Windows 10 Ends 2025: Best Secure Paths If You Can't Move to Windows 11

If your PC can’t run Windows 11, you’re not alone — and you still have a set of sensible, ranked options to stay secure, productive, and compliant after Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025.

Background: why this moment matters​

Microsoft will stop shipping regular security updates, feature updates and standard technical support for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, which means devices that remain on Windows 10 will become steadily more exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities over time. This is Microsoft’s official end-of-support date. (support.microsoft.com)
Microsoft is nudging users toward Windows 11, but Windows 11 enforces hardware gates that block some older PCs from upgrading — most notably UEFI + Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, in addition to the baseline CPU, RAM and storage floors. The official Windows 11 minimums are: a 1 GHz (or faster) 64‑bit processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capable, and TPM version 2.0, plus a DirectX 12 capable GPU with WDDM 2.0 drivers. (microsoft.com)
This combination of deadlines and hardware requirements has created a practical problem for many households and small offices: replace hardware, pay for extended security, move to an alternative OS, or accept increased risk. The rest of this piece maps those options, verifies notable claims, highlights benefits and hazards, and offers step‑by‑step decision guidance for Windows users who can’t—or won’t—move to Windows 11 immediately.

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Overview of your real choices (quick summary)​

• Upgrade to a Windows 11 capable PC (best long‑term security and compatibility).
• Enroll an eligible device in Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program (bridge for one year; free or paid options available). (support.microsoft.com)
• Use a cloud PC (Windows 365 / Azure Virtual Desktop) to keep a secure Windows environment while running on old hardware. (support.microsoft.com)
• Switch the machine to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex to extend useful life without Microsoft updates. (chromeos.google)
• Use reputable third‑party patching and protection (0patch, antivirus products) — but beware limitations and residual risks. (blog.0patch.com)
• Bypass Microsoft’s compatibility checks to install Windows 11 (possible, but carries update, warranty and security risks). (github.com)

Each option has trade‑offs in cost, security, convenience and long‑term viability. The sections below dissect them with practical next steps and safety warnings.

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1) Upgrade your PC: the secure, future‑proof route​

Why it’s the safest choice​

New Windows 11 PCs arrive with drivers, firmware and hardware designed for Microsoft’s security baseline (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, modern CPU features). Buying a new or refurbished Windows 11 machine removes compatibility headaches and restores full Microsoft support, feature updates and troubleshooting help.

• Benefits: full security updates, warranty and driver support, performance gains on modern silicon.
• Downsides: cost, setup time, potential e‑waste considerations.

If you’re buying, prioritize machines that explicitly ship with Windows 11 and meet the PC Health Check/Windows 11 spec to avoid surprises. Microsoft and OEMs continue to publish guidance for finding compatible devices. (microsoft.com)

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2) Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU): a one‑year bridge​

What ESU delivers and how much it costs​

Microsoft is offering a consumer ESU program that provides critical and important security updates for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, through October 13, 2026. For individuals there are three enrollment paths: enroll for free by syncing your Windows settings (Windows Backup to a Microsoft account), redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay $30 USD (local price/tax may vary) for a one‑year extension. The consumer enrollment wizard began rolling out in preview and Microsoft provided stepwise enrollment through Settings. (support.microsoft.com)
Microsoft’s ESU offering is positioned as a temporary safety net: it delivers only security updates, not bug fixes, feature updates, or general technical support. For businesses, ESU pricing and terms differ and may be available for longer periods through volume licensing. (learn.microsoft.com)

Strengths and limitations​

• Strengths: low cost for a temporary extension, simple enrollment for many users, preserves security patches for critical vulnerabilities.
• Limitations: it’s strictly a bridge — not a replacement for upgrading; coverage is limited in time; it doesn’t restore full vendor support for non‑security issues; some enrollment routes require a Microsoft account. (support.microsoft.com)

Takeaway: ESU is an economical and pragmatic stopgap if your device can’t run Windows 11, but plan a migration strategy during that year.

