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Windows 10 Support ends in exactly 1 year - here are your options

Martin Brinkmann
Oct 14, 2024
Windows 10
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31

Microsoft plans to end support for its Windows 10 operating system on October 14th, 2025 officially. This means that the company won't release any updates or changes anymore for the 10-year-old operating system.

Microsoft hopes that users upgrade to Windows 10 or buy new entirely new PCs with Windows 11. But many Windows 10 users may not want to upgrade or cannot, because of more restrictive system requirements of Windows 11.

Not every user can afford to purchase a new PC and there is an argument to be made for sustainability either. Why throw away a perfectly good PC?

Windows 10 is still holding the lead when it comes to the most popular Windows operating systems. That means hundreds of millions of devices still run Windows 10.

This article lists and explains the following options that Windows 10 users have:

  1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (with a caveat).
  2. Extend Windows 10 support.
  3. Switch from Windows to Linux or ChromeOS Flex.
  4. Buy a new or refurbished PC with Windows 11.
  5. Stay on Windows 10 and do nothing.

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 (with a caveat)

Upgrading to Windows 11 may sound like the easiest option of them all. Just upgrade using Windows Update or other means, and you can continue using the PC. The upgrade is free.

One main issue that hundreds of millions of Windows 10 PC users will encounter is that their devices may not meet the system requirements of Windows 11.

If that is the case, Windows Update won't offer the upgrade. There are bypass options to install Windows 11 on devices that do not meet the system requirements, but this leads to follow-up issues whenever Microsoft releases a new feature update.

First thing you may want to do is download the latest version of Microsoft's PC Health Check app. This checks if the PC meets the system requirements of Windows 11.

Activate the "check now" button and the app tells you if the PC is compatible.

If it is, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and activate the check for updates button. Windows 11 should be offered to you so that you can download and install it.

If it is not, you cannot use Windows Update directly to install Windows 11 on the device. You can install Windows 11 on most PCs that do not meet the system requirements.

Word of advise: Before you do, create a system backup. This allows you to restore the PC in case things do not work out.

A single entry in the Windows 10 Registry bypasses some of the checks. You can download this Registry file to make the change. Just unpack the archive and double-click on the Registry file. Confirm the security prompt and the necessary changes are added to the Registry.

If you prefer the manual way, do this:

  1. Select Start.
  2. Type regedit.exe and press the Enter-key.
  3. Confirm the security prompt.
  4. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
  5. Right-click on MoSetup and select New > Dword (32-bit) Value.
  6. Set its name to AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU.
  7. Double-click on the new Dword and set its value to 1.
  8. Restart the PC.

You should now be able to install Windows 11 via Windows Update or by running setup.exe from an ISO image.

Note: If Windows Update does not offer Windows 11 even after making the change, try the following:

  1. Insert an USB Flash Drive into the PC that has at least 8 GB of storage.
  2. Download and run the latest version of Rufus from the developer website.
  3. Click on the down-arrow next to Select in the Rufus interface and switch to Download.
  4. Activate the Download option. Rufus downloads a few files for the next step.
  5. A "Download ISO Image" window appears.
  6. Make the following selections and press Continue each time: Windows 11 > 24H2 > Windows 11 Home/Pro/Edu > Pick the desired language > x64.
  7. Activate the download button. This starts the download of the Windows 11 ISO.
  8. Once downloaded, press Start in Rufus.
  9. You may want to keep the checked options, but can check others.
  10. Click OK to proceed.

Open the USB Flash Drive directory in the end and run setup.exe to start the upgrade.

Tip: you can check my guide on upgrading Windows 11 to a new version on unsupported devices.

Option 2: Extend Windows 10 Support

Microsoft provides security updates for Windows 10 until October 14th, 2025. You can use a free program like InControl to block the upgrade to Windows 11 before that.

The tool ensures that you stay on Windows 10. Microsoft may force update Windows 10 PCs and the option prevents that.

