Windows 10’s clock is real — on October 14, 2025 Microsoft will stop shipping security updates and technical support for mainstream Windows 10, and every user still running the decade‑old OS needs a clear plan now to avoid predictable but avoidable risk. (support.microsoft.com)
Microsoft’s lifecycle calendar has been public for months: the company confirms Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025, after which no feature updates, security patches, or official technical assistance will be provided for consumer Windows 10 Home and Pro systems. That doesn’t make your PC stop working overnight, but it does remove the single biggest defence most users have against modern threats — timely security updates. (support.microsoft.com)
To soften the blow Microsoft created a short‑term bridge: the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. ESU provides critical and important security fixes for enrolled Windows 10 devices for up to one additional year (through October 13, 2026) and offers multiple enrollment options — including a free route for users who back up and sync settings, a Microsoft Rewards redemptive path, or a one‑time $30 USD purchase per device. ESU is explicitly a time‑limited lifeline, not a long‑term alternative. (support.microsoft.com)
This article breaks down the choices, verifies the key technical requirements you’ll need to check, flags which claims are time‑sensitive or unverifiable, and provides a pragmatic migration checklist so readers can make an informed move before the calendar forces one.
Microsoft’s published minimum Windows 11 requirements include:
Microsoft’s announcement and the consumer ESU option turn an uncomfortable deadline into a manageable migration window — but the clock is real. Act now to inventory devices, back up data, check compatibility with PC Health Check, and choose the path that balances security, cost and convenience for your situation. Some routes (Linux, macOS) trade familiarity for longevity on older hardware; others (new Windows 11 PC) cost more now but simplify life later. Whichever path you pick, leaving the decision to the day after the deadline is the riskiest option of all. (support.microsoft.com)
Source: Stuff South Africa Windows 10 Is About To Die For Good – Here Are Your Options - Stuff South Africa
Microsoft’s lifecycle calendar has been public for months: the company confirms Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025, after which no feature updates, security patches, or official technical assistance will be provided for consumer Windows 10 Home and Pro systems. That doesn’t make your PC stop working overnight, but it does remove the single biggest defence most users have against modern threats — timely security updates. (support.microsoft.com)To soften the blow Microsoft created a short‑term bridge: the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. ESU provides critical and important security fixes for enrolled Windows 10 devices for up to one additional year (through October 13, 2026) and offers multiple enrollment options — including a free route for users who back up and sync settings, a Microsoft Rewards redemptive path, or a one‑time $30 USD purchase per device. ESU is explicitly a time‑limited lifeline, not a long‑term alternative. (support.microsoft.com)
This article breaks down the choices, verifies the key technical requirements you’ll need to check, flags which claims are time‑sensitive or unverifiable, and provides a pragmatic migration checklist so readers can make an informed move before the calendar forces one.
Why October 14, 2025 matters — the real risk
Microsoft’s end‑of‑support dates are more than symbolic. Once a product leaves mainstream support:- New vulnerabilities are no longer patched through Windows Update. That makes systems attractive targets for attackers who probe older code paths and exploit unpatched flaws.
- Application and driver compatibility begins to fray as vendors drop support for old OS versions.
- Official technical support is no longer available, leaving you to rely on community help or paid third parties.
Option 1 (Best for most): Upgrade to Windows 11 — what you need to know
Upgrading to Windows 11 is Microsoft’s recommended path and is free for eligible Windows 10 devices. But eligibility depends on specific hardware and firmware features — most notably UEFI with Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 — plus baseline CPU, RAM and storage requirements.Microsoft’s published minimum Windows 11 requirements include:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, on a compatible 64‑bit CPU
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Storage: 64 GB available
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- Security: TPM version 2.0
- Graphics: DirectX 12 / WDDM 2.0
- Display: 720p (9"+) minimum
How to check compatibility (step‑by‑step)
- Back up your data now (see checklist below).
- Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app — it reports Windows 11 eligibility and lists which requirement(s) fail. PC Health Check is available from Microsoft and is the official first stop. (support.microsoft.com)
- If PC Health Check is unclear, run third‑party compatibility checkers such as WhyNotWin11 (open‑source on GitHub). These tools provide more granular detail about CPU, TPM and Secure Boot status but are unofficial. Use them only to gather information, not to override official guidance. (github.com)
- If the only problem is TPM disabled in firmware, many motherboards let you enable a firmware TPM (fTPM) or discrete TPM module via UEFI settings — consult your PC vendor’s manual.
