Windows 10 Support Ending in October 2025: Options for Users

"...After ten long years..."

"...This "end of life" milestone doesn't mean your computer will suddenly stop working...."

"...If you want to continue using your computer in a secure manner, you'll need to take action now..."

"...Warning: If you pick the option to upgrade a computer with supported or unsupported hardware, before proceeding with the instructions, it's critical to create a full backup of your computer in case something goes wrong, and you have to roll back to the previous version...."

"...The easiest way to continue using the same computer is to enroll it in the ESU program..."

"...Quick note: If the system detects that you're already backing up files to the cloud, you'll see the "Enroll" option immediately. If you're adding a second device, you'll see the "Add device" option instead...."

"...Once you complete the steps, critical and security updates (only) will continue to be available on your Windows 10 computer until October 2026...."

"...The program doesn't offer updates to improve the system or add new features, nor does it include Microsoft technical support...."

"...The recommended method to keep using the same computer is to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 through the "Windows Update" settings...."

"...You perform the in-place upgrade before or after the support of the operating system ends on October 14, 2025...."

"...The option to perform an in-place upgrade will depend on your hardware configuration...."

"...On computers that still use the legacy Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), it's necessary to convert from the Master Boot Record (MBR) partition style to the GUID Partition Table (GPT) before switching to the UEFI mode...."

"...This conversion can be accomplished using the MBR2GPT command-line tool, which enables a seamless transition without data loss...."

"...If you don't complete the conversion before enabling UEFI mode, the computer will fail to boot...."

"...After you complete the steps, the computer will restart, and the upgrade to the newer version of the operating system will begin...."

"...If you want to use the Installation Assistant or ISO file to upgrade to Windows 11, follow these instructions...."

"...Alternatively, you can always upgrade using a clean installation with these instructions...."

"...If you have a computer with compatible hardware but is still using the legacy BIOS with the MBR-style partition, you must first convert the partition to the GPT style and then switch to UEFI and enable TPM 2.0...."

"...Once you complete the steps, the partition will be converted to GPT, and the computer will stop booting correctly because you will need to switch the firmware type to UEFI...."

"...After completing the steps, the computer should start normally...."

"...Once you complete the steps, you can proceed with the upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11...."

"...After you complete the steps, the computer will restart, and the upgrade to the newer version of the operating system will begin, preserving your files...."

"...Although Windows 11 has more aggressive system requirements, you may still be able to perform an in-place upgrade on unsupported hardware by creating custom installation media to bypass these requirements...."

"...Before proceeding, it's worth noting that installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware is strongly discouraged...."

"...Microsoft does not provide support for computers that fail to meet the minimum hardware specifications...."

"...Although updates may still be accessible, their functionality isn't guaranteed...."

"...Additionally, running the operating system without essential security features, such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot, can expose the system to security risks...."

"...After you complete the steps, you will be able to install Windows 11 on a device without a supported processor or TPM 2.0...."

"...Once you complete the steps, the computer should upgrade to Windows 11, bypassing the requirements...."

"...If you're having issues with the upgrade, the best approach is to create a full backup of your computer, copy your files to an external storage device, and then proceed with the clean installation option...."

"...Then, restore your files in the new installation...."

"...It's important to note that there are many different ways to make the leap to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware...."

"...You can also upgrade using a clean installation, and you can use other tools like Ventoy and Flyoobe, among others...."

"...These are common questions regarding the Windows 10 end of support...."

"...The ESU program only includes critical security updates, just enough to keep your computer secure...."

"...This program doesn't offer improvements or new features...."

"...You can enroll your computer before or after the end of Windows 10's life, but you won't be extending the support...."

"...The program will end on October 13, 2026, regardless of when you enrolled...."

"...If you want to enroll your computer in the Extended Security Updates program, you have to make sure that the device is using Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates already installed...."

"...Also, the program requires a Microsoft account...."

"...If you have a local account, you'll be prompted to link your Microsoft account to proceed...."

"...Although an antivirus is critical for maintaining device security, system updates are also crucial for overall protection...."

"...In other words, an antivirus is not enough...."

"...The computer also needs system updates...."

"...Yes...."

"...If your computer meets the hardware requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 through "Windows Update" is free...."

"...You can try workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using custom installation media...."

"...However, this is not recommended since it may expose your computer to security and stability issues, and Microsoft does not guarantee updates for unsupported systems...."

"...Having said that, it's still a viable way to use a supported version of the operating system without the computer itself being supported...."

"...If you perform an in-place upgrade, your files and apps should remain intact...."

"...However, it’s critical to create a full backup before upgrading in case something goes wrong...."

"...Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10...."

"...Start browsing here:..."

"...Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know..."

"...Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know..."

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"...Windows How-To Expert..."

"...Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 22 years of combined experience in IT and technical writing...."

"...He holds various professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA and has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years...."