As far as support extensions are concerned, there are two:

Both are subscription-based. Microsoft has not announced the price for home users yet. Business customers pay up to $61 in the first year. The sum doubles in the second and third year. This means that some businesses pay Microsoft $427 over the course of three years for extended support for a single Windows 10 machine.

0Patch is a third-party micro-patching company. It offered extended support for other Windows versions and Microsoft products, including Office. The company announced already that it will support Windows 10 until at least 2030 with security updates.

A yearly subscription is available for about $25 plus tax. This gives you access to all supported systems, not just Windows 10.

One caveat is that 0Patch focuses on critical and dangerous security issues only.

Option 3: Switch from Windows to Linux / ChromeOS Flex

If you cannot or do not want to upgrade to Windows 11, and do not want to pay for extended support, you may consider switching to another operating system.

This may be a daunting task as things will be different. Linux is probably the better choice, as it allows you to run many Windows programs and games.

It is still problematic to migrate to another system, as you need to make sure that all important data remains available.

A good option in regards to Linux is to run Live installations first. You boot these during system start and can try out the Linux version without making any changes to your PC.

You can check if hardware works, if your favorite games or apps play or are available, and whether you like the general feel of the distribution.

Once you are ready to take the dive, check out the installation instructions on the website of the Linux distribution. Linux Mint has instructions here, for instance.

ChromeOS Flex is more limited in regards to what it allows you to do. Still, it is an option worth mentioning. You find installation instructions on Google's support website.

Option 4: Buy a new or refurbished PC with Windows 11

If you do not mind switching to a new PC, you can buy new or refurbished PCs starting at a few hundred Dollars online or locally. It would go too far to list the available options, as it depends largely on what you want to do with the PC.

If you just do Office and some web browsing, you do not need the greatest and latest hardware. If you want 4K gaming, you do need a powerful PC that is going to cost a lot more.

You do need to make sure that the PC has a good amount of RAM, at least 8 GB, but more is better, and preferably a large enough Solid State Drive.

You may want to check core components such as the processor to make sure you get good value for the money. This can be done by searching for the name of the processor, e.g., Intel Core i5-4570, to find out when it was released and how it stacks up.

If an offer does not list details, it is usually better to stay away from it.

Option 5: do nothing at all

Generally speaking, it is advised to use devices that receive security updates. If you do not, you leave your PC open for attacks. Most Windows 10 users may want to use one of the other options.

Options are available to limit exposure. If you use the PC just locally, without ever connecting to the Internet, you'd be in much less danger. Similarly, if you are careful and use additional protections, you may block many attacks outright.

Closing Words

Windows 10 users have another year of support left. This means twelve security updates until Windows 10 support ends. Microsoft will reveal pricing for home users eventually. It will likely be less expensive than the business pricing.

Do you still run Windows 10 on a device? What will you do next year? Plan to pay Microsoft for extended support? Please leave a comment down below and let me know!

Summary
Article Name
Windows 10 Support ends in exactly 1 year - here are your options
Description
Hundreds of millions of devices that run Windows 10 will run out of support next year. Here are all options that are available.
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Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. bkwanab said on October 19, 2024 at 3:41 am
    Reply

    I was able to install Win11 on a PC that MS says will not support it. It works as well as MS made it, but I regret moving to Win11. It’s more labor intensive, requiring more steps to do even the simplest of functions, such as deleting files from the desktop. The Taskbar can no longer be re-positioned away from the bottom of the screen, which compromises some of my applications by popping up when I move the cursor near the bottom of the screen while editing documents. There are other stupid issues that all appear to be change for changes sake with thought about how they impact users. I’m done with Microsoft Windows. I’ve been preparing my files and applications for the change to Linux Mint. I’ve been using UBUNTU for a while but Mint ‘feels’ better to me.

    I’ve used Linux on and off for decades but stayed with Microsoft for ease of interaction with my clients. Now I’m retired so MS can kiss my ass.

  2. Akina said on October 18, 2024 at 11:01 am
    Reply

    I’ll sadly update my laptop to W11 since it supports and I need to run some Windows-only programs. But, I consider to switch to Linux on my desktop -either openSUSE or Fedora-.

