Windows 10’s ordinary support ended on October 14, 2025. Your computer still works, but Microsoft no longer provides normal free updates, security fixes, or technical assistance for the covered release. Microsoft’s supported routes are upgrading an eligible PC to Windows 11, enrolling in time-limited consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU), or replacing the computer. The End of 10 campaign argues that many usable PCs can instead stay in service with Linux.
Neither answer fits everyone. Windows 11 is the least disruptive option when your hardware qualifies; ESU is a temporary bridge; replacing a working computer costs more but provides a current Windows platform; Linux can extend an older PC’s useful life if your applications, peripherals, and willingness to learn align with it.
What happens when Windows 10 support ends?
Microsoft lists October 14, 2025 as the end of general Windows 10 support. After that date, ordinary Windows Update security fixes, software updates, and technical assistance ended for the covered release. Microsoft says an unsupported PC will continue to start and run, but it will not receive software updates, including security updates, through normal support: Microsoft’s explanation of unsupported Windows.
This is different from the computer becoming unusable. Existing programs and files may continue working, but unpatched vulnerabilities can become a growing security risk. Windows 10 support status also does not change whether a particular PC can technically run another operating system.
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Microsoft’s three Windows paths
Upgrade an eligible PC to Windows 11
If your exact computer meets Windows 11’s requirements and the upgrade is offered, this is Microsoft’s standard supported path. Check compatibility before committing, then verify that essential applications, printers, scanners, accessibility tools, and other peripherals work with Windows 11.
Microsoft’s current guidance is here: Windows 10 support has ended.
Use consumer Extended Security Updates
Consumer ESU is a limited security-update bridge for eligible Windows 10 installations. Microsoft’s currently listed endpoint is October 12, 2027, but enrollment requirements, account conditions, regional availability, and terms can change. Confirm the current details on Microsoft’s support pages before enrolling.
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- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC WITH NO PRIOR VERSION of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE PRODUCT SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
ESU is not a return to ordinary Windows 10 support. It buys transition time while you plan an upgrade, replacement, or migration; it does not make unsupported hardware compatible with Windows 11.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Replace the computer
A Windows 11-capable PC provides a current Microsoft hardware and software path. Compare the total cost, including moving files and applications, reconnecting peripherals, and accommodating accessibility requirements. Replacing a still-usable computer also has material and environmental consequences that do not appear on the purchase price.
Why End of 10 recommends Linux
End of 10 is a campaign advocating continued use of functional hardware by installing Linux. Its landing page says, “The cheapest and most environmentally-friendly computer is the one you already own.” Treat that as campaign messaging, not as an independent lifecycle assessment or a guarantee of savings.
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
The campaign is deliberately distribution-agnostic. It does not select one Linux distribution for everyone; local volunteers or businesses may recommend and install a distribution based on the computer and the user’s needs. Linux can run on a broad range of hardware, but that does not mean every Windows application, game, printer, device, or workflow will work. End of 10’s position and FAQ are at End of 10 and its FAQ.
Which route fits your situation?
| Route | What you get | Questions to answer |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 upgrade | A supported Windows installation on compatible hardware | Does this exact PC meet requirements? Do required applications and peripherals work? |
| Windows 10 consumer ESU | Limited security updates on the existing Windows installation | Is the device eligible? What terms apply in your region? Can you transition before October 12, 2027, the currently listed endpoint? |
| New Windows 11 PC | Current Windows hardware and software support | What is the total cost of purchase, setup, data transfer, accessibility, and peripheral replacement? |
| Linux on the existing PC | A way to keep usable hardware in service without a Windows OS license | Will essential software, games, printers, and devices work? Can you handle installation and a learning curve? What support is available? |
Can my old Windows 10 PC run Linux?
Possibly, but only a check of your particular model can answer confidently. Before installation, make an inventory of:
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- Applications you must use, including business, creative, education, and specialist software.
- Games and any anti-cheat or launcher requirements.
- Printers, scanners, cameras, Wi-Fi adapters, graphics tablets, and other peripherals.
- Accessibility features, keyboard layouts, display scaling, speech tools, and assistive hardware.
- File formats, cloud services, VPNs, backup tools, and other parts of your daily workflow.
Look up Linux support for each critical item and, where possible, test a distribution’s live USB environment before installing. A live session can reveal problems with Wi-Fi, sound, graphics, touchpads, or displays without changing the internal drive, although it is not a guarantee that every application will be available.
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- Instantly productive. Simpler, more intuitive UI and effortless navigation. New features like snap layouts help you manage multiple tasks with ease.
- Smarter collaboration. Have effective online meetings. Share content and mute/unmute right from the taskbar (1) Stay focused with intelligent noise cancelling and background blur.(2)
- Reassuringly consistent. Have confidence that your applications will work. Familiar deployment and update tools. Accelerate adoption with expanded deployment policies.
- Powerful security. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in.
How to install Linux on an old laptop
End of 10’s DIY outline uses a USB installer. The process is straightforward in concept but destructive if handled carelessly.
- Choose a distribution. Select one whose hardware requirements, desktop interface, update policy, documentation, and available support match your needs. End of 10 does not endorse a particular distribution.
- Back up first. Copy important documents, photos, credentials, browser data, and application files to separate storage. Open several backed-up files to confirm the copy works. Keep recovery or installation media for any software you may need to restore.
- Download the installer. Get the image from the chosen distribution’s official project. Follow that project’s instructions for checking the download where available.
- Flash a USB stick. Use an image-writing tool to put the installer on a USB flash drive. This erases the USB stick, so use one containing no files you need.
- Boot from USB. Restart the PC and use its boot-menu key or firmware settings to select the USB device. The exact key and menu differ by manufacturer.
- Test the live session. Check networking, audio, video, suspend and resume, external displays, input devices, printers, and accessibility settings.
- Install only after testing. Read the disk-selection screen carefully. A choice that erases or replaces the Windows installation can overwrite the computer’s data. Proceed only when your backup is verified and you understand the selected layout.
- Update and restore. After the first boot, apply the distribution’s updates, install needed applications, reconnect peripherals, and restore files selectively.
End of 10’s installation guide is here. Its FAQ also discusses retaining a previous drive as a backup in some upgrade scenarios: read the FAQ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When professional or local help is safer
Use in-person help if you cannot verify a backup, are unsure about firmware or disk-partition choices, depend on specialist Windows software, or need accessibility hardware configured correctly. End of 10 lists repair cafés, local shops, and volunteer groups at Find Linux Support.
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The directory is submitted by providers and is not evaluated by End of 10. Availability, prices, technical ability, and responsibility for the device remain with the individual provider and owner. Ask what will be erased, how your data will be protected, which distribution will be installed, what support is included, and how you can recover if a required application does not work.
A practical decision checklist
- Choose Windows 11 when your PC qualifies and you need maximum continuity with Windows applications and services.
- Choose ESU when you need a short, supported security bridge and can meet Microsoft’s current eligibility and enrollment terms.
- Choose a new PC when the existing machine fails compatibility, performance, reliability, or accessibility needs and replacement is affordable.
- Choose Linux when the hardware remains useful, your essential software and devices have workable alternatives, and you accept preparation, testing, and a possible learning curve.
There is no neutral, universal performance, security, cost-savings, or carbon-reduction figure that decides this choice for every computer. The right answer depends on your hardware, software, budget, data, and support needs.
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