Windows 10 is ending security support in October – 6 ways you can prepare

Official support for Windows 10 ends on 14 October 2025, meaning Microsoft will no longer offer fixes, new features or security updates after that date. Unless you take action, you'll be vulnerable to hackers.

If you have a Windows 10 PC, you’ve likely already have seen notifications informing you about the end of support. For PCs eligible for Windows 11, this includes the option to upgrade for free. 

Not all PCs with Windows 10 will have the necessary specs to upgrade, though. And if you have a PC running Windows 7 or 8.1 (or one bought with these and later upgraded to Windows 10), you almost certainly won't.

Below, our tech experts run through next steps. Plus, we've included advice on what specs to look for if you're shopping for a new laptop or desktop PC.

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Why you need security support

Windows updates make sure your PC stays secure through security updates and the latest fixes, so it continues to run properly and stay protected.

After support ends in October, Windows 10 will still function – but it won’t get security updates or fixes. Hackers and criminals often target unsupported software to exploit weaknesses and steal data. You might also find over time that some features or software no longer work on your PC.

Anyone using Windows 10 on their PC will be affected. Around 28% of Which? members* have told us they're still using Windows 10.

We recommend upgrading when you can. This will keep your data safe and your PC running smoothly.

Act now: what you can do about Windows 10 ending support

Jump to:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11 for free
2. Buy a new computer
3. Convert to ChromeOS Flex
4. Upgrade outdated components
5. Pay to extend your Windows 10 licence for one year
6. Convert to Ubuntu

Prefer 1-2-1 help from a tech expert? Find out more about Which? Tech Support - available from £4.99 a month.

 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 for free

If your current PC supports Windows 11, you can upgrade without paying a penny – you’ll likely have received upgrade notifications from Microsoft. Use our free Windows 11 compatibility tool to confirm, if you're unsure whether your PC has the necessary specs.

We suggest installing Windows 11 sooner rather than later, so make sure you take advantage of Microsoft's offer while it lasts. Simply follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start (Windows) button, or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Choose Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows 11 feels similar to Windows 10 and it’s actually been simplified to make it easier to use. Speed and performance have also been improved – which is handy if your PC is compatible but isn't as fast as it once was.

If your machine isn't eligible to upgrade, you can buy a new computer (see below). Alternatively, if you have a desktop PC, you could upgrade outdated components.

2. Buy a new computer

You might find that Microsoft's pending changes are a good excuse to treat yourself to a new computer. Thanks to our rigorous lab tests, you can avoid buying a dud machine that's painfully sluggish. We test more than 120 laptops in our specialist lab every year.

When scoring laptops, we pay close attention to several key features, including:

• Speed and performance – we use advanced software benchmarks to measure the speed of a laptop when browsing the web, editing photos, editing documents and spreadsheets, opening programs and editing videos. 
• Battery life – our experts run at least three battery tests, including playing a video streamed via YouTube until the battery runs out, and then, separately, browsing the web while connected to the internet over a wi-fi connection.
• Screen quality and sound – a calibrated piece of screen analysis equipment called a colorimeter is used to measure how the screen performs. We study the screen’s ability to display accurate colours along with icontrast, brightness and darkness.

Know your specs

When picking out your new PC, look out for the following:

• At least 8GB of Ram (if you can, choose 16GB for future-proofing)
• At least 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) storage (ideally more)
• Intel Core 5 (or i5) or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Avoid any Intel Pentium or Celeron processors, as they're now too outdated for future-proofing.

If you want a Microsoft's Copilot+ laptop, which allows you to run intensive AI tasks on your computer, we're talking 16GB of Ram, a Snapdragon X Series, Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen AI processor and at least 512MB SSD.

Our experts have rounded up the best laptops to make upgrading a breeze. Alternatively, if you're shopping for a desktop, see our page on how to choose a cheap PC.

Our expert says:

'On a mission to help you find a laptop to suit your needs, we highlight good-value deals on laptops that perform well in our rigorous lab tests. This way, you aren't lured into spending your money on a deal that isn't as good as it seems.

'You'll find our favourite deals on our regularly updated laptops deals page – a really handy resource if you want to spend less on a good model.'

Oliver Trebilcock, Which? laptops expert

3. Convert to ChromeOS Flex (if you're using a laptop)

If you’re reluctant to fork out for a new PC, consider whether converting your Windows laptop to a Chromebook is right for you. ChromeOS Flex is free to install and has much lighter requirements than Windows 11, so it’s likely to be compatible with your older device.

Chromebooks run ChromeOS, which works differently from Windows: it has an online focus and needs you to have a Google account. You do all your tasks online via your browser or through apps downloaded from the Google Play Store. If you mainly use online apps, such as Google’s own Docs and Sheets, a Chromebook could suit you well.

Also, many popular apps, including Microsoft Office, are available to download or buy. However, Windows software isn't compatible – so some programs may not be available.

Find out more with our guide on how to turn your old laptop into a free Chromebook.

4. Upgrade outdated components (if you're using a desktop)

This isn't an option for everyone, as it depends on your PC. In a recent Which? survey*, 8% of members who have WIndows 10 told us they plan on paying somebody to upgrade their PC. Meanwhile, 10% of respondents told us they were planning to tackle it themselves.

One requirement for Windows 11 is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip, which enhances security but is mostly only on PCs released in the past five years. 

Upgrading existing hardware can be a hassle if you’re not an enthusiast, and there’s a risk of error if you don’t know what you’re doing.

If you need help, find a trusted, local computer repair shop using Which? Trusted Traders.

 5. Pay to extend your Windows 10 licence for one year

Assuming you need more time before moving to a Windows 11 device, Microsoft is offering a one-year extension as part of its Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.

You will need to pay around £24 to receive 'Critical or Important security updates after support for Windows 10 ends.'

A member of our Tech Support team recently spoke to a Microsoft representative who said the scheme is likely to begin around August/September. We're currently waiting for an official update.

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 6. Convert to Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free Linux operating system that comes with pre-installed apps for web browsing, messaging, gaming and content creation. The OS is updated regularly and has built-in security features.

You can download Ubuntu from the developer's website or, conveniently, try it for free without installing it on your PC. Tech Support subscribers can look back at the October 2022 issue of Which? Tech magazine to find out how to do it.

Note: The setup process for installing Ubuntu is quite lengthy, so we suggest trying this only if you consider yourself fairly tech savvy.

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*Online survey, 1,161 Which? members, January 2025