Windows 10 initially released just under ten years ago on 29 July 2015, making it a pretty old piece of software compared to its successor, Windows 11. This is exemplified by Microsoft’s decision to stop support later on this year, on 14 October 2025. It doesn’t mean that Windows 10 will cease to work, but it does mean a discontinuation of
- Technical support
- Feature updates
- Security updates or fixes
This means that your computer will be at greater risk for viruses and malware, progressively getting worse as more and more issues come to light.
The best way to keep your computer secure is to freely upgrade to Windows 11 if the system is compatible. Most modern systems will come with Windows 11 pre-installed, but if not, you can use Microsoft’s app, PC Health Care, to check what Windows you are running and if you can run Windows 11. Just simply install it and access it in your device’s settings. If not, it may be time to upgrade.
It’s not recommended to install Windows 11 if your device does not meet the required specifications. You can run into compatibility issues like malfunctions and are not guaranteed to receive updates.
Contrary to this decision, Microsoft has also made the decision to keep supporting Microsoft 365 applications – such as Word and Excel – until 2028 with troubleshooting assistance only. This unfortunately means that you won’t get too much support if your apps begin to cause you trouble, as Microsoft states that you won’t have the option to log bugs or request a product update.
When updating to Windows 11, make sure you have set up a Microsoft account so you can transfer files and data stored on Windows 10. We also recommend backing up your files, as even though by default your new PC’s files and data will transfer when signing into your account, it adds another layer of protection. You can then simply enter your settings, choose the Update & Security section and click on Windows Update.
All hope isn’t lost if you haven’t got a capable system to upgrade to Windows 11; Windows 10 users will have the option to pay for future updates in the Extended Security Updates program. This will cost around £24 per year and will remain an option for up to three years after October 2025. But in this economy, it may be a decision that people are hesitant to make. However, it doesn’t seem like Microsoft are providing many other options.