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3) Cloud PCs and virtual desktops: run Windows 11 from the cloud​

Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop explained​

If your hardware cannot run Windows 11, you can move your desktop to the cloud. Windows 365 Cloud PC and Azure Virtual Desktop let you stream a supported Windows client from Microsoft’s cloud to your local machine, making a modern, patched Windows environment accessible on old hardware or even on a Chromebook. Microsoft has explicitly promoted Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop as migration options for organizations and individuals facing Windows 10’s end of support. (support.microsoft.com)

Pros and cons​

• Pros: full security and feature updates server‑side; works on almost any device with a decent network connection; suitable for legacy app compatibility.
• Cons: ongoing subscription cost, latency depends on internet quality, not ideal for high‑end local GPU workloads (unless you add GPU VMs), complexity for individual users may be higher than device upgrade. (blogs.windows.com)

Practical note: Windows 365 may offer promotional pricing or enterprise bundles; check Microsoft’s Windows 365 guidance for the latest plans. (blogs.windows.com)

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4) Move to Linux or ChromeOS Flex: extend usable life without Windows updates​

Linux distros (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin OS)​

For users comfortable with change, modern Linux desktop distributions are a strong, zero‑license‑cost alternative. Distros like Zorin OS, Ubuntu, and Linux Mint focus on usability, software availability, and long‑term security updates. Zorin, for example, has positioned recent releases as a direct Windows replacement and provides extended support windows — a practical option if you mainly use a web browser and cloud apps. (blog.zorin.com)

• Benefits: free, performant on older hardware, lower attack surface for common Windows malware.
• Downsides: learning curve; some Windows‑only apps (specialized business software, some games) may require workarounds (Wine, virtualization).

ChromeOS Flex​

Google offers ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight, ChromeOS‑style OS that runs on many modern PCs and Macs and is targeted at users who primarily work in a browser. ChromeOS Flex supports a certified device list and can be a good fit for users tied to web apps and Google tooling. It’s also updated on a ChromeOS cadence, but verify model certification and end‑of‑support windows before deploying. (chromeos.google)
Practical migration checklist:

• Test in a USB live session or VM first.
• Verify critical peripherals and printers.
• Back up all data before any re‑installation.
• Expect to re‑learn certain workflows, and evaluate replacements for key Windows apps.

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5) Third‑party patching and antivirus: partial protection, important caveats​

0patch and similar services​

Third‑party micropatch vendors have announced plans to “security‑adopt” Windows 10 after Microsoft’s support window. 0patch (Acros Security) publicly stated it will provide critical patches for Windows 10 v22H2 “for at least five more years” — effectively until about 2030 — and offers micropatches that are applied without modifying Microsoft binaries. 0patch’s model is useful for critical vulnerabilities, but it’s not a drop‑in replacement for full vendor support or feature updates. (blog.0patch.com)

Antivirus and endpoint tools​

A well‑maintained security stack (modern antivirus, behavior monitoring, good patching for installed third‑party apps, and secure backups) remains essential if you continue to run an unsupported OS. However, antivirus does not substitute for OS vendor security updates and cannot fix kernel or platform‑level vulnerabilities in the way an OS patch does.

Risks and recommendations​

• Risk: third‑party patches may not cover every exploit class and will rarely provide the same depth of support Microsoft provides.
• Recommendation: if you choose third‑party patching (e.g., 0patch) pair that with strict hardening (least privilege accounts, network segmentation, up‑to‑date third‑party app patches, and robust backups). Consider 0patch as supplemental rather than a permanent replacement. (blog.0patch.com)

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6) Bypassing Windows 11 compatibility checks: doable, but risky​

How people are bypassing checks​

There are two common, documented approaches for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware:

• Use a third‑party tool like Rufus to create a bootable Windows 11 USB that removes the TPM, Secure Boot, RAM or CPU checks at install time. Rufus’s extended installation options intentionally offer those bypasses in the media creation process. (github.com)
• Apply Microsoft’s or community registry workarounds (creating keys such as AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU or creating LabConfig with BypassTPMCheck / BypassSecureBootCheck) to permit upgrades. These methods are widely published in community guides and technical blogs. (tomshardware.com)

Why this is tempting — and the downside​

• Temptation: keeps familiar apps and settings, avoids hardware expense, and often “just works” enough for general productivity.
• Downside: Microsoft may limit or block updates for systems installed via bypass, or future feature updates may fail; security posture could be weaker; warranties and support from OEMs may be voided; and unofficial methods introduce stability and compatibility risk. Community‑sourced guides also differ in quality and may be out of date for newer Windows 11 builds. (github.com)

Practical warning​

Proceeding with an unsupported install should be a last resort and only after taking a complete disk image and file backups. Expect to manage occasional driver or feature breakage manually. Community threads and troubleshooting guides reflect a wide range of outcomes — some users succeed for years, others run into periodic update blocks.

