What happens to my PC when Windows 10 hits end of support (EOS)?

As of 14 October 2025, PCs running Windows 10 will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide the following: Technical support Feature updates Free security updates or fixes While your Windows PC will continue to function, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware when Windows 10 reaches end of support. We recommend you transition to a version of Windows that is still supported. If your existing device cannot run Windows 11, a new PC that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and great experience.

Will my Windows 10 PC stop working?

No. Your PC will continue to work, but support for Windows 10 is discontinued. After 14 October 2025, your Windows 10 PC will no longer receive free security updates and Microsoft will no longer provide Windows 10 technical support.

What options do I have for staying supported on a Windows operating system?

You should check to see if your PC meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC is able to upgrade to Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. If your PC is not able to upgrade to Windows 11 or you want to replace it, you can move to Windows 11 by purchasing a new PC. You can identify a PC that is right for you here .

How do I get a supported version of Windows?

There are a couple of potential ways to get Windows 11: Purchase a new PC with Windows 11: Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows. If you have an older PC, we recommend that you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot since Windows 10 was released, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful and more secure. See computers Install Windows 11 on your current PC: Check to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC is able to upgrade to Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

The upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro to the equivalent edition of Windows 11 is free (for example, Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro). Check to see if this is an option for you by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update . If your PC is able to upgrade to Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.

What is the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme?

ESU is a paid programme that will entitle enrolled PCs to receive critical and important security updates after Windows 10 reached EOS. The programme will provide critical and important security updates, but will not provide other types of updates or technical support. Final pricing and enrolment conditions will be made available closer to the EOS date in October 2025.

What can I do with my old computer?

If you have an eligible computer, take advantage of our trade-in-programme to securely and responsibly recycle your PC – and get some extra cash. This resource can help you learn the trade-in value of your used device. You can also return and recycle your device responsibly with our end-of-life management and recycling initiatives.

Will my current Windows 10 applications, devices and accessories work with Windows 11?

Yes, most applications, devices and accessories that worked with Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. You can also check with the software, device or accessory manufacturer to confirm compatibility. Microsoft offers App Assure, a service to help with any software or browser application compatibility issue that you may discover. Learn more at https://aka.ms/appassure .

What edition of Windows 11 will I get when I upgrade?

The upgrade to Windows 11 is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device. Learn more . Windows 11 Pro does not offer Windows 11 Pro in S mode, so you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade.

Black laptop with Windows 10 homescreen and start-up taskbar open.

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Update to Windows 11 Pro today to take advantage of AI-powered capabilities and features to save time and money, safeguard your business, and innovate faster and easier.

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Waiting for tomorrow to modernise could cost your business today through online security threats. Security threats are constantly evolving.

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New Windows 11 Pro computers are designed to provide the latest AI-enhanced features to help improve insights and efficiency.

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Older computers can take more time to maintain, expose you to costly security risks, and dampen employee productivity and satisfaction.

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Windows 10 Pro works seamlessly with Microsoft 365 to empower your employees to work almost anywhere.

Simple, flexible management

Shift to remote management without changing your existing IT. Deploy and manage Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices anywhere with the same tools.

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Enable your entire team to work remotely with confidence by protecting their data, their devices and their identities with Windows 10 Pro.

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Frequently asked questions

As of 14 October 2025, PCs running Windows 10 will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:
- Technical support
- Feature updates
- Free security updates or fixes
While your Windows PC will continue to function, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware when Windows 10 reaches end of support. We recommend you transition to a version of Windows that is still supported. If your existing device cannot run Windows 11, a new PC that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and great experience.
No. Your PC will continue to work, but support for Windows 10 is discontinued. After 14 October 2025, your Windows 10 PC will no longer receive free security updates and Microsoft will no longer provide Windows 10 technical support.
You should check to see if your PC meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC is able to upgrade to Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.

If your PC is not able to upgrade to Windows 11 or you want to replace it, you can move to Windows 11 by purchasing a new PC. You can identify a PC that is right for you here.
There are a couple of potential ways to get Windows 11:

Purchase a new PC with Windows 11: Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows. If you have an older PC, we recommend that you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot since Windows 10 was released, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful and more secure. See computers

Install Windows 11 on your current PC: Check to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC is able to upgrade to Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
The upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro to the equivalent edition of Windows 11 is free (for example, Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro). Check to see if this is an option for you by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC is able to upgrade to Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
ESU is a paid programme that will entitle enrolled PCs to receive critical and important security updates after Windows 10 reached EOS. The programme will provide critical and important security updates, but will not provide other types of updates or technical support. Final pricing and enrolment conditions will be made available closer to the EOS date in October 2025.
If you have an eligible computer, take advantage of our trade-in-programme to securely and responsibly recycle your PC – and get some extra cash. This resource can help you learn the trade-in value of your used device. You can also return and recycle your device responsibly with our end-of-life management and recycling initiatives.
Yes, most applications, devices and accessories that worked with Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. You can also check with the software, device or accessory manufacturer to confirm compatibility. Microsoft offers App Assure, a service to help with any software or browser application compatibility issue that you may discover. Learn more at https://aka.ms/appassure.
The upgrade to Windows 11 is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device. Learn more. Windows 11 Pro does not offer Windows 11 Pro in S mode, so you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade.