Windows 10 support ends tomorrow: LIVE updates on security risks, upgrade options and what to do now

The perks of Windows 11

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!

Switching to Windows 11? Here's what we recommend to do!

If you've been a Windows 10 user for this long, you may not like the idea of making the jump to Windows 11. But it isn't so bad! Still, there are certain things my fellow computing expert Alex Wawro wish he knew before upgrading from Windows 10.

Two of these tips make the overall experience much less frustrating and easier on the eyes. For one, you can clear out taskbar clutter, including Microsoft Edge, Teams, Store and more that end up on there.

To get rid of some, you can simply right-click the icon on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar from the context menu. Or, head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and open the Taskbar items sub-menu, where you'll have the choice to disable the Microsoft Teams, Widgets and Task view buttons.

I really recommend turning on Dark Mode for the whole system, too, as it reduces eyestrain and fatigue, and just looks more stylish. However, you can also adjust colors to personalize your setup. Simply navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select "Dark" from the "Choose your mode" dropdown menu.

Millions of Windows 10 users will be affected

This is a big change for many Windows users around the globe, as an estimated hundreds of millions of PCs are still using Windows 10. Worse, many of these can't even upgrade to Windows 11.

An estimated 400 million PCs, including laptops and desktops, 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.

According to StatCounter, 49% of PCs now use Windows 11, surpassing the number of users on Windows 10, which stands at 40%. At least, this is for desktops running Windows, but Microsoft has stated that there are 1.4 billion monthly active devices on Windows.

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, upgrade to Windows 11 (if your PC can), or jump ship to grab a new laptop or desktop.

When can I enroll in the ESU program?

Even though the deadline for the end of Windows 10 support is tomorrow (October 14), there's plenty of time to enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. But the sooner you do it, the safer your computer will be.

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.

Hold off on paying to enroll in ESU!

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 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 a 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).

What are the risks for staying on Windows 10?

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.

Prepare for the end of Windows 10

And we're kicking off! As mentioned, Microsoft is cutting support for Windows 10 on October 14, giving us all just over 24 hours to prepare for the deadline. Luckily, that still gives us plenty of time to make necessary changes before our PCs become a security risk.

We've pulled together a Windows 10 end of life survival guide for anyone looking to delay or avoid the switch to Windows 11. Essentially, this gives you three options:

• Delay: Enroll in the Windows 10​​​​​​​ Consumer Extended Security (ESU) Updates program.
• Upgrade: Install to Windows 11 or buy a new Windows 11 PC.
• Ditch Windows: Jump ship to another operating system, whether that be the best MacBooks or best Chromebooks.