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Windows 10 is retired: what that means for you (and your deadline)

Windows 10 support ended last year, and the extended security updates for home users end October 13, 2026. Here's what to do next, in plain English.

If your computer still runs Windows 10, you’re not alone. But there’s an important date coming up, and it’s worth a few minutes to understand what it means for you.

The short version

  • Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more free security updates, feature updates, or technical support.

  • Many people bought a year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) to stay protected. For home users, that program ends October 13, 2026.

  • After that, a Windows 10 computer still turns on and works, but new security holes won’t get fixed.

Why this matters

Security updates are what patch the holes that viruses, ransomware, and scammers use to get into your computer. Without them, every new vulnerability that’s discovered stays open. You can keep using a Windows 10 PC, but the longer you do, the riskier it gets, especially for online banking, shopping, and email.

Antivirus helps, but it isn’t a substitute for an operating system that still gets security fixes.

Your options

1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (free, if your computer qualifies)

Windows 11 is a free upgrade for most computers from about 2018 or newer. Your PC generally needs:

  • A supported processor (roughly Intel 8th generation / AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer)

  • TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (security features that are sometimes just switched off in settings)

  • At least 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of storage

To check, open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. If your PC is eligible, you’ll see an offer to upgrade.

2. Replace the computer

If your PC is older or doesn’t meet the requirements, a new computer is usually the safest and simplest path. It’s often faster than people expect, and your files, photos, and programs can be moved over.

3. Businesses: plan now

Businesses can buy Extended Security Updates for longer, but the price goes up each year. It’s a stopgap, not a plan. If your office still has Windows 10 machines, now is a good time to take inventory and budget for upgrades.

What we recommend

  • Don’t wait until October 13. Upgrades go smoother when they’re not rushed.

  • Back up first. Before any upgrade or replacement, make sure your important files and photos are backed up.

  • Don’t fall for scam calls or pop-ups claiming your “Windows license expired” or that you must call a number. Microsoft won’t call you.

We can help

Not sure if your computer can upgrade? We can check it for you remotely, handle the Windows 11 upgrade, or set up a new computer and transfer your files. Setting up a new computer and moving your files over is a $99 flat rate.

As always, you’ll approve the price before we start, and if we can’t fix it, you don’t pay.

Book a remote session →

Have questions for your business? Send us a note and we’ll help you make a plan.