
Windows 10 Support Ending in 2025: What Are Your Options? | Image Source: www.howtogeek.com
REDMOND, Wash., December 25, 2024 – Microsoft announced that support for Windows 10 will ​officially end on October ​14, 2025. According ​to How-To Geek, ​this means that ​there will be no additional updates, including critical security patches, available for ​the operating system. With hardware ​requirements for Windows 11 ​being remarkably strict, many users can face challenges in improving their existing systems. For ​those affected, ​here are the main options available.
Update your hardware or buy a new computer
For the ​transition to Windows 11, users may need to ​update ​their hardware. According to How-To Geek, Microsoft’s PC health control tool ​is instrumental in assessing system compatibility. For example, users may need to replace older processors with 8a-generation or newer Intel chips. Memory and SSD updates ​can also improve ​system performance and ​allow ​compatibility.
For those looking for simplicity, buying a new ready Windows 11 device can be the ideal solution. Renovated computers are a cost-effective alternative, ​offering budget-friendly options ​with reliable guarantees. This route eliminates the ​need ​for complex material changes and ensures ​smooth integration with the last operating system.
Consider paying for extended support
Microsoft Extension Security Update (ESU) program provides temporary repairs for those who want to stay on Windows 10. According to How-To Geek, ​this program offers security updates for ​an ​additional year, with home users ​accessing $30 updates until 2026. The ESS ensures continuous protection ​against emerging cyber threats, ​making it a viable option ​for users with critical dependencies on Windows 10.
However, this approach ​is only a stop. Users will eventually have to move to ​a new operating system or device since the ESU will cease to support them ​by 2026.
Forging an update on Windows 11
For technology users, installing Windows 11 on unsupported ​machines is an option, ​although it is risky. Unsupported facilities lack guarantees for stability or ​updates, and as How-To Geek notes, users ​can find errors, ​failures and vulnerabilities. In order to implement this option, caution must be exercised, including ​a complete data backup and a willingness ​to address possible technical challenges independently.
This method is not recommended by Microsoft and should only be ​considered by those with the necessary expertise and backup systems.
Explore Linux as an alternative
For Windows-ready ​users, Linux offers a convincing alternative. As How-To Geek points out, ​modern ​Linux ​distributions such as ​Ubuntu and Linux ​Mint offer ​user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible to newcomers. In addition, Linux is lightweight ​and ​can work efficiently on old hardware, which ​often fights ​with the requirements of Windows ​11.
Linux is also very secure. Its open ​source nature allows global security experts to review and improve the code base. Linux security updates rarely need to restart the system, encouraging users to quickly apply patches. Although no operating system ​is completely ​immune to vulnerabilities, the ​Linux architecture considerably mitigates ​common security threats.
Reuse your PC
If the update or change of operating systems is not attractive, the recovery of an old PC can provide creative and functional uses. According to How-To Geek, an option is to ​turn a computer into a home movie system using software like Kodi. This powerful media centre allows users to broadcast movies, music and live television while ​serving as a centre for slide presentations and device sharing to the content of the device.
Another possibility is to transform the PC into ​a retro game machine. Using platforms like RetroArch, users can relive classic games without the need for high-end hardware. Alternatively, giving the device to organizations in need or recycling its components can reduce electronic ​taste and give the ​machine a ​second life ​in new configurations.
Ignore ​the limit: a risky choice
Some users may choose to continue using Windows 10 despite the end date of support. ​However, as How-To Geek pointed ​out, this approach makes systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. ​Without security updates, the risk of malware ​and Ransomware attacks ​increases considerably, potentially compromising sensitive ​data and online activities.
For those who ​choose to ​stay on ​Windows 10, strict security measures are essential. ​This includes using robust antivirus software, restricting online activity, and avoiding tasks involving confidential information, such as online banking. Although ​this is possible, there are significant ​risks that can overcome the opportunity to cling to the family exploitation system.
In conclusion, the imminent end of Windows 10 support ​requires users to evaluate ​their options. Whether it is hardware update, Linux analysis or recovery from ​an old PC, the transition offers opportunities for innovation and efficiency ​improvement. As Microsoft makes users to Windows ​11, it is now time to plan and adapt for ​a secure and functional digital future.