Windows 10 End of Support: Your Options in 2026
What are your options now that Windows 10 support has ended?
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, but Windows 10 PCs still function. Microsoft lists three options: install Windows 11 on your current PC if it’s eligible, get a new PC with Windows 11, or enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
What changes on a Windows 10 PC
Microsoft says computers running Windows 10 will still function, but Microsoft no longer provides:
- Technical support for any issue
- Software updates
- Security updates or fixes
Compare your options
| Option | What it is | Good fit when | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade your current PC to Windows 11 | Free for eligible Windows 10 PCs that meet the minimum hardware specifications | Your PC passes Microsoft’s eligibility check | Ways to install Windows 11 |
| New PC with Windows 11 | A new PC that comes with Windows 11 | Your PC isn’t eligible, or you’re ready for new hardware | Moving files with Windows Backup |
| Windows 11 license for a PC that meets Microsoft’s requirements | Windows 11 activates with a digital license or a 25-character product key, and for a digital copy bought from an authorized retailer, the key is in your confirmation email or the retailer’s digital locker. Our Microsoft Windows 11 Home Digital License, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Digital License and Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Product Key – One-time purchase – 1 PC are each listed for 1 user / 1 device, 64-bit. | You want a specific Windows 11 edition for a new build, a clean install or an edition change, on a PC that passes the check | Microsoft’s activation page and our Windows category |
| Windows 11 on a PC that does not meet the requirements | Microsoft says installing Windows 11 on these devices isn’t recommended, the device won’t receive support from Microsoft, and updates aren’t guaranteed. Microsoft also says such a PC may not be able to install Windows 11, and you might want to consider purchasing a new PC. | None that Microsoft recommends; compare the new PC and consumer ESU rows | Microsoft’s guidance for devices that don’t meet the requirements and Windows 11 specifications |
| Consumer Extended Security Updates | Critical and important security updates for Windows 10, version 22H2; enrollment is open until the program ends on October 12, 2027; no technical support | You use Windows 10 at home and want security updates while you decide | Microsoft’s consumer ESU page |
| Business Extended Security Updates | A paid program for organizations, bought through Microsoft Volume Licensing. Year 1 ended October 13, 2026, Year 2 ends October 12, 2027, and Year 3 ends October 10, 2028 | You manage Windows 10 devices for a business | Microsoft’s commercial ESU page for purchase details |
Windows 11 minimum requirements
Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications list these minimums:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics card: compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: high definition (720p), greater than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
Not sure about TPM? Our guide to checking and enabling TPM 2.0 for Windows 11 walks you through it.
Check your PC with PC Health Check
On Windows 10, Microsoft’s PC Health Check app runs an eligibility check for Windows 11. Here’s how to use it:
- Search for “PC Health Check” on the taskbar. If it isn’t installed, download it from Microsoft.
- Open the app and select Check now.
- Read the result. Microsoft says it explains why your PC is or isn’t eligible, plus what you can do.
Microsoft notes the app doesn’t check the graphics card or display, so compare those with the list above. A compatibility safeguard hold can also temporarily delay an upgrade until an issue is resolved.
Installing Windows 11 on an eligible PC
Microsoft lists three ways to install Windows 11: Windows Update in Settings, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, or Windows 11 installation media. Before you start, Microsoft suggests backing up your files to OneDrive or an external device, and it notes that booting from installation media completely wipes the contents of the hard drive.
For the Windows Update route, Microsoft says to go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Moving to Windows 11 Pro? Our Windows 10 to Windows 11 Pro upgrade guide covers that route.
How consumer ESU works
Consumer ESU is still open. Microsoft says you can enroll any time until the program ends on October 12, 2027, and it covers critical and important security updates for Windows 10, version 22H2, but no other fixes, feature improvements or technical support.
To enroll, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Enroll now. Microsoft lists three ways to enroll (at no additional cost if you sync your PC settings, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or with a one-time purchase), and one ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices.
Windows 11 Home or Pro?
Microsoft says Windows Pro adds BitLocker Drive Encryption, Remote Desktop and the ability to join a domain or Microsoft Entra ID. Our Windows 11 Home vs Pro guide for small business compares the two in more detail. On an activated copy of Windows 11 Home, Microsoft’s route to Pro uses a 25-character Windows 11 Pro product key under Settings > System > Activation, and our guide to activating Windows 11 Pro with a product key shows each step.
Where to get it
Here’s what each of our Windows listings says:
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Digital License: supports 1 user / 1 device with 1 installation, licensed for home and commercial use, 64-bit only.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Home Digital License: supports 1 user / 1 device with 1 installation, licensed for personal use, 64-bit only.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Product Key – One-time purchase – 1 PC: supports 1 user / 1 device with 1 installation, licensed for home or commercial use, 64-bit.
- Windows Upgrade Help: a technician checks your PC’s eligibility and moves it to a different Windows edition or version (for example, Home to Pro), then checks drivers and updates. It’s a scheduled remote session, booked within business hours.
Our Delivery & Activation page has the online activation steps. Already ordered and something isn’t working? Contact support and we’ll fix it: support@solveditservices.com.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Windows 10 PC stop working?
No. Microsoft says the software will continue to function. What changed is the support Microsoft provides, covered in the list above.
Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?
Yes, if your PC is eligible. Microsoft says the upgrade is free for Windows 10 PCs that are running the required version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications. Keep Windows 10 fully updated, then run PC Health Check to confirm.
Has the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program ended?
No. Microsoft says you can enroll in the consumer program any time until it ends on October 12, 2027. Enrollment options and timing may vary by region, Microsoft notes. For businesses, Microsoft’s lifecycle FAQ lists ESU coverage periods through October 10, 2028.
Can a business use consumer ESU?
No. Microsoft says the consumer ESU program can’t be used in commercial scenarios, and enrollment isn’t offered for devices joined to an Active Directory domain or Microsoft Entra, or enrolled in MDM. Businesses can look at Microsoft’s paid commercial ESU program instead.
Does enrolling in ESU stop me from upgrading to Windows 11 later?
No. Microsoft says enrolling in ESU doesn’t prevent you from upgrading your PC to Windows 11 if it meets the hardware eligibility requirements. PC Health Check can help you check.
Can Microsoft 365 Apps still get security updates on Windows 10?
Yes, through October 10, 2028. Microsoft says support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 ended along with Windows 10, but it will keep providing security updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 for three years after that.
What to do next
- Run PC Health Check to see whether your PC can run Windows 11.
- If it’s eligible, install Windows 11. If you’d rather stay on Windows 10 for now, look at consumer ESU.
- Setting up several PCs or a business? Request a quote with your device count and edition.
- Need a hand with an order? Contact support and we’ll fix it: support@solveditservices.com.
Ready to choose? Browse our Windows category, or ask our support team for help picking an edition.
Why buy from Solved IT Services
- We send your order by email, with estimated delivery within 30 minutes or less from the time of purchase.
- We’re a US-based company with US-based support, available 24/7.
- We guarantee full installation and full activation of every product we sell, or your money back.
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