Everything you need to know about Windows 10 End of Support – October 14th
Another Windows edition is about to fall of the support assembly line, and this time its Windows 10, as users are advised to take action in order to keep their device and data safe. We outline what’s happening and what your options are.
Microsoft Windows 10 has had a good ten years and change since it was released in 2015 as the successor to the comparatively unpopular Windows 8 (and 8.1). But like all things in the world of tech, its time has (just about) come to an end, with Microsoft ending support for the operating system on October 14th 2025.
What does this mean?
Well, it means that those who use Windows 10 (and yes, you can still continue using it – your Windows 10 device won’t just come to a grinding halt, and neither will Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, which will be supported for another three years) will stop receiving updates from Microsoft. This includes things like new and improved features – but most importantly, it means security updates.
Exploits and vulnerabilities in large software packages like your operating system are always being discovered – some minor – some much more serious. In support software, these are fixed (at least most of the time) in a timely manner. However, with unsupported software, they’re not fixed at all. That means cyber crooks who discover these vulnerabilities can use them to target those still using that unsupported software.
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And as time drags on, those vulnerabilities are likely to get increasingly significant. While most common attacks require tricking a victim into compromising their own security, more serious attacks (automated drive-by downloads, for example) can rely solely on exploiting software, without the need to trick a victim.
Additionally, and eventually, third party software will begin to stop working on Windows 10.
So unless you want to test your luck out there in cyberspace, its time to take action. And below are your options.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11
If your device supports Windows 11, you can upgrade to it for free. That’s probably the easiest and quickest solution. You shouldn’t lose your data when upgrading, but we recommend backing it up beforehand to be on the safe side. (If Microsoft says your device doesn’t meet the technical requirements, there are some unofficial ways of getting around that outlined here – but this is very much a ‘do it at your own risk’ undertaking. We don’t officially recommend any such actions.)
2. Buy a new computer (or upgrade an existing one)
If you can’t upgrade to Windows 11 or just fancy taking the time to refresh the hardware as well, you can get a new computer. All major computer stores will now be selling devices with Windows 11 pre-installed on them. Or if you’re technically capable, you can upgrade any components of an existing setup to make it Windows 11 compatible.
3. Move away from Windows
We’ll keep this brief since most of our readers aren’t likely to move away from the familiar environment that is Windows, but you can always install a different operating system including Linux or ChromeOS. There are plenty of tutorials online on how to do that, but we only recommend it if you’re at least partially technically savvy or know someone who is, and are willing to learn about a different digital environment.
4. Get Extended Security Updates (ESU)
There’s a final option, and that’s to get an extra year’s worth of security updates for Windows 10. Yes, that’s possible – but there are some caveats before you ask why we didn’t just lead with that in the first place.
Firstly, you have to “qualify” for that added year’s worth of ESU. You can do that by –
1. Syncing your PC settings to the cloud and enabling OneDrive backup – some users may need to enrol in a subscription for OneDrive cloud storage for this – the free version is good for 5GB of backup. Microsoft account required.
2. Redeem 1000 Microsoft Rewards points. Not as hard as it sounds – installing the Bing app gets you 500 points, for example. Just a bit of jumping through hoops really. Microsoft account required.
3. Pay up. Give Microsoft $30 (+ tax) and you’re in. Simple.
But note that this final option is just kicking the can down the road somewhat. In a year’s time you’re going to have to face the dilemma again, only the ESU option won’t be available the second time around.
Whatever you choose to do, leaving your device unprotected with unsupported software is the least recommended course of action.
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