When it is best to replace and what it means for you

There is a giant change coming for many individuals who use Windows computer systems.

Microsoft is ending help for its Windows 10 working system, which signifies that after Tuesday 14 October, these computer systems could also be in danger.

This is as a result of safety updates will cease, making gadgets extra susceptible to assault.

Microsoft is encouraging individuals to improve free of charge to Windows 11 – however not all computer systems will have the ability to try this.

“The end of support for Windows 10 is shaping up to be a disaster for both consumers and the environment,” stated Nathan Proctor, senior director at US client group PIRG.

So, what does it imply for you?

Windows is the world’s hottest laptop working system, with Microsoft saying it’s used on over 1.4 billion gadgets across the globe.

Around 43% of those have been utilizing Windows 10 in July 2025, according to Statcounter.

In the UK, client information Which? estimates there could possibly be 21 million individuals nonetheless utilizing Windows 10.

In September, it ran a survey which discovered a couple of quarter of these customers have been planning to proceed to make use of it even after Microsoft’s official help ends.

About one in seven stated they deliberate to purchase a brand new laptop.

Other client teams have criticised the tip of Windows 10 help, saying it can result in pointless spending and environmental waste.

“People are tired of living in a world filled with short-lived devices we can’t fix, or lose software support or are otherwise forced into the waste stream,” stated Mr Proctor, who campaigns for the proper to restore within the US.

He added: “We deserve tech that lasts.”

Microsoft is actually giving private customers two choices: Update to Windows 11, or signal as much as obtain prolonged safety updates for 12 months.

These will be finished within the “Privacy and Security” part of your settings.

People who personal PCs eligible for Windows 11 can improve free of charge.

However, many individuals “will have to purchase new devices – despite the fact that their current computers work just fine,” stated Mr Proctor.

If you do not need to improve right away, or your gadget is just too previous for Windows 11, you’ll be able to signal as much as a scheme which can proceed an important safety updates till October 2026.

This is named Extended Security Updates (ESU) – but it surely doesn’t supply any technical help or different software program updates.

People dwelling within the European Economic Area will get it free of charge by registering. For different customers to get it free of charge, they should have up to date to the newest model of Windows 10, have a Microsoft account and backed up their PC settings.

Otherwise, you need to pay a $30 (£22) charge or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards factors to entry ESU.

For industrial organisations utilizing Windows 10, it can price $61 per gadget.

The actual quantity you pay is dependent upon the place on the planet you reside.

Since its launch in 2015, Microsoft has saved Windows 10 going with frequent software program updates.

These have been used to tweak or add new options, in addition to patch safety points and bugs.

The firm recommends customers improve to Windows 11 free of charge – however some older gadgets will not have the ability to run the brand new working system.

It can be making it tougher to make use of Windows 11 without a Microsoft account – and one approach to prolong the lifetime of your Windows 10 machine additionally requires a Microsoft account.

Some customers choose to not log in with a Microsoft account for privateness causes.

Microsoft will cease sending important safety updates and fixes to Windows 10 PCs.

That could make your gadget extra susceptible to threats comparable to viruses or malicious software program – as you will not get the newest defences towards assaults.

We have seen a variety of high-profile cyber-attacks in latest months, to companies starting from retailers to automotive producers and even a nursery chain.

Companies may additionally “find it challenging to maintain regulatory compliance with unsupported software”, Microsoft Consumer Chief Marketing Officer Yusuf Mehdi wrote in a blog post.

You may additionally discover different software program may lose some performance as builders cease sending their newest options to older working techniques.