Windows 10 PCs still run after support ends, but the operating system no longer receives ordinary security updates. First check whether your PC can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. If it cannot, check the Windows Settings app for Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU); if neither Windows option fits, consider a free supported operating system such as Ubuntu after checking app and hardware compatibility.
Will my Windows 10 computer stop working?
No. The end of support on October 14, 2025 did not switch off Windows 10 or prevent you from using your PC. It did end general Microsoft security updates, software updates, feature updates, and technical support for Windows 10. Without regular security updates, Microsoft warns, “the operating system remains exposed to new threats.” Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support guidance explains the change.
That means continuing to use the computer and keeping it supported are different things. You can keep using Windows 10, but the operating system becomes more exposed as new threats emerge. The practical choices are to move to supported Windows, use the limited ESU bridge if eligible, or switch to another supported operating system.
How do I keep using Windows 10 safely?
There is no way to make an unsupported Windows 10 installation equivalent to a supported, patched operating system. Work through these options in order:
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- Check for a free Windows 11 upgrade. This is the most direct way to remain on Windows while receiving support, provided both Windows version and hardware qualify.
- If the PC cannot upgrade, check Consumer ESU in Settings. Eligible personal-use devices can receive a limited period of security updates, subject to the enrollment options shown in the region.
- If Windows support routes do not fit, consider Ubuntu or another supported system. Check essential apps, devices, and accessibility needs before switching.
- If you require Windows-only software and cannot use ESU, plan for a Windows 11-capable PC. That is a paid fallback, not a free way to extend support for the old computer.
Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?
Potentially. Microsoft offers a free upgrade from an eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 PC to the equivalent Windows 11 edition, provided the device meets Windows 11 requirements. Start at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check whether Windows offers the upgrade. If eligibility is unclear, run Microsoft’s PC Health Check.
Windows 11 requirements include a compatible 1 GHz or faster processor with at least two cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware capable of Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, compatible DirectX 12 graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a suitable display. The processor must also appear on Microsoft’s approved compatibility list. Meeting the memory or storage figures alone does not establish eligibility; check Microsoft’s full Windows 11 requirements.
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Can I get Windows 10 security updates for free?
Some eligible personal-use Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs can enroll in Microsoft’s Consumer ESU program. As listed in Microsoft’s guidance accessed October 4, 2026, ESU provides critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027. It is a temporary bridge, not an extension of full Windows support: it does not provide new features, customer-requested non-security updates, or ordinary technical support. Microsoft’s Consumer ESU page describes eligibility and scope: Windows 10 Consumer ESU.
Microsoft lists three enrollment routes: syncing PC settings at no additional charge, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or making a one-time $30 USD payment (or local-currency equivalent) plus applicable tax. Availability, timing, and options can vary by region. To see what applies to your PC, open the built-in ESU enrollment flow in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and review the terms before enrolling. Devices managed by an organization or enrolled in enterprise licensing are excluded from the consumer route.
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Can antivirus keep Windows 10 safe after end of support?
No antivirus program can replace operating-system security updates. Antivirus may help detect or block some threats, but it does not restore Windows 10’s general security fixes or make an unsupported installation fully safe. Microsoft’s end-of-support guidance cautions that without regular security updates, Windows remains exposed to new threats: Windows 10 end of support.
What about Microsoft 365 Apps?
Microsoft says Microsoft 365 Apps continue to work on Windows 10 and will receive security updates on that system through October 10, 2028. That application-specific period does not restart general Windows 10 operating-system security updates. Microsoft still recommends moving to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues over time. See Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10.
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What can I do with a computer that can’t run Windows 11?
If the PC is ineligible for Windows 11, decide between the temporary ESU bridge, a move to another supported operating system, or replacement. Ubuntu Desktop is a free option for people whose applications and hardware work with Linux. Canonical lists Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS with five years of free security and maintenance updates and recommends a 2 GHz dual-core processor, 6 GB of memory, and 25 GB of free storage. These are Ubuntu’s stated recommended desktop requirements, not a guarantee that every computer or peripheral will work. Details are on Canonical’s Ubuntu Desktop download page.
Check compatibility before switching to Ubuntu
- Confirm that essential applications have Linux versions or workable alternatives; Windows-only programs may not run as they do on Windows.
- Check Wi-Fi, printers, other peripherals, accessibility tools, and any specialized hardware you rely on.
- Back up personal files before installing another operating system.
- Canonical recommends a 12 GB or larger flash drive for installation media. Writing the image erases the selected USB drive, so back up its contents first. Canonical also explains how to try Ubuntu from USB before installing: Ubuntu Desktop installation tutorial.
If you depend on Windows-only applications and cannot use ESU, Microsoft recommends moving to a Windows 11 device when your current PC does not meet Windows 11 requirements. Compare compatibility, accessibility, support, and total cost, and back up your data before moving. See Microsoft’s end-of-support options.
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Which route fits your PC?
| Route | Who can use it | Cost and update coverage | What changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Windows 11 upgrade | Eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 PC that meets Windows 11 hardware requirements | Free upgrade; Windows 11 support applies according to its edition and servicing terms | Keeps Windows compatibility, but the PC must pass Microsoft’s eligibility checks |
| Consumer ESU | Eligible personal-use Windows 10 version 22H2 device; not organization-managed or enterprise-licensed | Settings sync at no additional charge, 1,000 Rewards points, or one-time $30 USD/local equivalent plus tax; critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027, per Microsoft guidance accessed October 4, 2026 | Keeps Windows 10 temporarily; no new features or ordinary technical support |
| Ubuntu Desktop | PC meets Ubuntu requirements and apps and peripherals are compatible | Free; Canonical lists five years of security and maintenance updates for Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS | Changes operating system; requires compatibility checks and possibly data migration |
| Windows 11-capable replacement | People who need Windows but whose present PC cannot upgrade | Paid; price depends on the device | Moves to supported Windows hardware; requires migration and a new-device purchase |
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