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Decision framework: Which path should you take?​

Use this short decision checklist to pick the right route quickly.

• Is the device mission‑critical (work, school, sensitive data)?
• Yes → prioritize upgrade to Windows 11 hardware, Windows 365 cloud PC, or enroll in ESU + 0patch as supplemental protection.
• No → consider ESU for one year, or a Linux/ChromeOS Flex migration.
• Can you afford a new or refurbished PC now?
• Yes → buy a Windows 11 machine and migrate (best long‑term ROI).
• No → use ESU or cloud PC and plan hardware replacement within the year.
• Do you rely on Windows‑only legacy apps that won’t run in Linux?
• Yes → test Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, or use local virtualization (with an updated host OS) to run the legacy environment.
• Are you comfortable with technical risk and hands‑on troubleshooting?
• Yes → you might test a regulated Rufus/registry bypass in a non‑critical machine, with full backups.
• No → avoid bypasses; use ESU or migrate.

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Practical, step‑by‑step next actions (recommended sequence)​

• Back up everything now: create a full file backup plus one disk image. Validate backups. (Non‑negotiable.)
• Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check or check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to confirm upgrade eligibility. (intel.com)
• If eligible: proceed with in‑place upgrade via Windows Update or Media Creation Tool and update drivers.
• If not eligible and you need more time: enroll in the consumer ESU by Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update when the option appears, or sign into a Microsoft account to use the free sync method / Rewards option. (support.microsoft.com)
• If you want to avoid buying new hardware now and run a web‑centric workflow: test ChromeOS Flex or a Linux live USB on your device and confirm peripherals and apps. (support.google.com)
• If you manage business systems: inventory apps and drivers, test Windows 11 on a pilot group of devices, and consider Windows 365 or AVD for legacy app access. Use Intune/WSUS/Configuration Manager to orchestrate. (blogs.windows.com)

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What the community is saying (real‑world signals)​

Community support threads and troubleshooting guides are full of practical tips — enabling TPM in firmware, converting MBR to GPT for UEFI boot, applying registry LabConfig tweaks for bypasses, and using Rufus to create modified install media. These conversations are useful for troubleshooting but vary in quality and risk appetite; they should be treated as practical peer tips, not official guidance.

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Final analysis: strengths, trade‑offs and the risk equation​

• Upgrading hardware delivers the cleanest, lowest‑risk path: full updates, driver support, warranty coverage and compatibility with future Windows features. It’s the right long‑term investment for users who depend on a secure, fully supported Windows environment.
• Microsoft’s consumer ESU is a practical, inexpensive bridge for people who need time to plan a migration — but it is time‑boxed, limited to security updates, and in some cases requires a Microsoft account to enroll. (support.microsoft.com)
• Cloud desktops (Windows 365 / AVD) are powerful and flexible for both individuals and organizations that want modern Windows without immediate local hardware upgrades — but they cost money and require reliable networking. (azure.microsoft.com)
• Linux or ChromeOS Flex are viable, sustainable alternatives if your workflows are browser‑centric or supported by cross‑platform apps; they extend hardware life significantly. (chromeos.google)
• Third‑party patching (0patch) and antivirus improve resilience but do not replicate vendor support and should be used with awareness of limitations; 0patch has announced plans to security‑adopt Windows 10 and will offer micropatches beyond Microsoft’s window, but that should be viewed as supplemental protection. (blog.0patch.com)
• Bypassing Microsoft checks is possible with tools like Rufus or registry workarounds, but it’s a high‑risk, high‑maintenance path that can complicate future updates and technical support. (github.com)

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Conclusion​

Windows 10’s end of support is a real inflection point: it forces a decision about spending, security posture and platform choice. For most users, the safest play is to either migrate to a Windows 11‑capable machine or use Microsoft’s temporary ESU program while planning a move. For tech‑savvy users who need to squeeze more life from old hardware, Linux distributions or ChromeOS Flex are strong alternatives; third‑party micropatch services and cloud PCs can fill niche needs. Avoid casual use of bypass tools on mission‑critical machines — they work, but they add maintenance and security uncertainty. Above all, back up your data now, assess your workflows, and choose the path that balances cost, security and long‑term practicality.

