Windows 10 End of Support Countdown: Less than 50 Days Left to Upgrade
October 14, 2025 is coming sooner than you think, so it's time to update your OS, upgrade your PC, or enroll in Microsoft's ESU program.News
The deadline is drawing closer. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end (most) support for Windows 10. Even though we've been talking about it for a couple of years now, the reality is setting in for millions of Windows 10 users and it's time to make a plan for the post-Windows 10 world.
After that date, PCs running Windows 10 will no longer receive crucial security updates, non-security quality-of-life updates, or most other forms of support, leaving them dangerously exposed to viruses, malware, and ransomware. Some have been hesitant to upgrade due to Windows 11's stricter hardware requirements, while others simply prefer the older OS.
But it sounds like at least some people have been heeding the call. When we first started writing about this topic in early 2024, something close to 70 percent of the globe's 1.4 billion estimated Windows PCs were still running Windows 10. Today, less than two months from the October 14 deadline, Windows 11 has finally crossed into the majority, on around 53 percent of PCs, with Windows 10 down to 42 percent.
That's still a huge number of computers facing potential security risks, and some of the details around the end of Windows 10 have changed in recent months, so this is a good time to catch up on the three main paths forward you have.
| Option | Best For | Estimated Cost | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to Windows 11 | Users whose current PC meets the minimum system requirements. | Free | Microsoft's recommended path. Offers enhanced security, a modern interface, and is optimized for the latest hardware. |
| Buy a New PC | Users with older hardware (approx. 5-10 years old) that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. | Varies (Cost of a new computer) | The most straightforward way to get a secure, modern OS and take advantage of new hardware. |
| Stay on Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU) | Users who don't want to cannot upgrade or buy new right now. | Free (with OneDrive sync) or $30/year (covers up to 10 PCs) | Continue receiving (only) critical security updates until October 13, 2026. This is a temporary, one-year measure. |
Upgrade to Windows 11
This is Microsoft's recommended path and the best solution for most of us. If your PC meets the minimum system requirements, the upgrade is free. Windows 11 offers a modern interface, enhanced security features, including a more robust Windows Defender and better encryption, and is better optimized for the latest hardware.
The easiest way to see if your current laptop or desktop can upgrade to Windows 11 is to download Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool, which will tell you if your system meets the requirements. Here's a quick list of what Windows 11 requires:
- TPM 2.0 support
- Secure Boot support
- A 1 GHz or faster 64-bit CPU with at least two cores
- At least 4GB of system RAM
- A drive that's 64GB or larger
- Direct X 12-compatible graphics
- A 9-inch or larger display capable of at least 720p
The TPM 2.0 requirement is the most common stumbling block for older PCs. It's a hardware-based security feature standard on modern systems but wasn't as universal back when many Windows 10 machines were built.
Buy a new PC
If you have a machine old enough to both run Windows 10 and also not have that TPM 2.0 chip, that means it's probably between 6-10 years old, so it may be time for a new one.
I provided a few new computer recs earlier this year when I last wrote about the end of Windows 10, including systems like the Microsoft Surface Laptop and Lenovo's midpriced IdeaPad line. Here are a few other excellent Windows 11 systems we've reviewed recently:
- Acer Swift Go 14 AI: A slim system for all-day NPU-assisted AI
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7i: A 16-inch all-around laptop that's also great for gaming
- Alienware 18 Area-51: A big-screen 18-inch desktop replacement for gaming and productivity
- HP EliteBook Ultra G1q: A Qualcomm-powered slim business system that can run local AI
Stay on Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If upgrading or buying new isn't an option right now, Microsoft is offering a temporary lifeline. Until October 13, 2026 -- one year after the official end-of-service date -- you can enroll in the consumer ESU (or Extended Security Update) program and receive critical security updates but nothing else. It's better than nothing, but you won't get new features, bug fixes, or technical support. Think of this as a temporary stop-gap measure, not a permanent solution.
The ESU rules have changed a bit over time, and it's different for business and consumer users. The good news is that the consumer PC version of the program is free if you agree to sync and back up your Windows settings through Microsoft's OneDrive service. It's $30 per year if you choose not to, but that covers up to 10 PCs, as long as they all use the same Microsoft account. You can actually also redeem 1,000 Microsoft points to enroll as well (you can get those plenty of ways, including by playing games through the Xbox app).
Full ESU enrollment details are here, but the other prerequisites include (taken directly from Microsoft):
- Devices need to be running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation edition
- Devices need to have the latest update installed
- The Microsoft account used to sign in to the device must be an administrator account
- The ESU license is tied to your Microsoft account, so you may be prompted to sign in if you typically sign into Windows with a local account
- The Microsoft Account can’t be a child account
The countdown is on
With the October 14th deadline approaching, the choice comes down to three options: upgrading your current PC to Windows 11, getting a new Windows 11 machine, or enrolling in the one-year Extended Security Updates program as a temporary measure.
Still having trouble deciding what to do? If you're unsure whether your current machine can handle the Windows 11 update or which new laptop is right for you, you can always visit your nearest Micro Center, where trained experts will be happy to help you figure it out.
Read more:
- The End is Coming for Windows 10: What You (Still) Need to Know
- The Beginning of the End...for Windows 10
- Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know
- See the Top-Rated Laptops at Micro Center
Dan Ackerman is the Editor-in-Chief of Micro Center News. A veteran technology journalist with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience testing and reviewing the latest consumer tech, he previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Gizmodo and Editorial Director at CNET. He is also the author of The Tetris Effect, the critically acclaimed Cold War history of the world's most influential video game. Contact Dan at dackerman at microcenter.com.
