Windows 10 End of Life deadline today — LIVE updates and what you need to do

Windows 11 has its perks over Windows 10!

It can be a pain to switch to Windows 11, especially for those who have gotten used to Windows 10 and aren't phased by the AI features a Copilot+ PC can offer. It's not without some setbacks, but there are a few things a Windows 11 PC can do better than a Windows 10 computer.

One of my favorites includes better multi-monitor support. They both offer it, sure, but Windows 11 is smarter at detecting and automatically setting individual monitor refresh rates, and it offers an overall more intuitive experience when remembering your window layout when you turn the PC on and off.

That, and Snap Layouts can work like a charm. This allows for multiple apps to be dotted around your monitor in a layout that suits your needs, whether it be a split-screen grouping or one app holding half the screen while another two fill up the rest of the space.

There are a few other options, including Copilot+ features (which are always improving) and more gaming features. It makes moving to Windows 11 that much easier, if that's the path you're taking!

No need to pay to sign up to the ESU program!

While Microsoft initially wanted you to pay $30 (depending on your region) to enroll in the ESU program, thankfully, you no longer have to fork over your hard-earned cash just to sign up, even though that's still an option.

There are two free options, but they still require some steps. That includes redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards or using Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud:

• For those looking to store their data through Windows Backup, take note that Windows 10 users get 5GB of free OneDrive space. If this isn't enough space, then you'll have to opt to buy more.
• For those who have 1,000 Microsoft Rewards in their Microsoft Rewards account, these can be exchanged for an extra year of support. Even if you don't have enough points, gaining them can be easy. As an example, you can earn 500 Microsoft Rewards points just for downloading the Bing smartphone app.

Again, those who live in Europe luckily don't have to go through this, so sign up and you'll get an extra year of Windows 10 security updates!

What to do with your old Windows 10 PC?

Many Windows 10 PCs are about to become obsolete, which means plenty of devices will be left to dust. So, what can you do with your old Windows 10 PC if you're buying a new device? Don't just give it away, donate or recycle it just yet! There are a few steps to take.

We've outlined what you should do to safely dispose of your Windows 10 laptop, and it includes the following:

• Back up your important files: move the files you want to keep onto an external drive or cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
• Reset Windows 10 with a full clean: Perform a full reset of Windows 10. Go to Settings, then Update & Security, then Recovery, and choose Reset this PC. Then, select Remove everything and then choose to fully clean the drive.
• Use manufacturer tools for extra security: This will fully secure and wipe your laptop's SSD.
• Salvage useful parts: If you're recycling your laptop, consider whether any parts could be reused. RAM sticks, chargers, and storage drives often remain functional even when the main laptop has slowed down.

Is it worth giving Linux a go?

Done with Windows and prefer to try something more open-source? Linux is your best bet, as it's free to use and gives you plenty of freedom. That said, it's definitely not for everyone, so for something more familiar, I recommend sticking with Windows 11, or even trying macOS or ChromeOS. In fact, ChromeOS Flex can turn your old Windows 10 PC into a Chromebook.

Otherwise, Linux is open-source, so there are all sorts of different flavors you can try, and that means there are nearly endless guides and support forums across the web full of Linux fans sharing tips and comparing distros.

If you're not familiar, a "distro" of Linux is basically a custom package of files that is used to distribute (hence "distro") a complete version of Linux. Each distro comes with different libraries, different apps, different interfaces and all sorts of unique strengths.

Because of that, Linux is especially popular with folks who manage lots of different types of machines. Some Linux distros even have user interfaces that look very similar to the Windows desktop. To get started, I suggest you follow our basic guide on how to install Linux and read up on why gaming on Linux is better (and worse) than you think.

There's another version of Windows 11 to try...

Want to keep your Windows 10 PC but can't upgrade to Windows 11? Well, you could always try a whole new version of Microsoft's latest operating system instead. This custom Tiny11 Builder is giving unsupported computers another chance.

