Like many people right now, Westchester resident Pat Simon is stressing over her Windows 10 computer.
“The thing is, it’s not that old… I don’t know why it wouldn’t upgrade to 11,” she said.
After 10 years, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
“It’s a big deal that Windows 10 is coming to its end of life, end of support. It’s been 10 years, and that’s the lifespan that Microsoft usually gives to operating systems,” said Dan Ackerman, editor in chief of MicroCenter News.
Without updates, computers can be left vulnerable.
“That means that going forward, bad actors will start to look for new vulnerabilities and try to exploit them. So if you’re not getting these security updates, your system is going to be more vulnerable,” he said.
The good news? You have options.
The first – and easiest – is to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft offers a free PC Health Check app that shows if your computer qualifies.
“You’re not going to load up Windows 11 and go, I don’t know what’s happening here. It’s going to feel very familiar. So I think that if you’ve been holding off, there’s no reason not to,” said Ackerman.
If your PC can’t run Windows 11, or you’re ready for something new, Dan recommends buying a new machine. Some of his preferred options include Microsoft’s Surface Laptop or Lenovo’s more affordable IdeaPad line.
“Even if it’s an inexpensive budget machine, that’s going to be a lot more powerful than a mid-range machine was five or six or seven years ago, or however old your current computer is,” he said.
There’s also another option: Extended Security Updates. This lets you keep Windows 10 safe for one more year.
To enroll, go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security (scroll down to see it) > Windows Update. Look for the Enroll Now link below where it says Check for Updates.
You can back up your settings to OneDrive, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time fee of $30.
“This is so easy… but yet I couldn’t find where to get started,” said Simon.
We found the enrollment link right on the Windows Update screen. With just a few clicks, her computer is now protected through October 2026.
“The anxiety’s gone and I don’t have to panic… which is what I was doing,” she concluded with a laugh.
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