Practical caveats and verification
- Microsoft’s CPU whitelist remains a gating factor: older Intel and AMD chips that otherwise meet frequency/core counts may still be blocked if not on Microsoft’s compatibility lists. This policy has been enforced strictly; vendors and press outlets have confirmed Microsoft won’t broadly loosen TPM or CPU requirements. Plan for some modern hardware to be incompatible even if specs look fine on paper. (theverge.com, learn.microsoft.com)
- There are community and vendor workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware (registry edits, modified ISOs, tools like Rufus). These may allow installation, but Microsoft can restrict future updates on unsupported systems and you accept elevated risk when you bypass checks. Upgrading an unsupported machine and then missing cumulative security updates defeats the goal of migrating to a safer platform. Independent guides exist for advanced users, but they are not recommended for everyone. (windowscentral.com, lifewire.com)
Option 2 (Expensive, clean): Buy a new PC
If your system lacks TPM 2.0 or the CPU is excluded from Microsoft’s supported list, the fastest route to a supported platform is a new PC with Windows 11 preinstalled. New machines remove firmware gymnastics and usually include warranties and vendor support.- Benefits: full support, better battery life (laptops), up‑to‑date drivers and firmware, modern features (storage, Wi‑Fi 6/6E, USB‑C, hardware acceleration).
- Downsides: cost, migration friction, potential learning curve for users who prefer the older Windows UI.
Option 3 (Short‑term, pragmatic): Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For users who cannot upgrade immediately, Microsoft’s consumer ESU program provides a controlled extension: security updates for enrolled Windows 10 devices through October 13, 2026. Enrollment can be purchased for $30 USD per device, or obtained for free via syncing PC Settings/Windows Backup to your Microsoft Account, or redeemed with 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. ESU is offered to consumer devices meeting prerequisites (Windows 10 version 22H2, up to 10 devices per license, not intended for managed domain or kiosk devices). (support.microsoft.com)What ESU does — and does not — buy you
- ESU provides only security patches classified as Critical or Important; it does not include feature updates, performance improvements, or technical support.
- ESU is explicitly temporary and limited to the ESU window. Treat it as breathing room to plan a long‑term migration rather than a permanent solution.
- Enrollment mechanics require signing into a Microsoft account and may entail enabling Windows Backup/OneDrive sync (the free enrollment path). This can create privacy and storage considerations — ensure you have adequate OneDrive space if you choose that route. (support.microsoft.com)
Option 4 (Risky): Do nothing
Continuing to run Windows 10 after October 14, 2025 without ESU is a defensible short‑term choice only for isolated, offline, or sacrificial machines. For anything that holds personal data, accesses the internet, or connects to a work network, doing nothing steadily increases the odds of compromise.- Immediate consequences are unlikely to be obvious — your browser, apps and peripherals will keep working initially.
- Over time, new classes of malware and exploits will be discovered and weaponized. Unpatched systems are high‑value targets for ransomware and automated botnets.
- For businesses, compliance with regulatory or insurance requirements may be violated by running unsupported software.
Option 5 (Adventurous): Move to macOS or Linux
If Windows 11 or a new PC isn’t appealing, there are two main alternatives:- macOS: Switching to Apple hardware puts you in a different ecosystem. Apple typically supports macOS on its hardware for multiple years, and many Macs enjoy long update windows. The precise support window for macOS versions varies and has changed over time; some analyses show major releases are usually maintained for about three years with security patches sometimes continuing beyond that, while hardware support can in practice extend much longer — averages reported in tech coverage range from five to nine years depending on model and generation. This means you’re not escaping lifecycle management, you’re simply swapping one vendor’s timeline for another. Treat claims about exact Apple support lengths as variable and check Apple’s compatibility lists for the specific model and macOS release you’re considering. (endoflife.date, arstechnica.com)
- Linux: If your hardware fails Microsoft’s compatibility gate but still performs well, installing Linux can give older PCs new life. Distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora and Pop!_OS are friendly starting points. Linux can be lightweight and secure, and it’s free — but expect application compatibility tradeoffs: some Windows‑only software and peripherals (certain printers, legacy professional apps, some games) may require extra work, virtualization, or replacement. For non‑technical users, moving to Linux can be more work than it’s worth; for tech‑savvy users, it’s a robust option.
A practical migration checklist (step‑by‑step)
- Inventory: make a list of all Windows 10 devices you use and note OS build, CPU model, RAM, storage, TPM presence (if known), and whether the device is domain‑joined.
- Back up everything: create a full image backup or at least a file backup and export application settings. Use an external drive and cloud sync (OneDrive recommended if you plan ESU enrollment via Windows Backup). Don’t rely solely on cloud-only storage unless you confirm retention/size. (support.microsoft.com)
- Run compatibility checks: PC Health Check first; follow up with WhyNotWin11 for deeper detail if needed. Document TPM and Secure Boot states. (support.microsoft.com, github.com)
- Decide path: upgrade in place (if eligible), buy replacement hardware, enroll in ESU for short‑term security, or plan a migration to Linux/macOS.
- If upgrading in place: uninstall incompatible drivers, ensure BIOS/UEFI firmware is current, enable Secure Boot/TPM if available, and then use Windows Update or Media Creation/ISO to migrate.
