Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. This is a genuine concern — not a marketing push to get you to upgrade.
What "End of Support" Actually Means
After October 2025, Windows 10 will still work. Your computer won't suddenly stop. But it will no longer receive security patches. Every vulnerability discovered after that date will remain permanently unpatched on Windows 10 machines. Over months and years, this creates an increasingly insecure system. This is exactly why Windows 7 machines became targets — criminals knew no patches were coming.
Can Your Computer Run Windows 11?
Windows 11 has more demanding minimum requirements than Windows 10, specifically requiring a TPM 2.0 chip and a CPU from 2017 or later (most Intel 8th gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer). Run the PC Health Check app (download free from Microsoft) to check compatibility.
If your computer was bought before 2017, it likely won't officially support Windows 11. Workarounds exist but may cause stability issues and aren't recommended for most users.
If Your Computer Supports Windows 11
Upgrade. Windows 11 is a solid operating system and the free upgrade path from Windows 10 is straightforward. Settings → Windows Update → check for the Windows 11 upgrade. The process takes about an hour and preserves all your files and applications.
If Your Computer Doesn't Support Windows 11
You have options: continue on Windows 10 but understand the security implications; purchase Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (available for individuals from 2025); or use the computer only for offline tasks. The safest long-term option for most people is a hardware upgrade or new computer.
We Can Help
We help Melbourne clients with Windows 11 upgrades and advise on whether hardware upgrades make the machine suitable. Call us for a same-day assessment.
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