  3. samurai cat said on October 15, 2024 at 10:43 pm
    Reply

    If you choose option 5, you can install Bitdefender Antivirus, Quad9 DNS, uBlock Origin and Portmaster which all together will make it way harder for malwares, malverts, spywares, phishing, etc. to attack even if your Windows 10 becomes heavily outdated and full of security holes. It will be safe enough to connect to the internet on outdated Windows 10.

    https://quad9.net/
    https://safing.io/
    https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/consumer/free-antivirus

  4. James said on October 15, 2024 at 1:10 pm
    Reply

    If you stay on Windows 10:

    1. make sure you anti-virus will continue to work. If you are using Defender and MS does stop updating it, just replace it wth a different anti-virus. There are multiple free versions such as bitdefender free and others. Also most internet providers have a free anti-virus for thier customers.

    2. Use your brain and stay away from those those schety website’s

    3. Maybe change from MS software such as MS Office to Libre office.

    Or… Just switch over to Linux most version have a very windows like look and feel and use. There are lots of websites including YouTube that have info on using Linux. Linux gaming is also on the rise with Steam supporting it, and again lots of websites including YouTube and others.

  5. John C. said on October 15, 2024 at 12:57 pm
    Reply

    Yet another option remains: Air-gap your W10 or earlier computer from the internet, then for being on the internet run a current distro of Linux on another computer.

  6. Lizard said on October 15, 2024 at 12:25 pm
    Reply

    No problem for me. Currently using Fedora Linux 41 KDE at home…don’t miss Windows at all

  7. Win10orLinux said on October 15, 2024 at 7:56 am
    Reply

    Will be sticking to WIn10 till support ends or it no longer recieves updates then move to LTSC which is a much lighter & less bloated than regular WIn10.

  8. DitchWin11 said on October 15, 2024 at 5:48 am
    Reply

    Keep using Win10 is the option people will be happy going with.

    It wont stop functioning just because its not sent even more updates. In fact, people might even like it better since they hate *forced updates*

    In time, those computers will become offline Win10 machines used without internet connection – cant beat this level of safety, especially for productivity and minimal web distractions

  9. Ruben Casillas said on October 14, 2024 at 10:58 pm
    Reply

    I will hold the fort with Windows 10 Until October 2025, after that I will go the unsupported route. Since My Lenovo Laptop meet almost all the requirement. The only requirement that doesn’t meet is the CPU as my is an Intel 7 gen from 2015. Rufus will be best friend going forward.

    I think Microsoft should rethink their strategy and let Computer with Intel 7 Processor Update to Windows 11 they can run it without issues as I am been ruining Windows 11 Virtually for quite of while on My Lenovo Y700. My laptop is not slow workhorse, it has an Intel 7 Gen with 32 GB of RAM and it has TPM 2.0 already on the system.

    I mean they just release the ISO for Windows 11 IoT 24H2 Enterprise and it doesn’t even needs those silly Hardware Requirements. That’s why I think that MS is pushing those strict requirements to help the major OEM to sell new PC.

  10. MicrosoftSucksAtSoftware said on October 14, 2024 at 9:57 pm
    Reply

    My options: Keep using Windows 7. No issues, still works like a charm.

    1. Daryl said on October 17, 2024 at 3:50 am
      Reply

      Yes Win 7 still works for me ! Smart people don’t get hacked!

    2. Richard Fuller said on October 15, 2024 at 4:21 pm
      Reply

      Yes, I agree. My Windows 7 still works like a charm for my needs. Microsoft nerds diddle around much too much with Windows 11 updates.
      I am so frustrated. Maybe some year they will find something that works and is stable. Don’t hold your breath.

    3. bruh said on October 15, 2024 at 10:30 am
      Reply

      Agreed! lol

  11. haakon said on October 14, 2024 at 9:27 pm
    Reply

    Thanks Martin. I follow you on Chipp dot in, as well.