Interestingly, this lightweight, custom Windows 11 build removes many of Microsoft's features and applications to allow older systems that don't meet Windows 11's strict requirements to run the latest operating system. So, no Copilot+ AI features or any of the many Microsoft apps that cause a lot of bloat for a system.

Developed by NTDEV and available for use via GitHub, the Tiny11 Builder is a PowerShell script designed to strip Windows 11 of bloat while keeping the OS serviceable on systems. As noted, it can be used on "any Windows 11 release," and that includes the latest Windows 11 version 25H2 that's now ready for all users (even though this update doesn't come with any new features).

That's another option for many Windows 10 users to keep using their old laptop or desktop without needing to buy a new PC. That said, Tiny11 Builder can be technical for some, but NTDEV has outlined detailed instructions on how to get it working. If it suits your needs, it's worth giving a try!

Our favorite budget Windows 11 laptop makes for a great upgrade

If your PC can't handle Windows 11, then it's probably time for an upgrade, and we have just the laptop that won't put much of a dent in your wallet. In fact, it's under $300 right now.

The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a fine example of a Windows 11 laptop bargain. With its Intel Core i3-N305 CPU, the Aspire Go 15 is a solid option for day-to-day tasks, from scrolling through websites and working on documents to binge-watching shows.

Speaking of which, its 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) display is roomy enough to make the most of what's on screen, and it offers a surprisingly good keyboard to comfortably type away on.

It isn't anywhere near the most powerful on the market, nor does it boast any premium features (expect a blurry 720p webcam), but for under $300, it makes for the best wallet-friendly upgrade to Windows 11.

In fact, we have a whole list of the best budget laptops that will help you move from Windows 10 to Windows 11 (or another OS) for less!

Acer Aspire Go 15: was $349 now $292 at Amazon

The Acer Aspire Go 15 made our list of the best laptops as the best value pick, and it's even better value now that it's on sale for a discount! You get a roomy 15.6-inch display, 10 hours of battery life and plenty of ports. We also like its comfortable keyboard, and its Intel Core i3 processor is enough to handle everyday tasks. The webcam and speakers aren't great, but that's not too bad for the price.

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Windows 11 upgrade not working? There's another way

In what might be the worst timing for Microsoft, the Windows 11 media creation tool isn't working as expected, as Microsoft confirmed. The company is still working on the issue, but it isn't the best time, seeing as it's one of the ways to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

As noted by the tech giant: "The media creation tool is used to create a bootable USB or DVD which can be utilized to perform a reinstall or clean install of Windows 11 on a new or used PC."

If this rings a bell, and you can't seem to make the jump to Windows 11, there is a workaround for now. Microsoft states: "Bootable media can be downloaded directly from the Microsoft site for Windows 11." Head over to the section called "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices," and you'll be able to follow the instructions and make the jump from there.

Of course, you can always try heading to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates to see if upgrading to Windows 11 works that way.

Staying on Windows 10? Here's what you're in for

Security updates are crucial in keeping malware and viruses at bay, which is why it's important to enroll in the ESU program if you plan on keeping Windows 10 alive on your PC. Don't worry, cyber threats won't suddenly flood your system as soon as the deadline passes, but it's good to stay secure.

However, another pain point of sticking with Windows 10 instead of switching to Windows 11 is software compatibility.

Some software might eventually become incompatible with the operating system. Apps might stop working, or their functionality might be reduced since they’re no longer being updated for compatibility with Windows 10.

That's especially true if you're using PC peripherals, like a mouse, keyboard, webcam and more. Because they won't be able to update to their latest software, they may not work as intended on your computer anymore.

Keep that in mind if you're continuing to use your PC with Windows 10! Of course, upgrading to Windows 11 is always another option to make sure everything works as it should.

Can I enroll in the ESU program now?

It's not too late! Windows 10 comes to an end today, but you can still sign up for Microsoft's Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) program now.

