Windows 10 Has Stopped Getting Security Updates — What You Need to Do

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. That means no more security updates, no more patches, and no more fixes — unless you take action.

Your PC still works. Nothing has changed about how it runs day to day. But from a security perspective, the clock is now ticking. Every new vulnerability that gets discovered from this point on will go unpatched, and attackers know it. Windows 10 machines are about to become the easiest targets on the internet.

Here's what you need to know, and what your options actually are.

What "End of Support" Actually Means

Let's be clear about what's changed and what hasn't:

• Your PC still works — Windows 10 doesn't stop functioning. Your files, programs, and settings are all still there
• No more security patches — this is the big one. When new vulnerabilities are found (and they will be — dozens every month), Microsoft won't release fixes for Windows 10
• No more bug fixes — any remaining bugs or glitches in Windows 10 will stay as they are
• Software support will fade — over the coming months and years, software developers and hardware manufacturers will stop testing on Windows 10. New printers, peripherals, and programs may not work
• Browser support continues (for now) — Chrome and Firefox will continue supporting Windows 10 for a while, but not indefinitely

The real danger is the security patches. Every month, Microsoft's Patch Tuesday fixes dozens of vulnerabilities — holes that attackers actively exploit. Without those patches, your PC becomes progressively more exposed. It's like leaving your front door unlocked and hoping nobody tries the handle. For context, the March 2026 update alone fixed over 80 vulnerabilities.

Are You Still on Windows 10?

If you're not sure which version of Windows you're running, it's easy to check. Here's what the Settings screen looks like:

To get there: open Settings (press the Windows key + I), click System, then scroll down and click About. If it says "Windows 10" under Edition, you're affected.

The Timeline You Need to Know

Here's where things stand and where they're heading:

Can Your PC Run Windows 11?

The simplest fix is to upgrade to Windows 11 — but not every PC can. Microsoft set stricter hardware requirements for Windows 11, and a lot of perfectly capable machines from 2017 and earlier don't make the cut.

The main requirements are:

• TPM 2.0 — a security chip. Most PCs from 2018 onwards have it, but it may be turned off in BIOS
• Secure Boot capable — again, most modern PCs have this but it's sometimes disabled
• 8th gen Intel or Ryzen 2000+ processor — this is the one that catches most people. A perfectly fast 7th gen i5 or i7 is technically unsupported
• 4GB RAM minimum — not usually a problem
• 64GB storage minimum — also not usually a problem

Download Microsoft's PC Health Check tool to find out if your specific machine qualifies. It takes 30 seconds and gives you a clear yes or no. You can get it from the official Microsoft Windows 10 end of support page.

If it says yes — upgrade. Windows 11 is still a free upgrade from Windows 10, and the process keeps your files and programs intact. If you need help speeding it up afterwards, have a look at my guide on how to speed up a slow Windows 11 PC.

What If Your PC Can't Run Windows 11?

This is where it gets trickier. If your PC fails the compatibility check, you have a few options:

Option 1: Get the free Extended Security Updates

Microsoft is doing something unusual here — they're offering one free year of extended security updates for Windows 10. Normally they charge businesses hundreds of pounds per device for this, but individual users can get it for free by either signing into their Microsoft account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (which you can earn by using Bing for a few weeks).

This keeps you protected until October 2026, which gives you a full year to plan your next move. If you're not ready to replace your PC right now, this is the obvious first step.

Option 2: Buy a new PC

If your current PC is 7+ years old and can't run Windows 11, it might genuinely be time for a new one. This is where the 50% rule from my repair or replace guide comes in — if the cost of keeping your current machine going (workarounds, security software, eventual forced replacement) is approaching half the cost of a new PC, replace it now.

A decent new laptop for everyday use starts around £350–400. Refurbished business laptops (Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad) are even cheaper at £150–250 and come with Windows 11.

Option 3: Switch to Linux

If your PC hardware is still perfectly good but can't run Windows 11, Linux is a genuine option. Linux Mint in particular looks and feels surprisingly similar to Windows, runs brilliantly on older hardware, and is completely free.

The catch: some Windows-only software won't run on Linux (though most have web-based alternatives now), and there's a learning curve. It's ideal for people who mainly browse the web, do email, and use office software — LibreOffice handles Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files well.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Check which Windows you're running — Settings → System → About, or type winver
2. If you're on Windows 10, activate the free ESU — sign into your Microsoft account and follow the prompts in Windows Update. This is free and takes 5 minutes
3. Run PC Health Check — download it from Microsoft to see if your PC can run Windows 11
4. If it can: upgrade to Windows 11 — it's free, and you keep your files and programs
5. If it can't: start planning — you have until October 2026 with the free ESU, so you don't need to rush. But don't leave it until the last minute
6. Back up your files now — whatever you decide, make sure your important files are safe before you make any changes. Here's how to set up a proper backup