to Windows 11, signaling the end of an era for its decade-old operating system.

This decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of moving away from the traditional model of major Windows releases every few years and instead adopting a more continuous update approach, similar to Apple’s macOS. While Windows 11 will receive regular feature updates and security patches, Windows 10 will be left behind unless users pay for extended support.

What Does This Mean for Windows 10 Users?

Once free support ends, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, leaving systems vulnerable to newly discovered exploits and new features, leaving the OS frozen in its final state.

Microsoft will offer paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for enterprise customers (and possibly individuals) for up to three years, but these will come at a cost. For most home users, continuing to run Windows 10 without patches will become a security risk over time.

The Security Implications

Unsupported software is a prime target for cyberattacks. Without security updates, Windows 10 PCs will gradually become more exposed to malware, ransomware, and hacking attempts. This could pose risks not just to individual users but also to businesses that delay upgrading.

What About PCs That Can’t Run Windows 11?

Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements for Windows 11 have left many users stuck on Windows 10. One major hurdle is the TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) requirement which is a security chip that many older PCs lack. Without it, upgrading isn’t an option.

For those with incompatible hardware, there are a few paths forward:

1. Switch to Linux

If you’re looking for a smooth transition from Windows, Linux Mint is an excellent choice. Based on Ubuntu (one of the most widely supported Linux distributions), it offers:

  • Strong hardware compatibility – Works well even on older machines. A familiar, user-friendly interface – The Cinnamon desktop resembles Windows, making it easy for beginners.

  • LibreOffice pre-installed – A free alternative to Microsoft Office, with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations that support common file formats like .docx, .xlsx, etc.

  • Built-in security – Regular updates and a lower malware risk compared to an unsupported Windows 10.

Check out this step-by-step Linux Mint installation guide on YouTube to see how easy it is to install.

Other good Linux options include Ubuntu and Fedora, but Mint is in my experience, the best for former Windows users.

2. Upgrade Your Hardware

If possible, investing in a new PC ensures compatibility with Windows 11 and future updates. Look for systems with TPM 2.0, an 8th-gen Intel or Ryzen 2000+ CPU, and Secure Boot support.

3. Accept the Risk (Wouldn’t Recommend)

You may choose to keep using Windows 10, but without security updates, the risk of malware and cyberattacks will increase over time. If you must stay, at least use a strong antivirus and avoid sensitive tasks like online banking on an unprotected system.

In Summary

Microsoft’s shift away from Windows 10 marks the end of an era, leaving millions of users with tough choices. Whether through upgrading, switching operating systems, or paying for extended support, Windows 10 loyalists will need to decide their next move before their PCs become digital waste.