5 Best Options Before October 2025 as Windows 10 Support Ends

5 Best Options Before October 2025 as Windows 10 Support Ends. Microsoft is set to officially end support for Windows 10 in less than a year. If your computer does not meet the upgrade requirements for Windows 11, you have five options before time runs out. Have you decided what to do before Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support date?

5 Best Options Before October 2025 as Windows 10 Support Ends

Some believe that Microsoft might extend the deadline, but that is highly unlikely. The official support document confirms that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, there will be no technical support, security updates, or reliability fixes. If you own a Windows 10 device that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, here are your five best options:

1. Continue Using Windows 10 (At Your Own Risk)

While you can continue using Windows 10 beyond the support deadline, this exposes your system to significant security risks. Without updates, your device becomes vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

Some users rely on third-party antivirus software, but this is not a foolproof solution. If you insist on staying with Windows 10, you can install 0patch, a third-party security tool that provides micro-patches for known vulnerabilities. However, for business users, this may not be a viable long-term solution.

2. Buy a New Computer or Rent a Virtual Machine

If your device is incompatible with Windows 11, purchasing a new computer may be the best option. Microsoft and its partners will encourage users to upgrade to new Copilot+ PCs with AI capabilities or high-performance gaming systems.

Alternatively, you can rent a virtual machine using Windows 365, which allows you to run Windows 11 in the cloud. However, this is a costly solution, making it less practical for individual users.

3. Switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex

For those looking to keep their existing hardware, switching to Linux is a viable alternative. Many Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint, provide a secure and customizable operating system.

Another option is ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight alternative from Google. However, ChromeOS Flex has compatibility requirements, so you must check if your device is on Google’s certified list before making the switch.

While Linux and ChromeOS Flex are good for recycling old devices, they may not be practical for businesses or users who rely on Windows software.

4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs)

Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that provides paid security updates for up to three years.

• For businesses: The ESU pricing starts at $61 per device for the first year, doubling each year to a total cost of $427 per device over three years.
• For consumers: Microsoft is offering a one-year security update for $30 per device, extending support until October 2026.

This is a temporary solution, but it provides extra time to transition to a new system.

5. Upgrade Your “Incompatible” PC to Windows 11

Despite Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements, there are workarounds to upgrade certain Windows 10 computers to Windows 11.

• Registry Modification: Changing specific registry values and ensuring that Secure Boot and TPM 1.2+ are enabled may allow an upgrade.
• Using Rufus: If your system is older, you can create a bootable USB with Rufus, a tool that bypasses Windows 11 compatibility checks.

However, if your processor lacks POPCNT and SSE 4.2 instructions, upgrading to Windows 11 may not be possible. Microsoft may also restrict updates for unofficial installations.

With Windows 10 reaching the end of its lifecycle, it is essential to plan your next steps. Whether you choose to upgrade, switch operating systems, or extend support, ensure you have a strategy before October 14, 2025.

Which option will you choose? Let us know in the comments!