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Source: CNET Can't Run Windows 11? Here's What You Should Do Next

 

[ChatGPT]

If your PC can’t run Windows 11, you’re no longer just inconvenienced — you're facing a ticking support clock that changes how Microsoft services, patches, and even some apps will behave after October 14, 2025. This is the practical guide every Windows 10 user needs right now: clear options, realistic trade-offs, and step‑by‑step actions to keep your data safe and your machine useful — whether you upgrade hardware, pay for one more year of protection, or move off Windows entirely.

Background: why October 14, 2025 matters​

Microsoft has officially declared that Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date Microsoft will stop delivering routine security updates, feature updates, and standard technical support for Windows 10 editions including Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education and IoT variants. Devices will continue to boot and run, but their exposure to new vulnerabilities will grow over time as attackers target unpatched flaws.
This end‑of‑support deadline also comes with carve‑outs and transition mechanics: Microsoft will offer a consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that provides one additional year of security patches (through October 13, 2026) under a few enrollment options, and Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 for a limited period after the OS EOL. Those details change how you should weigh the cost and urgency of different migration choices.

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Overview: what prevents Windows 11 upgrades and why it matters​

Windows 11 requires a higher baseline than Windows 10 for both security and platform features. The most common obstacles you’ll see on older machines are:

• Processor compatibility — Windows 11 needs a 64‑bit CPU with 1 GHz or faster and two or more cores, and your specific CPU model must appear on Microsoft’s supported‑processor list.
• Memory and storage — Minimum 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage are required.
• System firmware and boot — UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability is required.
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 — a hardware or firmware TPM is expected for the security baseline.
• Graphics and display — DirectX 12 / WDDM 2.0 compatibility and a 720p+ display.

Many modern laptops and desktops sold in the last 5–6 years meet these requirements, but systems built earlier — or certain budget machines and some older business hardware — will be flagged as “incompatible.” That incompatibility directly affects whether you can get official Windows 11 upgrades and whether Microsoft will continue to support that device after the October 2025 cutoff.

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Your options if your PC can’t run Windows 11​

This section lays out the practical paths forward, with pros, cons, and clear next steps.

1) Upgrade the PC (buy a new machine or replace components)​

Upgrading to a Windows 11–capable PC is the simplest long‑term solution for most people. New laptops and desktops ship with Windows 11 preinstalled and get years of feature and security updates without extra fees.

• Benefits:
• Full Microsoft support and feature updates.
• Access to Copilot+ PC features, security improvements, and the latest hardware (better battery life, neural accelerators, etc.).
• Avoids ongoing complexity and potential security gaps.
• Downsides:
• Cost (especially if you need a high‑end machine).
• Migration friction: transferring files, reinstalling apps, learning UI changes.
• Practical steps:
• Check whether a component upgrade is possible (add RAM, swap to a bigger SSD, or enable TPM/fTPM in BIOS).
• If not, research current best buys for Windows 11 laptops or desktops that fit your budget and needs.
• Back up your data using Windows Backup, image tools, or cloud storage before migrating.

If you only lack RAM or storage, adding memory or installing a larger SSD is far cheaper than buying a whole new PC — check manufacturer service guides before attempting upgrades.

2) Enroll in Windows 10 Consumer ESU (one year of security updates)​

Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is explicitly designed for people who can’t move to Windows 11 immediately. For eligible Windows 10 devices (running version 22H2), ESU delivers critical and important security patches only — no feature updates and no technical support.

• Key points:
• Coverage runs through October 13, 2026.
• Enrollment options include a free path (sync PC settings to your Microsoft account), redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a one‑time fee (approx. $30 USD per ESU license, with local pricing variations).
• An ESU license can be attached to up to ten devices under the same Microsoft account (consumer plan).
• Benefits:
• Low cost compared with buying new hardware.
• Keeps your device receiving vital security fixes for an extra year.
• Risks and downsides:
• Only one year of coverage — you’ll need to plan further for late 2026.
• No feature updates or technical support; some third‑party software may eventually require a newer OS.
• Enrollment may require signing into a Microsoft account (local accounts may need conversion during enrollment).
• Practical steps:
• Make sure your PC is on Windows 10 version 22H2 and fully patched.
• Sign in with or create a Microsoft account and enable the enrollment option in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update when it appears.
• Choose whether to enroll via the free sync method, rewards, or purchase.

If you’re a business customer, ESU pricing and terms differ (volume licensing and multi‑year options exist), so consult the appropriate commercial channels.

3) Move to the cloud: Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop​

If your hardware can’t run Windows 11 but you still need the Windows 11 environment and compatibility, cloud PCs are a viable option.

