Windows 10 End of Support 2025: Upgrade, ESU, or Replace Your PC

Thanks — I opened that Geo Digital / Geo News YouTube item for you. Do you want a short summary, a full (time‑stamped) transcript, or a writeup (blog / forum post) based on the video?
If you want a quick summary right now: the video is a warning for Windows 10 users about the upcoming end of support and what people must do — the practical actions it recommends are the same guidance Microsoft and tech outlets are telling users:

• Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025 — after that Microsoft will stop providing security updates and technical support for Windows 10.
• Your main options are: upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11 (free when the device meets requirements), enroll eligible machines in the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a temporary extra year of security updates, or replace the device with a Windows 11 PC / move to another OS. (learn.microsoft.com, microsoft.com)
• Some outlets note Microsoft’s consumer ESU options (including a free first-year path in some cases and paid/reward options) and urge users not to remain on an unsupported OS. If you plan to stay on Windows 10, enroll in ESU or take mitigation steps.

Useful, actionable steps (what “people using Windows 10 must do” — checklist you can follow right now)

• Back up your files now. Use OneDrive or Windows Backup (Settings > System > Storage or Search “Windows Backup”), or an external drive. Always verify the backup by opening a few files.
• Check whether your PC can upgrade to Windows 11: run PC Health Check (or Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for upgrade prompts). If compatible, update only after you’ve backed up.
• If your PC is not compatible, decide quickly: either enroll in the Windows 10 Consumer ESU (if available to you) or plan to replace the device. Microsoft documents the ESU and migration options. (support.microsoft.com, techradar.com)
• Keep antivirus, browser, and other software updated during the transition. Consider switching to supported distributions (e.g., a Linux distribution) if you won’t upgrade hardware.
• If you use Microsoft 365 / Office on Windows 10 — check compatibility notes: some Microsoft 365 app support will also be affected; review Microsoft guidance for Office and Microsoft 365.

Notes and context I checked for you

• I confirmed Microsoft’s official end‑of‑support notice and lifecycle pages (Windows 10 support ends Oct 14, 2025) and their guidance about upgrading or using ESU. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)
• Tech coverage (e.g., TechRadar) describes the consumer ESU options and signup approaches being rolled out ahead of the cutoff and explains the practical choices for users who can’t or won’t upgrade immediately.

I also inspected files you’d uploaded (there are notes in your files about recent Microsoft changes such as Defender VPN removal and other Windows/Microsoft changes) — if you want, I can pull those notes together with the video to produce a single, user‑ready HOWTO for WindowsForum.com.
What would you like next?

• Quick 3–5 bullet summary suitable for a forum post.
• Full time‑stamped transcript of the YouTube video (if captions are available I can pull them).
• A 1,000–2,000 word article for WindowsForum.com that explains the risk, gives step‑by‑step upgrade/backup instructions, and includes screenshots and links.

Tell me which and I’ll proceed.

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Source: YouTube