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Are you considering your options for your Windows 10 PCs as they approach their official end-of-support date in just over a year? Some believe Microsoft may extend the deadline, but the end date is clearly stated in the Microsoft Support document listing products retiring or reaching the end of support in 2025. So, don’t count on an extension.
According to Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy, Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10, with all editions receiving monthly security update releases until that date.
After the end-of-support date, Windows 10 will continue to work, but there will be no new security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support. Microsoft encourages customers to migrate to the latest version of the product or service. Paid programs may be available for applicable products.
However, upgrading to Windows 11 might not be an option for PCs that don’t meet the stringent hardware compatibility requirements. After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support or security and reliability fixes for PCs running Windows 10.
If you have Windows 10 PCs that fail the Windows 11 compatibility tests, you have five options:
1. Ignore the end-of-support deadline.
2. Buy a new PC.
3. Switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex.
4. Pay for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates.
5. Upgrade your ‘incompatible’ hardware to Windows 11.
Each option has its pros and cons, so choose wisely based on your needs and requirements.