When you should update and what it means for you

There’s a large change coming for many individuals who use Home windows computer systems.

Microsoft is ending help for its Home windows 10 working system, which signifies that after Tuesday 14 October, these computer systems could also be in danger.

It is because safety updates will cease, making units extra weak to assault.

Microsoft is encouraging folks to improve at no cost to Home windows 11 – however not all computer systems will be capable to do this.

“The tip of help for Home windows 10 is shaping as much as be a catastrophe for each customers and the surroundings,” mentioned Nathan Proctor, senior director at US client group PIRG.

So, what does it imply for you?

Home windows is the world’s hottest laptop working system, with Microsoft saying it’s used on over 1.4 billion units across the globe.

Round 43% of those have been utilizing Home windows 10 in July 2025, according to Statcounter.

Within the UK, client information Which? estimates there could possibly be 21 million folks nonetheless utilizing Home windows 10.

In September, it ran a survey which discovered a couple of quarter of these customers have been planning to proceed to make use of it even after Microsoft’s official help ends.

About one in seven mentioned they deliberate to purchase a brand new laptop.

Different client teams have criticised the top of Home windows 10 help, saying it can result in pointless spending and environmental waste.

“Individuals are bored with residing in a world full of short-lived units we will not repair, or lose software program help or are in any other case pressured into the waste stream,” mentioned Mr Proctor, who campaigns for the proper to restore within the US.

He added: “We deserve tech that lasts.”

Microsoft is basically giving private customers two choices: Replace to Home windows 11, or signal as much as obtain prolonged safety updates for 12 months.

These may be accomplished within the “Privateness and Safety” part of your settings.

Individuals who personal PCs eligible for Home windows 11 can improve at no cost.

Nevertheless, many individuals “should buy new units – although their present computer systems work simply fantastic,” mentioned Mr Proctor.

In case you do not need to improve right away, or your gadget is just too outdated for Home windows 11, you possibly can signal as much as a scheme which can proceed crucial safety updates till October 2026.

That is referred to as Extended Security Updates (ESU) – nevertheless it doesn’t provide any technical help or different software program updates.

Individuals residing within the European Financial Space will get it at no cost by registering. For different customers to get it at no cost, they should have up to date to the newest model of Home windows 10, have a Microsoft account and backed up their PC settings.

In any other case, it’s important to pay a $30 (£22) payment or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards factors to entry ESU.

For business organisations utilizing Home windows 10, it can value $61 per gadget.

The precise quantity you pay relies on the place on the earth you reside.

Since its launch in 2015, Microsoft has saved Home windows 10 going with frequent software program updates.

These have been used to tweak or add new options, in addition to patch safety points and bugs.

The corporate recommends customers improve to Home windows 11 at no cost – however some older units will not be capable to run the brand new working system.

It’s also making it tougher to make use of Home windows 11 without a Microsoft account – and one method to prolong the lifetime of your Home windows 10 machine additionally requires a Microsoft account.

Some customers choose to not log in with a Microsoft account for privateness causes.

Microsoft will cease sending vital safety updates and fixes to Home windows 10 PCs.

That may make your gadget extra weak to threats resembling viruses or malicious software program – as you will not get the newest defences towards assaults.

We have now seen numerous high-profile cyber-attacks in latest months, to companies starting from retailers to automobile producers and even a nursery chain.

Firms might also “discover it difficult to keep up regulatory compliance with unsupported software program”, Microsoft Shopper Chief Advertising Officer Yusuf Mehdi wrote in a blog post.

You may additionally discover different software program may lose some performance as builders cease sending their newest options to older working techniques.