• What it is:
• Windows 365 (Cloud PC) and Azure Virtual Desktop host a Windows 11 desktop in Microsoft’s cloud and stream it to your local device.
• Your laptop essentially becomes a remote display and input device; the heavy lifting runs on cloud hardware.
• Benefits:
• Access to fully supported Windows 11 from almost any endpoint (including older PCs, Macs, and tablets).
• Centralized management for business or power users; cloud PCs receive updates and ESU entitlements differently (cloud VMs may be entitled to ESU without extra cost).
• Downsides:
• Ongoing subscription cost that varies by configuration and usage.
• Requires stable, reasonably fast internet connectivity — not ideal for spotty networks.
• Latency and multimedia performance can be worse than local hardware, depending on connection.
• Practical steps:
• Evaluate Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop pricing plans for your needs (consumer vs. business options differ).
• Test a cloud PC with a short trial or pilot before fully committing.
• Use cloud desktops for critical apps while keeping local devices for offline tasks.

Cloud PCs are an especially good fit for users who primarily use web apps or Microsoft 365 and want to avoid hardware replacement.

4) Switch the OS: Linux or ChromeOS Flex​

If you don’t need Windows‑only applications, moving to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex is a strong, often free alternative that can revive older hardware.

• Linux distros to consider:
• Ubuntu — broad software support and large community.
• Linux Mint — user‑friendly for Windows migrants.
• Zorin OS — Windows‑like layout options and easy setup.
• ChromeOS Flex:
• Google’s ChromeOS Flex runs on many older Windows and Mac devices and offers a Chromebook‑like experience.
• Best for users who primarily work in the browser and use cloud services.
• Google maintains a certified models list that identifies which hardware features are supported and how long updates are guaranteed.
• Benefits:
• Usually free (open source), lighter on resources, and often more secure by default.
• Extends the usable life of old laptops and desktops.
• Risks:
• Incompatibility with some Windows‑only professional or legacy apps.
• Driver and hardware feature limitations (Wi‑Fi, webcam, fingerprint readers) on non‑certified models.
• Learning curve and possible retraining for non‑technical users.
• Practical steps:
• Create live USB media to test Linux or ChromeOS Flex without touching your current installation.
• Check hardware compatibility lists and backup data before installing.
• Map critical apps to Linux alternatives or cloud versions, and test peripherals (printer, scanner, dongles).

This path is cost‑effective and sustainable, but not suitable for workflows reliant on specific Windows software that has no Linux equivalent.

5) Rely on third‑party security solutions (short term only)​

Technically you can keep running Windows 10 after end of support, but running unpatched Windows on the internet is risky. Some third parties offer partial mitigations:

• 0patch (micropatching): a vendor that has publicly committed to “security‑adopting” Windows 10 and producing small, targeted micropatches for critical vulnerabilities for several years beyond Microsoft’s EOL. It’s a defensive option that fills some gaps, but it is not the same as full vendor support and will not cover every issue.
• Third‑party antivirus and endpoint protection: can reduce risk from certain malware classes but won’t fix underlying platform vulnerabilities.
• Benefits:
• Can buy time while you plan a migration.
• Lower immediate cost than hardware replacement.
• Downsides and cautions:
• Third‑party patches or mitigations are not complete substitutes for official vendor updates.
• Compatibility with future applications and services is uncertain.
• If you store sensitive data or run corporate workloads, continuing on an unsupported OS is a poor security posture.
• Practical steps:
• Consider 0patch if you must keep Windows 10 long‑term and evaluate its coverage for the components you rely on.
• Maintain a robust security stack (EPP/EDR), enable full disk encryption, and minimize exposure by limiting network connectivity for high‑risk devices.
• Treat this as a temporary stopgap rather than a permanent solution.

6) Install Windows 11 anyway (unsupported installs and their risks)​

There are community methods and third‑party tools that let you install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware — creating bootable media that bypasses TPM, Secure Boot, CPU or RAM checks, or applying registry workarounds during upgrade.

