Microsoft suggests to trade your PC or recycle it in "end of support for Windows 10" emails
Microsoft is sending out emails to customers who still run the Windows 10 operating system to inform them that support for Windows 10 is ending later this year.
The email begins harmlessly enough: "End of support for Windows 10 is approaching" is displayed in big letters at the top of the email. Below is a button to check the eligibility for an upgrade to Windows 10 and an ad to explore new computers.
A short frequently asked questions section is displayed next. Microsoft answers some questions that customers may have, but as you will see later, omits vital information.
What does this mean for me
First, Microsoft offers an answer to the question that most customers may have on their mind after receiving the email: "What does this mean for me". According to Microsoft, it means that "after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10".
This is technically correct. Note the use of the word "free" in the answer. What Microsoft does not reveal is that customers may extend support by a year through extended security updates, short ESU. Microsoft confirmed that these are available for consumers and businesses this time. The previous extension for Windows 7 was only available for businesses. Consumers may extend support by a year for 30 Dollars, while businesses may extend support by up to three years.
There is also a way to enable ESU on systems for longer and without paying, and an option to subscribe to 0Patch security updates for Windows 10. The latter is also available for around 30 Dollar per year, but 0Patch guarantees support until at least 2030.
What can I do with my old computer
The next question, "What can I do with my old computer", suggests two things: trade it in or recycle it. Both lead to the purchase of a new PC, likely with Windows. Windows 10 users do have more options. Staying on Windows 10 without updates is one of them, but not suggested. There is the option to upgrade to Windows 11, even if the computer's hardware is not compatible. This should work for most PCs that were assembled in the past decade.
Another option is to switch to Linux, a free operating system that is available even for older systems. While that means a bit of work, as data needs to be migrated and Linux installed, it is a viable option for some users who do not want to buy a new PC or can't afford it.
The remaining questions
The third question confirms that Microsoft won't block users from using their Windows 10 PCs, even after support ended. That is reassuring. The final question claims that Windows 11 is more secure than Windows 10.
Closing Words
Microsoft wants customers to buy new PCs with Windows 11, preferably Copilot+ PCs. The next best thing in the eyes of Microsoft is an upgraded PC. All other options are not mentioned by Microsoft, but that does not mean that they do not exist.
Now it is your turn. Did you receive an email by Microsoft about Windows 10's end of support? Or do you run Windows 11 or another operating system already?
Microsoft can piss off. I am going to Linux after Windows 10.
This PC as well as my 2 laptops have a lot of life left in them.
I don’t want co pilot (or any other AI) on any of my stuff tbh
Someone should write legislation that imposes a $20 tax on the OS vendor for each PC that can’t be upgraded.
It would apply to all OS vendors who have over a 60% market share.
200 dollars
Microsoft doesn’t know what my email address is so I won’t be getting any emails from them. Even my hotmail email address isn’t in my name, but rather a pseudonym so no point in bugging me with their upgrade crap.
I moved from W10 to Linux 2 months ago and have never looked back. I’ve installed Linux Fedora on 2 laptops, one as a dual boot with W10 using 2 SSD’s. I rarely want or need to boot / use W10. I mostly forget it even exists. No ads, no bloat, etc.. Use a long term stable release type of a Linux OS in you don’t enjoy frequent updates. Linux offers almost too much choice, though something like Linux Mint is an excellent starting point and Linux for the masses only gets better and better.
Losing Windows has equaled freedom and I only wish I had done it sooner. I am also helping all family and friends ditch Microsoft for FOSS options.
Congratulation man! Also very good choice regarding Fedora:)
I’m using Fedora 40 now, but started from Fedora 25 – first, clean installation done 2017:) My `sudo dnf history` has 827 entries:)
Regarding Linux as general – it is much more user friendly system than Windows 11 Bloatware Everywhere Edition.
Privately I’m using Linux only for long time, but unfortunately I have to use Windows systems in my work. Recently I had to install clean Windows 11 Enterprise and I’m in shock how many bloatware is included even in Enterprise edition!
* auto installed bloat in Start Menu (like games)
* bloat in task menu like weather widget – if you hover mouse on it (without click!) -> it will display Internet news aggregator with very trashy content like celebrities scandals, etc.
* from time to time – in task menu right bottom corner are displayed advertisements like OneDrive or “don’t forget to backup your PC”, etc.
