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Guide

Windows 10 end of support: your options in 2026

Windows 10 still runs, but it no longer gets regular updates. You can keep it secure for a while with Extended Security Updates, or move to Windows 11, often for free.

Updated 7 October 2026

01What happened

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Since then, Windows 10 Home and Pro get no new features and no security updates unless the PC is enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU).

02Extended Security Updates (ESU)

ESU is Microsoft's program that keeps sending security updates to Windows 10 for a limited time. For home users it was first planned to end on October 13, 2026. In June 2026 Microsoft extended it to October 12, 2027. If you're already enrolled, you are covered automatically until then.

  • Who can join: PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations) with the latest updates installed.
  • Account: you sign in with a Microsoft account that is an administrator on the PC.
  • Cost: free if you turn on Windows Backup to sync your settings, or if you redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Otherwise there's a one-time paid option.
  • How to enroll: go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for the Enroll now link.

ESU only buys time. It brings security fixes, not new features, and it ends in October 2027.

03Can your PC run Windows 11?

Windows 11 needs a 64-bit processor from Microsoft's supported list, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. The easiest way to check is Microsoft's free PC Health Check app: open it and click Check now.

Most PCs sold since 2018 pass. If yours fails only because TPM or Secure Boot is turned off, you can usually switch them on in the UEFI (BIOS) settings.

04Upgrading to Windows 11

  1. Back up your important files to an external drive or OneDrive.
  2. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If the Windows 11 upgrade is offered, click Download and install. Your files and apps are kept.
  3. If it's not offered, use Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Assistant, or do a clean install from a USB drive.
  4. An activated Windows 10 PC usually stays activated after the upgrade, in the matching edition: Home becomes Windows 11 Home and Pro becomes Windows 11 Pro.

05When you need a new key

Products in this guide

Windows 11 ProWindows 11 ProRetail key, 1 PC, lifetime activation$24.99Windows 11 HomeWindows 11 HomeRetail key, 1 PC, lifetime activation$19.99Windows 10 ProWindows 10 ProRetail key, 1 PC, upgradable to Windows 11 Pro$19.99

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