- If buying new hardware: set aside time for migration and re‑training. Use Windows Backup to transfer settings and files to a new PC to minimize friction. (support.microsoft.com)
- If enrolling in ESU: follow Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and look for enrollment prompts; have your Microsoft account ready or Redeem Microsoft Rewards points as needed. Confirm enrollment success and that you receive updates after October 14, 2025. (support.microsoft.com)
What vendors and the press are saying — cross‑verification of key claims
- Microsoft’s support page explicitly sets October 14, 2025 as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 and details the ESU program and upgrade paths. That’s the primary authoritative source for lifecycle dates. (support.microsoft.com)
- Microsoft’s ESU consumer page confirms enrollment options (syncing Windows Backup, Rewards, or $30 per device) and the ESU end date of October 13, 2026. That matches the company’s published terms and is the operative timeline for the consumer bridge. (support.microsoft.com)
- Independent tech coverage (Tom’s Guide, Windows Central, The Verge and others) confirm the upgrade friction points — TPM requirement, CPU compatibility lists, and Microsoft’s unwillingness to broadly relax the hardware gate — and document the practical workaround guides and associated risks. These outlets corroborate the official guidance and provide how‑to articles for advanced users who choose to bypass checks. (tomsguide.com, windowscentral.com, theverge.com)
- Tools exist to assist with troubleshooting and compatibility checks (Microsoft’s PC Health Check and the open‑source WhyNotWin11). These are reliable starting points, but PC Health Check is the official tool that controls upgrade eligibility messaging; WhyNotWin11 is useful for added transparency but is not an official Microsoft product. (support.microsoft.com, github.com)
Notable strengths and potential risks in Microsoft’s approach
Strengths
- Microsoft’s plan is predictable: publish firm dates, provide a consumer ESU option, and offer a clear upgrade path. Predictability allows users and IT teams to plan migrations with known windows and costs. (support.microsoft.com)
- Windows 11 includes meaningful security improvements (hardware‑based protections and modern security primitives) that are hard to replicate on older platforms.
- The ESU program includes consumer‑friendly enrollment routes (including a free option for users who sync their settings) and keeps devices supported for an extra year — useful for those who need time to budget or migrate.
Risks and criticisms
- The TPM 2.0 and CPU restrictions effectively force many working machines into replacement, increasing e‑waste and consumer cost. Critics argue the policy nudges upgrades rather than letting devices age gracefully; Microsoft counters that hardware security is a necessary baseline for modern threats. Independent reporting and community threads document this tension clearly. (theverge.com, tomsguide.com)
- ESU is explicitly temporary and relatively low‑cost for the first year, but costs and availability differ for organizations; relying on ESU without a concrete migration plan is risky.
- Workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported machines are available but may leave systems unsupported for future updates and complicate troubleshooting. Users performing such workarounds should understand the long‑term maintenance burden and update behavior could change. (windowscentral.com, lifewire.com)
Quick FAQs (practical, to the point)
- Will my PC stop working on October 15, 2025?
No — it will continue to run, but it will not receive security updates unless enrolled in ESU. That increases exposure to risk. (support.microsoft.com) - Is upgrading to Windows 11 free?
Yes, for eligible Windows 10 devices that meet hardware and build prerequisites. Use PC Health Check to confirm. (support.microsoft.com) - How much does ESU cost?
Microsoft lists three consumer enrollment paths: free via Windows Backup sync, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying $30 USD one‑time per device for the ESU period (through Oct 13, 2026). For enterprise pricing is different and typically higher. (support.microsoft.com) - Can I still use Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 after Oct 14, 2025?
Microsoft has stated Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after the end‑of‑support date; they may continue to run but without updates and with increasing compatibility risk over time. Check Microsoft’s notices for specifics about Office/Microsoft 365 lifecycles. (support.microsoft.com)
Final recommendation — a tiered plan
- If your device is Windows 10 and PC Health Check says ‘Upgrade ready’: upgrade now, or schedule a weekend migration. Back up first. Priority: High.
- If your device fails on TPM or CPU lists but you rely on it: enroll in ESU for the consumer window (or enable Windows Backup sync) and plan a hardware refresh within the ESU year. Priority: Medium (time‑limited).
- If your device is older and you are comfortable with Linux, test a Linux distribution in live mode; if it meets your needs, migrate and reclaim the machine. Otherwise, plan a new PC purchase. Priority: Medium to Low depending on needs.
- If you do nothing: treat the system as high‑risk and isolate sensitive accounts, add third‑party security layers, and prepare for eventual forced change. Priority: Low (but risky).
Microsoft’s announcement and the consumer ESU option turn an uncomfortable deadline into a manageable migration window — but the clock is real. Act now to inventory devices, back up data, check compatibility with PC Health Check, and choose the path that balances security, cost and convenience for your situation. Some routes (Linux, macOS) trade familiarity for longevity on older hardware; others (new Windows 11 PC) cost more now but simplify life later. Whichever path you pick, leaving the decision to the day after the deadline is the riskiest option of all. (support.microsoft.com)
Source: Stuff South Africa Windows 10 Is About To Die For Good – Here Are Your Options - Stuff South Africa