As Microsoft states on its support page, any Windows 10 PC user can sign up to the ESU program before it ends on October 13, 2026. Even if you enroll after it launches, you can get previous and future updates.

However, the longer you leave it, the more vulnerable your PC becomes to malware, viruses and more security threats, seeing as you'll need the ESU program to receive crucial security updates.

So, it's worth signing up now if you haven't already, as your Windows 10 PC will then be ready for all the updates after the deadline. We've got you covered on how to enroll in the ESU program.

What are the risks for staying on Windows 10 after today?

If you're wondering what will happen after the October 14 deadline while staying on Windows 10, don't worry, your laptop or desktop won't randomly shut down. You'll still be able to use your PC, but the main concerns are all about security and performance risks involved.

Since Windows 10 won't receive any updates, unless you enroll in the ESU program to get crucial security updates, that will leave your computer vulnerable to performance issues and, most importantly, malware or cyber threats.

We've noted the three risks you're taking by not upgrading to Windows 11, and this includes being vulnerable to malware, data breaches and cyber attacks, along with performance problems and software compatibility.

Without updates, new vulnerabilities in Windows 10 won’t be fixed, which could make your system more vulnerable to exploits. The operating system will also be an easier target for threat actors or malware authors, which increases the risk of infections and data loss.

Millions of Windows 10 users will be affected today

So, let's dive into the numbers. According to StatCounter, 60% of users are now using Windows 11. That leaves around 36% of people still on Windows 10, although that number may shift today. Despite many consumers now upgrading to the latest OS, that still leaves an estimated hundreds of millions of PCs still using Windows 10.

There are around 400 million PCs, including laptops and desktops, that are currently still running Windows 10, according to the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) speaking to The Register. However, as noted in a recent report, market analysis group Omdia estimates there are 550 million machines in corporations that still use Windows 10, and half of these can't upgrade to Windows 11.

Furthermore, Canalys Research estimates up to 240 million Windows 10 users could be targeted by half a dozen actively exploited vulnerabilities after Microsoft pulls the plug.

So, if your PC is one of the millions that will be affected by the change, it's time to enroll in the ESU program. You have until the program ends in 2026, but the sooner you do it, the safer your PC will be.

What is the ESU program?

Speaking of Microsoft's Extended Security Update (ESU) program, it's best to know what it is and what you need to do to sign up.

Microsoft's ESU program is a way for Windows 10 users to receive critical and important security updates for the OS after it ends support on October 14.

"They are not intended as a long-term solution, but rather as a temporary bridge to stay secure while one migrates to a newer, supported platform. It includes Critical* and/or Important* security updates up to three years after the product's End of Extended Support date," Microsoft notes.

In the case of Windows 10, this will only last for a year until October 13, 2026. Although who knows, this may be extended further down the line.

To sign up, make sure your Windows 10 PC is up to date (running Windows 10 version 22H2). From there, head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and you'll find an ESU enrollment link.

Unless you're in the EU, with PCs in this region being able to sign up for free, you'll have to choose the following options:

• Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud (free).
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (free).
• Pay $30 for 10 PCs (pricing varies per region).

The end of Windows 10 is here!

Windows 10 is coming to an end, and I'm here to track Microsoft's final hours of support. After today (October 14), the older operating system will no longer receive security and feature updates, or techincal support. Well, sort of, as there is an option to extend its life!

According to Microsoft, there are three main options to stay supported on a Windows computer:

• Installing Windows 11: If your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and can make the upgrade, you'll have probably already seen an notification pop up to make the switch. To check, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. 
• New PC with Windows 11: If your PC is not eligible, or if you want a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed, you'll want to check out the best Windows laptops today to get a top-rated Windows 11 experience.
• Extended Security Updates (ESU) program: Need more time before moving to a Copilot+ PC or other new Windows 11 device? The consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can protect your Windows 10 device up to a year after October 14, 2025.