Windows 10 Upgrade Deadline: 5 Urgent Options Before Time Runs Out

With the Windows 10 support deadline of October 14, 2025 rapidly approaching, millions of users must decide how to handle their aging devices. Microsoft will not extend this cutoff or alter the strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, leaving many functional computers ineligible for an official upgrade. If your PC fails the compatibility check, you cannot proceed through Windows Update and will be prompted to purchase new hardware instead. Fortunately, several practical alternatives exist, including newly available methods to obtain security updates at no cost for an additional year. Acting promptly is essential to maintain security and functionality.

Even if your own equipment isn’t affected, friends or family members likely own older PCs that remain perfectly usable but cannot upgrade to Windows 11. They may have been dismissing alerts for months, but these warnings will intensify as the deadline nears. Sharing this information could help them navigate their choices effectively.

1. Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Microsoft will continue developing security patches for Windows 10, but these will not be free for all users. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers a subscription-based service providing security updates for up to three years post-deadline.

Pricing varies significantly by user type. Consumers can receive security updates for one extra year, extending protection to October 2026. The listed price is $30 annually, but you can reduce this cost to zero by redeeming Microsoft Rewards points earned through Bing searches or using the Windows Backup tool. This approach effectively postpones your decision, but remember, the consumer ESU only lasts one year. Use that time to plan your next steps before October 2026 arrives.

Educational institutions managing Windows 10 Education editions benefit from exceptionally low rates: just $1 per device for the first year, $2 for the second, and $4 for the third year, providing coverage until October 2028.

Businesses, however, face much steeper costs. The ESU license is sold per device, starting at $61 for the first year, doubling to $122 for the second, and reaching $244 for the third year. Over three years, the total cost per PC amounts to $427.

2. Purchase a New PC or Consider a Virtual PC

Microsoft and its partners naturally encourage replacing outdated hardware with new models, such as the latest Copilot+ PCs with neural processing units or high-performance gaming systems. However, discarding a fully operational computer is wasteful, and it may not be feasible if you rely on mission-critical software or expensive peripherals incompatible with Windows 11.

Another option is subscribing to Windows 365, which lets you rent a virtual Windows 11 PC hosted in Microsoft’s cloud. This service works on Windows 10 devices and includes extended security updates for the host PC for up to three years. While Windows 365 plans begin at $28 monthly, this could be more economical than buying new hardware.

For businesses, replacing PCs older than six years is generally the correct financial decision, especially when considering potential tax depreciation benefits.

3. Upgrade Your ‘Incompatible’ Hardware to Windows 11

Even if the compatibility checker blocks your upgrade, documented methods exist to bypass these restrictions. For PCs less than ten years old, this is often the most straightforward and cost-effective solution.

For devices originally designed for Windows 10 (typically from 2016 onward), a simple registry edit combined with enabling Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM), even version 1.2, usually allows a smooth upgrade. Many users confirm this method works flawlessly when configuration settings are correct.

Older PCs designed for Windows 7 or 8.1 might require Rufus, a third-party tool, to circumvent installation barriers, particularly on systems using legacy BIOS instead of UEFI firmware or lacking TPM. Ensure you use Rufus version 4.9 or newer to handle Microsoft’s latest compatibility validations.

Note that PCs with CPUs missing POPCNT and SSE 4.2 instruction sets cannot be upgraded. Most Intel CPUs from 2009 onward and AMD CPUs from 2015 onward include these. There is no workaround for very old processors failing this test.

During an unsupported upgrade, you might encounter a warning stating your PC will no longer be supported or entitled to updates. This language is intentionally misleading, it disclaims Microsoft’s responsibility without actually confirming update restrictions. If you prefer not to edit the registry and your system has TPM but fails the CPU check, use Rufus to create a bootable Windows 11 installation drive, bypassing checks entirely. You’ll need to restore files from backup and reinstall software, similar to setting up a new computer.

4. Move Away from Windows Entirely

Consider installing your preferred Linux distribution to continue using your existing hardware. If you possess the technical skills to manage the transition, this can be a viable path. With cloud-based services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, most everyday tasks can be accomplished through a web browser, making the underlying operating system less critical.

Google’s free ChromeOS Flex is another possibility, though compatibility limitations may apply. Before attempting installation, verify your device against Google’s official certified models list. Also, check the end-of-support date for the ChromeOS Flex release to avoid adopting another soon-to-be-obsolete system.

While switching to Linux can breathe new life into old hardware, businesses and consumers heavily invested in Windows-specific software might find this alternative impractical.

5. Disregard the Support Deadline Entirely

Choosing to do nothing and continuing to run an unsupported operating system is risky, exposing your system to potential security exploits. Despite the dangers, many will take this chance, and some will eventually regret it.

Relying solely on careful browsing habits and third-party antivirus software is not a reliable defense strategy. If you insist on this path, consider installing the 0patch agent to address security vulnerabilities Microsoft no longer patches. The free personal plan covers known zero-day vulnerabilities, while the Pro plan, costing approximately $2.50 monthly, provides all Windows 10 patches. This approach is not recommended for business use but might be acceptable for a home computer used casually.

Understanding ‘End of Support’

Microsoft’s longstanding policy supports each major operating system release for ten years. Windows 10, launched in 2015, reaches its planned retirement in 2025. According to the Modern Lifecycle Policy, October 14, 2025, marks the date when Microsoft ceases to provide technical support, security updates, or reliability fixes for Windows 10.

After this date, the operating system continues to function, but Windows Update will no longer deliver critical patches. The absence of new security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support leaves systems vulnerable. While Microsoft encourages migrating to the latest version, this isn’t a supported path for hardware failing Windows 11’s compatibility checks. Attempting an upgrade on such devices triggers an error, forcing you to select from the five options outlined above.

(Source: ZDNET)