To continue supporting Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, you must upgrade to Windows 11, enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program (which is a paid service for consumers), or use an alternative operating system such as a Linux distribution.
Options for continued support
Upgrade to Windows 11:
If your PC meets the minimum requirements, the easiest option is to upgrade to Windows 11. You can check compatibility on the Microsoft website and check for updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) program: If you need more time, you can enroll in Microsoft's ESU program. To do this, your device must be running the latest version of Windows 10 (22H2), and you must pay the annual subscription fee. To enroll, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Add a device.
Switching to Linux:
If your computer isn't compatible with Windows 11, a free alternative is to install a Linux distribution. Distributions like Linux Mint are easy to use, and many resources are available to help you make the transition.
Consider a Windows 10 LTSC (Limited Channel) version: If you're a business user who needs a version of Windows 10, you could purchase licenses for the LTSC 2021 version. This version has extended support until 2026 and can be obtained through websites.
What to do now?
Update your Windows 10 to the latest version: Make sure you have Windows 10 version 22H2 installed.
Find out if you can upgrade to Windows 11: If your PC is compatible, it's recommended that you upgrade to get the latest features and support.
Enroll in Microsoft's Extended Support Unit (ESU) program: If you don't want to or can't upgrade to Windows 11, you can enroll in Microsoft's ESU program to extend support for your device for another year through an annual payment.
Consider a Linux distribution: If you don't want to pay for extended support, you can consider installing a Linux distribution, such as Linux Mint, that is compatible with your hardware.
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