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Windows 10 end of support and upgrading to Windows 11

Updated October 30, 2026

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Home users can keep receiving security fixes through the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which now runs through October 12, 2027. Here's what that means and how to decide between upgrading, enrolling in ESU or replacing the PC.

What “end of support” means

Windows 10 keeps working. Nothing switches off.
Without ESU, it no longer gets security updates, fixes or technical support from Microsoft. New security holes stay open, which makes an internet-connected PC riskier over time.
Apps and browsers will gradually drop support too.

Option 1: upgrade to Windows 11 for free

If your PC meets the requirements, the upgrade from Windows 10 is free. The main requirements are:

A supported processor — broadly Intel 8th generation Core or newer, AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer (with some exceptions; Microsoft publishes the exact lists).
TPM 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot capability.
At least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage (realistically, 8 GB RAM and plenty of free space).

How to check

Open Settings › Update & Security › Windows Update. Eligible PCs often show a Windows 11 upgrade banner.
Or install Microsoft's PC Health Check app and click Check now. It tells you what, if anything, is missing.
If it says TPM or Secure Boot is missing on a fairly recent PC, they're often just switched off in the BIOS/UEFI (look for “PTT”, “fTPM” or “Security Device”, and Secure Boot). Check your PC maker's instructions.

How to upgrade

Back up your files. Make sure you have 30 GB or more free on C: (see freeing up space).
Click Download and install on the Windows Update banner, or use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft's “Download Windows 11” page.
Your files and apps are kept. For 10 days you can go back via Settings › System › Recovery.

Option 2: Extended Security Updates (ESU) through October 12, 2027

If your PC can't run Windows 11, or you're not ready, ESU keeps critical and important security updates coming. Microsoft extended the consumer program on June 25, 2026; it originally ended October 13, 2026.

Your PC needs Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates.
Enroll from Settings › Update & Security › Windows Update, where an enrollment link appears for eligible PCs. You'll need to sign in with a Microsoft account (administrator).
Microsoft has offered several ways to enroll, including at no extra cost when you sync your settings with Windows Backup, by redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or as a one-time purchase. Check Microsoft's Extended Security Updates page for the current options in your country.
One enrollment can cover up to 10 devices signed in with the same Microsoft account.
ESU gives security fixes only — no new features and no general tech support.

Option 3: replace the PC

If the processor isn't supported and the PC is also slow, ESU buys you time to plan. Use that time to compare an upgrade with a replacement — see upgrade or replace a 5-year-old PC. When you replace it, recycle or donate the old PC responsibly and wipe it first (Settings › Update & Security › Recovery › Reset this PC › Remove everything).

About unofficial workarounds

There are ways to force Windows 11 onto unsupported hardware. Microsoft says such PCs aren't guaranteed to receive updates and may show “system requirements not met” warnings. We don't recommend it for anyone who isn't comfortable fixing problems themselves.

Other options

Some people move an older PC to ChromeOS Flex or a Linux distribution for web browsing. That's a valid choice, but check that the apps and printers you rely on are supported first.

Dates as published by Microsoft and checked on the date above: Windows 10 end of support October 14, 2025; consumer ESU through October 12, 2027.