Wot!!! Is the normal reaction when I ask customers this question? I then tell them that Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, as part of its standard lifecycle policy for software products. This decision aligns with the release of Windows 11 in October 2021, which initiated the countdown to the end of support for its predecessor.
The reasons they give for ending support are:
- Microsoft follows a Modern Lifecycle Policy that dictates support timelines for its software.
- By ending support for Windows 10, Microsoft aims to encourage users to transition to Windows 11.
- Continuing to support an older operating system poses significant security risks, especially as cyber threats evolve.
- Despite Windows 10 maintaining a substantial market share (around 70%), Microsoft has determined that pushing users towards newer technology is essential for both user experience and security.
Hence after October 2025, Microsoft will cease providing free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Users will need to upgrade to Windows 11 or pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) if they wish to receive critical updates beyond this date.
So, what are the options to maintain a secure system?
- Check via “windows updates” to see if your pc can be updated to Windows 11. If it can, back up all your pictures and documents, make sure you know your passwords and then use the automatic update to move to Windows11.
- If you are not shown the update via “windows updates” it may mean that there are some pieces of hardware in you PC which are not compatible with the update. It may be that some parts could be update / updated to allow windows 11 to be used. The easiest way to check this is to download and run a program called “ WNYNOTWIN11 from https://www.whynotwin11.com/
This will test your PC and tell you why it cannot be upgraded. If it shows some of the CPU items are red you are probably out of luck. If it shows some of the other items in red you “might be ok” if settings can be changed in your PC Bios. Again, you should back up your files before you attempt any BIOS updates.
However, unless you can get them all green your PC will not be secure after October 2025, and you could be setting yourself up for risks since
- Without regular security updates and patches from Microsoft, Windows 10 devices will become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, malware, and data breaches.
- Many industries have strict compliance requirements regarding data protection and the use of supported software. Using Windows 10 after its end-of-life may lead to non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR, potentially resulting in hefty fines and legal consequence for businesses.
- Many applications and services may drop support for older versions of Windows, limiting functionality and security.
So if your PC cannot be upgrade to Windows 11 it could contribute to the estimated 240 millions PC which could end up as land fill waste ( https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-ending-support-windows-10-could-send-240-mln-pcs-landfills-report-2023-12-21/).
This is a significant issue which is already being discussed in the environmental space
However, remember that if you have to dispose of an old PC you should first securely delete the files from the hard drive then disconnect from power. The PC should then be taken to a recycle centre rather than to a land fill center where useful resources can be recovered.
What are your options if your PC cannot be upgraded?
If you want to remain with a familiar Microsoft operating system, then buying a new PC with Windows 11 is the only option. If you are going to do this, they I would suggest getting one in the sales in January 2025 as by the Autumn the supply will be short, and I suspect fewer deals will be available as “everyone” will be upgrading at that time.
Another option is to change from a windows PC to a MAC OS machine. However, these can be more expensive than a windows PC and have a associated learning curve.
You may consider purchasing a tablet which is running Android or Apple which may be suitable especially if you only use your current PC for web browsing and emails.
The other option is to repurpose your current desktop or laptop to run another operating system which is not Microsoft based. There are a range of Linux “flavours” available, and Linux Mint is one which is “similar” to the Windows 10 environment.
However, it is not a simple upgrade, and you would need to back up all documents and delete the contents of the hard drive of the windows PC before installing Linux. You will also find that there is a learning curve with Linux. I will write another post about the change to Linus soon.
In the meantime, you have decisions to make to see if you can prevent your PC from being one of the mass influx of PC to land fill before Xmas 2025. If you need any further advice, please contact me.