As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 no longer receives free security updates, feature updates, or technical support from Microsoft. If you’re reading this on a Windows 10 PC, it still works exactly as before — but every security vulnerability discovered from that date on will not be patched unless you take one of the options below.
What "end of support" does NOT mean
Your PC doesn’t stop working, your files are untouched, and existing apps keep running. The risk is purely security: unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate over time, making an unsupported, internet-connected PC a steadily growing target.
Your realistic options
Option 1 — Upgrade to Windows 11 (free, if your PC qualifies)
If your hardware meets the Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU), this is the best option: same PC, no cost, full ongoing support. Check eligibility with Microsoft’s PC Health Check app, then upgrade via Windows Update or a clean install.
Option 2 — Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft offers a consumer ESU program providing critical and important security patches only (no new features) for a limited period past end of support, available via a Microsoft account at low or no cost depending on enrollment method. This buys time but is a bridge, not a long-term fix.
Option 3 — Move to new, Windows-11-ready hardware
If your current PC fails the Windows 11 requirements and you’d rather not run unsupported workarounds, migrating to newer hardware is the most future-proof option. Cloning your existing drive’s data across (rather than starting from scratch) makes this painless.
Option 4 — Stay on Windows 10 anyway
Viable short-term for an offline or low-risk machine, but the security exposure only grows with time on anything connected to the internet.
Recommended path
- Run PC Health Check to see if you qualify for a free Windows 11 upgrade.
- If yes: back up your files, then upgrade or do a clean install of Windows 11.
- If no: decide between ESU as a stop-gap, or moving to new hardware with your data cloned across.
How our RecoveryUSB helps
Whichever path you choose, our Windows Install & Recovery USB gets you a clean Windows 10 or 11 install without downloading gigabytes of installer files, and our Clonezilla USB moves your entire existing setup onto new hardware in one pass if you’re upgrading the PC itself.
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Shop Recovery USBsFrequently asked questions
Is Windows 10 still safe to use after end of support?
It keeps working, but new security vulnerabilities found after October 14, 2025 won't be patched unless you're enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Risk grows the longer an unpatched, internet-connected PC stays online.
What is Windows 10 ESU and do I need it?
Extended Security Updates is Microsoft's paid (or account-linked) program that continues critical security patches only, past the official end-of-support date. It's worth it as a short-term bridge if you can't upgrade to Windows 11 immediately.
Can I still upgrade to Windows 11 for free after the Windows 10 end-of-support date?
Yes — the free upgrade offer for eligible hardware isn't tied to the Windows 10 end-of-support date and has continued to be available through Windows Update and official install media.