* searching Start Menu to start program -> also means searching Internet via Bing -> so it means that everything what you typing is sent to Microsoft
* very annoying Windows Updates that are very hard to control (if you force to disable it -> it could lead to functionality issues with some Windows components)
* telemetry and spying everywhere
NOTHING of it is in Linux world (at least not in Fedora;)
Windows is the only way to fix the broken USB by the own Linux storage system.
Ditch windows, get LinuxMint.
And if you’re still using a slow HDD, switching to even a small sata or better yet nvme system drive will make system boot and open apps lightning quick – biggest and cheapest upgrade potential for what couldve been a slow windows 10 machine.
A small question. Right now I have the programs installed on a secondary hard disk, that way the primary hard disk strictly contains the system and doesn’t need to be large, where they are grouped according to their functionality. This way, for example, it’s really easy to install new brushes in Gimp. Is it possible to do that on Linux? Without using terminal, modifying fstab or any other procedure that is beyond the reach of a novice user.
Just use these instructions. I am sure that it is similar for all Linux distros.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeVpGtonFmI
@Someone, I have all my programs installed in the main SSD and I am unable to move them. Using Linux Mint.
Switch your family/friends to Linux now.
Microsoft, a convicted monopoly, must go broke. It will happen, time is on OUR side.
To keep up on the latest Microsoft scams: http://www.techrights.org
Email?
I got a full screen popup that could not be dismissed without selecting “upgrade now” or “remind me later” on a laptop that can not run 11.
I opened the task manager with the 3 finger salute and did not “have permission” to end the task.
So I hit “run new task” then “browse” then navigated to and r-clicked on “C:\Windows\System32\Taskmgr.exe”” and hit “run as admin”.
In the new admin task manager window I was able to end the task.
Re “There is also a way to enable ESU on systems for longer and without paying”… for those who wish to research this option, looking for “massgrave” with your favorite search engine may be of interest.
Ill only upgrade when they buy a new computer for me. I am not going to throw away my perfectly good computer for a billion dollar company that makes up fake system requirements.
I expect in poorer areas of the world most will just continue to use their Windows 10 PC until it dies.
Much like many did with Windows 7 because Microsoft in its elitist tower just expects everyone can shell out hundreds for a new PC just because Microsoft decided it wasn’t worthy of Windows 11. Let’s seriously talk about how little hardware actually gets recycled as well. Microsoft’s stance of being a good company to the planet all the while forcing hardware purchases and building power hungry AI server farms isn’t exactly saving the planet in my opinion. But my PC should sleep within 5 minutes and I should replace it when Microsoft decides its no good anymore.
Funny how they timed the forced upgrade to the start of the holiday purchasing season. Maybe I’ll help so and so out and buy them a new windows 11 computer. Ah screw it, Microsoft deadline has passed maybe I’ll buy one for myself in black Friday or whatever.
Hmmm seem once again big business has done everything they can to help them selves to our hard earned money while produce even shittier product.
Maybe one day the vehicles wee use will expire with the limited life of the operating system that runs it. Just like they do with phones, tablets computers routers refrigerators etc., and whatever else we encourage them to get away with.
We the People – all nations vote for how we are treated by big businesses with our dollars. It’s only going to get worse if we encourage (give them the courage to do so).
Best wishes, love and respect to YOU, aka “We The people”.
I am sure that Microsoft has secret deals with hardware manufacturers to make dedicated Windows users buy new hardware.
Most older PCs which cannot run Windows 11 can run Linux without issues. I have an old Core Duo that is doing quite well on Linux Mint 21.3.
Linux is not an option for every people. There are so many options really difficult to install (e.g, Java, digital identity cards, antivirus, firewall, battery optimization, optimizing tcp ipv4 and so forth).
{Did you receive an email by Microsoft about Windows 10’s end of support? Or do you run Windows 11 or another operating system already?}
I upgraded a Windows 10 System to Windows 11 and Dell doesn’t support it. Keep one eye focussed behind you, Microsoft, there’s another contender for the bad boy crown.
The above said, Microsoft does not care about your budget, only about their profit. They are entitled to do that. We are entitled not to buy anything from them. That’s how consumerism works.
“I upgraded a Windows 10 System to Windows 11 and Dell doesn’t support it.”
You’re supposed to check compatibility before doing willy-nilly updates. Lol