• Common tools and approaches:
• Rufus: offers options to create Windows 11 installation media that skip hardware checks for clean installs.
• Registry workarounds and patched ISOs: replace certain setup files or add flags to allow upgrades on older hardware.
• Why this is attractive:
• You may get the Windows 11 experience on otherwise‑ineligible hardware without buying a new PC.
• Serious cautions:
• Microsoft explicitly warns against installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware: those machines may not receive updates and are not guaranteed to be supported. You may see watermarks and compatibility notifications.
• You can break device warranties, lose driver support, and face unpredictable stability or security consequences.
• Some future Windows updates (including security fixes) could be blocked for unsupported installs.
• Practical steps if you still consider it:
• Fully back up your system; create a full disk image you can restore.
• Test on non‑critical hardware first.
• Understand that you’re assuming technical risk; plan a rollback strategy.

For the vast majority of users — especially those with sensitive data or business reliance — unsupported installs are not recommended.

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How to decide: a quick decision framework​

Use this three‑question decision tree to pick the right path:

• Do you rely on Windows‑only business or school software that must be supported and secure?
• Yes: prioritize official support (upgrade hardware or use Windows 365/AVD). If immediate replacement isn’t possible, enroll in ESU.
• No: consider Linux or ChromeOS Flex if you can adapt or if workflows are cloud‑based.
• Is your hardware nearly modern (UEFI, TPM/fTPM support, CPU from ~2018 onward) but failing only one requirement?
• Yes: check BIOS/UEFI for TPM and Secure Boot toggles, upgrade RAM/storage if possible, then run the PC Health Check app or manufacturer guidance.
• Is cost the overriding constraint and you need one year to plan?
• Yes: enroll in consumer ESU (free path via syncing or $30), lock down the device with good security practices, and create a migration plan for 2026.

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Practical checklist: immediate actions to take today​

• Verify your PC’s status
• Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update for upgrade prompts.
• Backup everything
• Create a full image and copy critical files to cloud storage or external drives.
• Update Windows 10 fully
• Apply the latest cumulative updates so you start in a patched state.
• Choose and act:
• If you’ll replace hardware soon: begin researching new PCs and test migration tools.
• If you need ESU: sign in with a Microsoft account and enroll via Settings when available.
• If you’ll switch OS: make test USB installers for Linux or ChromeOS Flex and trial them before committing.
• Harden the machine if staying on Windows 10
• Use modern antivirus, enable firewall, minimize installed apps, disable unnecessary services, remove admin privileges for day‑to‑day use, and limit network exposure.

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Risk analysis: what could go wrong and how to mitigate it​

• Security exposure: running an unsupported OS increases the window of vulnerability for new exploit techniques. Mitigation: ESU, micropatching providers, EDR tools, strict network segmentation.
• Data loss and compatibility breakage: older apps may fail on future software or service updates. Mitigation: maintain good backups and test critical workflows on the chosen target environment before switching.
• Cost and waste: forced hardware upgrades can produce e‑waste and unexpected costs. Mitigation: evaluate component upgrades and OS replacements (Linux/ChromeOS Flex) before buying new.
• Privacy and account requirements: ESU enrollment and some Windows 11 setups require Microsoft account sign‑in, which may concern privacy‑minded users. Mitigation: read enrollment steps and select the option that best aligns with privacy preferences (note: some free ESU options require cloud sync).

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The long view: what to expect after ESU and beyond 2026​

ESU is a narrow bridge, not a new life raft. The consumer ESU only covers critical and important security updates for one year through October 13, 2026, and Microsoft’s broader platform strategy is clearly oriented to Windows 11 and cloud services. After ESU lapses, continued reliance on Windows 10 will mean increasingly limited compatibility with new apps and services, higher security risk, and shrinking technical help options.
For organizations and power users, the sustainable path is either moving to supported hardware, adopting cloud‑hosted Windows environments, or transitioning workflows to cross‑platform and cloud applications that are vendor‑independent.

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Closing verdict: practical recommendation​

For most users, the best sequence right now is straightforward:

• Immediately verify your device’s upgrade status and back up all data.
• If the device is eligible and you want Microsoft support: upgrade to Windows 11.
• If the device is not eligible and you need more time: enroll in ESU (free or paid option), harden the machine, and plan a migration path.
• If your workflow is web‑centric or non‑Windows dependent: consider Linux or ChromeOS Flex as cost‑effective, secure alternatives.
• Avoid unsupported Windows 11 installs on critical machines; treat micropatching or third‑party mitigation as temporary measures.

This is a moment to be deliberate: the choices you make now will shape your device’s security, privacy, and usefulness for years. Follow the checklist above, pick the path that best balances cost and risk for your situation, and treat ESU as a short extension — not a permanent fix.

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Source: CNET Can't Run Windows 11? Here's What You Should Do Next