Windows 10 is losing support: what you can do
What to do after Windows 10 support ends in October 2025? According to Microsoft, it’s simple: use Windows 11. Alternatively, switching to Linux or five years of continued use with 0Patch updates are also options.
This article is aimed at anyone who’s still using Windows 10 despite the approaching end of support. Maybe you like Windows 10 better than Windows 11. Or maybe your hardware doesn’t meet requirements for the new operating system.
After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.
For those affected, the discontinuation of security updates from 14 October in particular is a problem. Microsoft points out that PCs will still continue to function after this date. However, the company recommends switching to Windows 11.
The downside of missing security updates is obvious – the risk of unpatched systems being compromised will steadily increase. Unless you only use your computer offline, of course. But that’s not your only option, there are several ways to act when support ends.
Here are your options
I’ll list a few ways forward:
- Keep Windows 10 and treat yourself to another year of official Windows 10 security updates – Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft – for 30 US dollars.
- Keep Windows 10 and use third-party security updates from 0Patch – these will be available until at least 2030 for 25 euros a year (plus tax).
- Upgrade to Windows 11 (provided your hardware is supported).
- Install Windows 11 unofficially on unsupported hardware – for example by using the Rufus software.
- Buy a new computer/laptop with hardware that supports Windows 11.
- Switch to a Linux distribution that suits you and your PC.
If you decide to continue using Windows 10, there’s another security aspect to consider: Microsoft will continue to provide updates for the Defender antivirus software integrated in Windows 10 until October 2028. After that, you’ll have to switch to a different solution.
Keep Windows 10 and pay Microsoft for another year of security updates
For the first time ever, Microsoft is offering an ESU program to private end users. However, the Extended Security Updates will only be available for one year. One year of protection until October 2026 will cost 30 US dollars per PC. It’s unclear whether they’ll offer another year after that. Participation in the ESU program will be offered shortly before the end of Windows 10 support.
Keep Windows 10 and rely on third-party security updates
At a similar price, but guaranteed for at least five years, you’ll continue to receive security updates for Windows 10 from 0Patch. For 25 euros plus tax per year and PC, the company offers more than just fixes for Windows 10. Micropatches for other versions such as Windows 7, 11 (v21H2), Server 2012 or older Office versions are also included.
Source: 0Patch
0Patch also offers a free agent for private use, it’ll only provide you with 0-day fixes, though. The security fixes for Windows 10 and the like are only available for a fee.
Officially switch to Windows 11
If there’s no technical reason not to, you can upgrade to Windows 11 free of charge. To do this, click here. Then download the installation wizard from the download page and start it. If you’d like to create a USB installation medium, you can also obtain the Windows 11 media creation tool or a drive image from the website.
Unofficially upgrade to Windows 11 (with unsupported hardware)
The system requirements for Windows 11 are an obstacle for many computers. If you don’t have a TPM chip, for example, Windows 11 won’t be approved for hardware that might otherwise be strong enough. Microsoft is taking the path of increased security at the expense of potential electronic waste. That might make sense for businesses, but when it comes to private desktop PCs, I struggle to understand why I’d need storage encryption and the like.
If you want to use Windows 11 despite the lack of system requirements, you can. This can be done as an in-place upgrade, where existing data is transferred, or as a new installation. The easiest way to set up an unofficial installation is with the open-source software Rufus. I’ve explained how to do this in the following article:
Be aware that Microsoft doesn’t provide support for any problems with Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. There’s also no guarantee that updates will be installed automatically. So for major feature updates, you may have to install them yourself by performing an in-place upgrade with a new Windows image.
Whether the hardware will be sufficient in terms of performance is another matter. In principle, Windows 11 requires little or no more performance than its predecessor. You won’t notice a big difference between the operating systems. If the performance in Windows 10 is sufficient for you, your hardware will also likely do its job in Windows 11.
Buy a new computer
If you’re no longer satisfied with the performance of your device anyway, you can use the end of support as an opportunity to buy a new one. However, if you’re still happy, I wouldn’t buy new hardware just for Windows 11. Instead, consider one of the other options.
Switch to Linux (even an option for gamers these days)
Switching to Linux is a completely different approach. Since different operating systems are generally similar today, getting used to them will take less time than you might think. Even when gaming, you’ll hardly be restricted. If you use Steam, for example, nearly the entire library will be playable.
And for other software, there’s a solution or alternative for almost everything. For Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel or Teams, use the 365 web version. Or you can switch to open source alternatives such as OnlyOffice or LibreOffice.
Source: linuxmint.com
If you want to start using Linux but have no idea which distribution to choose, I recommend Linux Mint (Cinnamon Edition) or Ubuntu. Both are well suited for newcomers. If you want to use your computer primarily for gaming, it’s also worth taking a look at SteamOS clone Bazzite. Also, take a look at the comments under this article. Knowing our Community, plenty more great Linux tips should pop up there quickly.
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Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
