Windows 10 end of support: your 6 options

Your PC still works, and you don’t have to buy a new one. Here’s what each option involves, and how to pick the right one in five minutes.

Last updated October 25, 2026 · Facts checked against Microsoft and Google support pages

The short version

Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025.
Security updates continue only for PCs enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU), until October 12, 2027. For most people, enrolling is free.
If your PC can run Windows 11, upgrade for free. If it can’t, enroll in ESU now and plan a move to Linux or ChromeOS Flex before October 12, 2027.

Step 1: Check whether your PC can run Windows 11

Install Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app and click “Check now”. Windows 11 needs:

A supported processor: generally Intel Core 8th gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 3000 series or newer, plus a few Ryzen 2000 desktop chips
TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (often present but switched off in the BIOS/UEFI settings)
At least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage

Or look up your model in our Can It Run? database.

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11

Free · Best for PCs that pass the PC Health Check

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. If the upgrade is offered, back up your files and install it. Your apps and files normally carry over.

Option 2: Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Usually free · Best for anyone who isn’t ready to switch yet

ESU keeps critical security updates coming until October 12, 2027. It doesn’t add new features or include technical support. According to Microsoft, you can enroll in one of three ways:

Free, if you sync your PC settings to a Microsoft account
By redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points
With a one-time payment of US$30 (or the local equivalent), which covers up to 10 devices

You need Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates and a Microsoft account with administrator rights. Enroll from Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Full details are on Microsoft’s ESU page.

ESU buys you time, but it ends on October 12, 2027. Use the time to plan options 1, 3, 4 or 6.

Option 3: Switch to Linux Mint

Free · Best for older PCs, if you’re happy to learn a little

Linux Mint has a familiar Windows-style layout, includes a browser and office suite, and gets regular security updates. You can try it from a USB stick before installing anything. Check that the apps you rely on run on Linux or in a web browser first.

Option 4: Install ChromeOS Flex

Free · Best for people who mostly use a web browser

ChromeOS Flex is Google’s free system that turns an old PC or Mac into something like a Chromebook. It’s simple and secure, but it runs web apps rather than Windows programs. It works best on models from Google’s certified list. Installing it erases the drive, so back up first. You can also try it from USB.

Option 5: Force Windows 11 onto unsupported hardware

Not recommended

Workarounds exist, but Microsoft recommends against it and says such devices may not receive updates. For most people, options 2, 3 and 4 are safer.

Option 6: Replace it, cheaply

Best for PCs that are failing, or too slow even after upgrades

A refurbished business laptop with an 8th-gen Intel processor or newer runs Windows 11 officially and often costs much less than a new one. Before you buy, look the model up in our Can It Run? database.

Which option should you pick?

Your situation	Do this
PC Health Check says your PC can run Windows 11	Option 1: upgrade
Can’t upgrade, and you depend on Windows-only software	Option 2 now, then option 6 before October 12, 2027
Can’t upgrade, and you mostly use the browser, email and documents	Option 2 now, then option 3 or 4
PC is very old or has 4 GB of RAM or less	Option 4 or a lightweight Linux, plus an SSD

Before you change anything: back up

Copy your documents, photos and browser passwords to an external drive or cloud storage. Options 3, 4 and a clean Windows install all erase the drive.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use Windows 10?

Yes. Your PC keeps working, but without Extended Security Updates it no longer gets security fixes, and the risk grows over time. Enrolling in ESU keeps it protected until October 12, 2027.

Has Windows 10 end of support been extended?

Support itself ended on October 14, 2025. What Microsoft extended is the consumer ESU program, which now runs until October 12, 2027. Read our ESU guide for how to enroll.

Is the upgrade to Windows 11 free?

Yes, for Windows 10 PCs that meet the Windows 11 requirements. If yours doesn’t, see how to check whether your PC can run Windows 11.

Will my browser still work on Windows 10?

For now. Microsoft says Edge will keep getting updates on Windows 10 version 22H2 until at least October 2028, and Google hasn’t announced an end date for Chrome. See our browser guide for details.