Microsoft has officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. That means no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for millions of devices. While Windows 11 is the logical upgrade path, not everyone is ready or able to make the leap. It’s time to start looking at preparing for Windows 10 end of life!
Whether your hardware doesn’t meet Windows 11’s requirements or you simply prefer to wait, here’s how to prepare your system for the end of Windows 10 support and stay secure in the meantime.
What Does “End of Life” Mean for Windows 10?
When Windows 10 hits end-of-life (EOL), Microsoft will stop:
- Releasing security updates
- Providing technical support
- Updating drivers or compatibility features
Your PC won’t stop working, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks over time.
If You’re Not Ready for Windows 11—Here’s What to Do to start Preparing for Windows 10 end of life
1. Ensure Windows 10 is Fully Updated
Before support ends, make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 10 (22H2) with all available updates and patches.
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
- Install optional updates that might include improved driver support
2. Consider Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft has announced a paid ESU (Extended Security Updates) program for Windows 10 after 2025, similar to what was offered for Windows 7.
- Ideal for businesses and institutions needing more time
- Pricing and availability will be announced in 2024
3. Strengthen Third-Party Security
If you plan to stick with Windows 10 beyond EOL:
- Install a reputable antivirus (e.g., Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes)
- Use a third-party firewall (e.g., GlassWire)
- Enable DNS filtering tools like NextDNS or OpenDNS
- Keep browsers and apps updated independently
4. Limit Internet Exposure
Reduce the attack surface by:
- Using your Windows 10 device offline or in air-gapped roles (e.g., media server)
- Running sensitive tasks on more secure devices
5. Consider a Lightweight Linux Distro
If your hardware can’t handle Windows 11, Linux may be a viable alternative:
- Distros like Linux Mint, Zorin OS, and Ubuntu LTS offer familiar interfaces
- You can dual-boot to keep Windows 10 for legacy software
6. Virtualize Windows 10
Use a virtual machine (VM) on a newer host OS to run legacy Windows 10 applications in a sandboxed environment.
- Tools: VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Hyper-V
7. Backup and Isolate Critical Data
Protect your data:
- Use offline and cloud backups (e.g., OneDrive, Backblaze)
- Store critical files on external drives not constantly connected
Evaluate Windows 11 Alternatives
If your PC just misses the Windows 11 cutoff, you can still:
- Bypass TPM/CPU checks (not recommended for production systems)
- Use third-party tools like Rufus or Ventoy to create compatible ISOs
- Wait for lightweight forks or optimized versions of Windows 11 to become viable
Final Thoughts
Sticking with Windows 10 past its EOL is possible – but it comes with caveats. You’ll need to take proactive steps to secure your system and reduce exposure. The clock is ticking, so now’s the time to start preparing for Windows 10 end of life, whether you’re extending Windows 10’s lifespan, moving to Linux, or preparing for Windows 11.