    Only a year to go for never again having to do the monthly white-knuckle BSOD-risk update process!!

    The updates read like all the updates since MS started doing online updates cyber-decades ago, even though every “new” version of Windows has the very bestest security and stability that ever is.

    I agree with what Carl said on October 14, 2024 at 4:14 pm. I have a powerful layered security/privacy scheme in place. Because without such a scheme, _any_ OS is vulnerable. My Windows 7 and 10 systems will be A-OK.

  12. John G. said on October 14, 2024 at 7:48 pm
    Reply

    Microsoft has no word. They won’t stop the W10 support as easy as they say. Thanks for the article.

  13. Steve Jacobs said on October 14, 2024 at 6:34 pm
    Reply

    I have been dual-booting Windows 10 and Linux Mint for many months and find that this arrangement is working well for me. I use Linux for most things, email, Facebook and internet searches only returning to Windows for Legacy family history software and Adobe Digital Editions to download ebooks from the library. By limiting my use of Windows 10 I am hoping to reduce the risk of infection after next October. I also find that Linux is faster and more responsive than Windows.

  14. Tachy said on October 14, 2024 at 6:14 pm
    Reply

    We still have 2 (network connected) laptops on 10 that won’t run 11, they’re like 10 years old.

    Only one really needs to stay connected and we’ll probably replace that with a refurbished one that comes with 11.

  15. TelV said on October 14, 2024 at 4:28 pm
    Reply

    I think all this hype about updating to Windows 11 is a bit overrated. Unless you spend all your time accessing the dark web and other nefarious sites and also have sufficient security software installed I don’t think you’re at that much risk running an outdated Windows version. The number of Windows 7 users who never updated to later versions of Windows will attest to that.

    All Microsoft is really interested in doing is creating an additional market for its adservers by persuading Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11. If they were really interested in users welfare they would never have started bombarding users with ads to begin with.

    1. Bobo said on October 15, 2024 at 7:55 am
      Reply

      Here’s my two cents: If a teenager has access to your computer you’re gonna need all the protection in the world, and then some. Just one time is enough. Even if they just want to check some website real quick, they can’t help themselves: “I installed Photoshop for you” or “I just wanted to try and see if that new game would work on your computer”. I have even seen a laptop completely soiled with 4-5 different RGB programs, where a teenager had tried to get cool keyboard lighting effects on a laptop that doesn’t have a RGB keyboard. Needless to say that same laptop had numerous cracked games on it too. The laptop was his mothers cheap, very VERY underpowered potato. She contacted me to see if I could “add more RAM” which her computer expert-son had said would fix everything. Why he didn’t download more RAM is a mystery. The laptop took 20 minutes to start and as you can imagine, absolutely nothing worked. I used a linux live usb to salvage all her family photos she had gathered through the years (they were of course the only copies she had) and then wiped all partitions with the same linux usb and then installed a clean version of Windows. Gave it back with all her photos neatly placed in the pictures folder, and a usb stick with all the photos as a backup because her idiot offspring will most certainly do the same thing all over again in notime. I of course ratted the dumbass kid out and told her exactly what the “problem” was, knowing very well that it won’t stop her from letting the most perfect and exceptionally gifted ultra-intelligent precious wonderchild in the world using her computer again. She got real lucky, this time. Will she make backups of all the new pictures she will take, on the usb stick like I adviced her to? Of course not. Will she copy all the pictures to some other drive because I told her usb sticks are not a fail proof backup? Of course not. Will there be another incident where her pictures can’t be saved from that same computer anymore, and the usb stick is lost somewhere, most likely due to her son again? Of course there will be. Who will she blame for the loss of all her pictures/memories? Me. I’m the one that “messed with her computer”.

    2. boris said on October 14, 2024 at 11:25 pm
      Reply

      When I was younger, I used to download all kind of hacked software from very unreputable websites and torrents. Not surprisingly, every 3-4 month I would get a virus that could not be removed. My poor Windows 7 seen dozen of full reinstallations. For foolish younger people like I was 15–20 years ago, you better update Windows 11 to latest version and do not skip on updates. Thankfully, I got tired of that “experimentation”. Most software I use now are open source or freeware. I still have few pieces of hacked shareware, but I use only one source (forum) and I know which users that are testing software first. After I made that change, the last time I got an unremovable virus was probably more than 10 years ago.

