After nearly a decade, Windows 10 has officially reached the end of support. As of today, Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the operating system.
Your PC will still run just fine, but from now on, every month that passes increases your exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities and emerging security threats. If you’re still on Windows 10, this is your cue to upgrade to Windows 11 (or consider another secure option).
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
If your PC meets the requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is the easiest and most secure path forward. Microsoft recommends this as the primary option for users who want ongoing updates and protection.
Here’s how to upgrade to Windows 11:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click “Check for updates.”
- If your device is compatible, you’ll see the option “Upgrade to Windows 11.”
- Select Download and install, then follow the on-screen prompts.
Microsoft gradually rolls out the upgrade, so if you don’t see the option immediately, you can also use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or download the ISO from the official Microsoft website.
Option 2: Check If Your PC Is Supported
Not sure if your computer can run Windows 11? Microsoft has specific system requirements that differ from Windows 10, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer CPU generations.
Minimum requirements for Windows 11 include:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with 2 or more cores on a 64-bit CPU
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Storage: 64 GB or more
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 9” or larger with HD resolution (720p)
To check compatibility automatically:
- Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft’s website.
- Run the app and click “Check now.”
- It will tell you instantly whether your system meets Windows 11 requirements, and if not, which component is missing.
Alternatively, you can use third-party tools for a more detailed compatibility breakdown.
Option 3: What If Your PC Isn’t Supported?
If your computer doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, you still have a few solid options to stay secure and productive.
One choice is enrolling in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, which continues to provide critical security patches until October 2026. While it’s a convenient way to buy more time, it’s only a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution.
Alternatively, you can switch to a different operating system, like Linux distributions and ChromeOS Flex.
Ensure You Back Up Before You Upgrade
Before upgrading, back up all your important files to an external drive or a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive. This ensures your data is safe if anything goes wrong during installation.
Some users have reported that Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool for Windows 11, used for clean installs or creating USB setup drives, is currently broken following a recent update.
If you face errors, try using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, download the ISO manually, or wait for Microsoft to fix the tool, which is currently under review. Either way, upgrading to Windows 11 is the best way to stay secure and future-ready.