      So, I completely agree with you. You will get trouble if you are looking for it. Otherwise, Windows 10 or Windows 11 of any version plus good antivirus is completely fine for normal user.

  16. Carl said on October 14, 2024 at 4:14 pm
    Reply

    Under the section “Option 5: do nothing at all” the statement “Similarly, if you are careful and use additional protections, you may block many attacks outright.” is not very helpful for readers who are “technically challenged”…

    Installing a good quality anti-virus/anti-malware product with inbuilt firewall should (based on historical evidence dating back to Windows XP) provide “unsupported by Microsoft” protection for at least five years…

    Based on a quick check at time of writing some anti-virus/anti-malware products still support Windows Vista which has been “unsupported by Microsoft” since 2007!

  17. Saving Myself said on October 14, 2024 at 3:31 pm
    Reply

    0Patch installed and running on desktop Windows 10. Tried to like Linux but had endless problems every time it updated anything. I personally feel it was better than Windows 10 but the endless updating issues killed the “better” feeling. Laptop will be fired up and 0Patch added to that one also. Worked with Windows 11 on client computers and found it quite problematic and Microsoft’s previously hidden attitude of “this is our computer and give up any belief it is yours” to become totally overt. That fact that “Recall” even exists as built into the OS is the perfect statement that what you thought as “yours” is ours and we will share it with anyone who pays us for the data.

    1. Igor said on October 14, 2024 at 11:23 pm
      Reply

      Right before I found 0Patch I was concerned, but no more.
      So, after MS ends support, does that mean that I can delete Windows junk?
      I can’t wait!!

  18. wiffle said on October 14, 2024 at 3:11 pm
    Reply

    There’s also the option of switching to Win 10 LTSC IOT, which is supported by MS until 2032. The massgave.dev site is your friend if you want to learn more. Downside is that there’s no guarantee that the new versions of your favorite apps will still be compatible with Win 10 in a few years.

    And there’s Mac, which for non-geek consumers might be an easier option than Linux.

    1. wiffle said on October 16, 2024 at 1:29 am
      Reply

      Yes, that should have read “massgrave.dev”, not massgave. Apologies.

    2. Kaz Packman said on October 15, 2024 at 5:36 am
      Reply

      Macs are not an option for me unfortunately, as you can no longer upgrade the RAM or storage in them and I got burned the last time I bought a Mac that had integrated RAM because it turned out to not have enough RAM for what I wanted to use it for (video editing).

    3. boris said on October 15, 2024 at 4:39 am
      Reply

      It’s massgrave.dev. You misspelled the website’s name.

      1. Jody Thornton said on October 15, 2024 at 3:35 pm
        Reply

        That messed me up too – TY :)

  19. Jeff Wilson said on October 14, 2024 at 3:05 pm
    Reply

    Thanks Martin for the thorough article. Much appreciated.

  20. Jeff Wilson said on October 14, 2024 at 3:04 pm
    Reply

    I was told that Windows 10 would never be discontinued. So I paired it with a powerful computer. Now Windows 10 is being discontinued and my computer isn’t upgradable to Windows 11 despite having plenty of power on the front end. So I will have to toss my computer on the heap of my life’s lamentations. I’m disappointed in Microsoft because they lied to me.

  21. Kalmly said on October 14, 2024 at 2:50 pm
    Reply

    I shall choose Option #5.

    To answer your questions:
    Do you still run Windows 10 on a device? Yes. On 2 devices that I use sparingly.

    What will you do next year? I will continue all my work on my Windows 7 computers.

    Plan to pay Microsoft for extended support? Certainly not.

    If I should outlive my Windows 7 machines, I will switch to Linux.

    IMO, Windows 11 is more virus than OS.

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