[October 2025] Windows 10 support ends! Should you continue using it? Or upgrade to Windows 11? Explaining your best options

On October 14, 2025, support for Windows 10, which has been popular with many users for many years, will finally end.

StatCounter StatisticsAccording to a forecast (as of July 2025), approximately 43% of desktop PCs will still be running Windows 10, so many people may feel that this is not something that only affects other people.

In this article, I will explain in an easy-to-understand manner from my perspective what will happen when support ends and the options we should take.

Why is it such a big deal? Three serious risks posed by the end of Windows 10 support

Even if you hear that "support will end," it doesn't mean that your PC will no longer be usable right away.

However, there are serious risks lurking behind this that cannot be overlooked.

Risk 1: Leaving yourself vulnerable to security threats

This is the biggest risk.

Once support ends, new security updates (Windows Updates) will no longer be provided by Microsoft.

This is the same as running out of "vaccines" against the new viruses and cyber attacks that emerge every day.

• Virus infection and malware intrusion
• Leakage of personal information (ID, password, credit card information, etc.)
• PC hijacking and remote control
• Damage caused by ransomware (ransomware virus)

These risks are always present as long as you are connected to the internet.

Security updates are a vital part of maintaining a safe PC life.

Risk 2: Software and peripherals you normally use may stop working

It is common for software development companies and manufacturers of peripheral devices (printers, scanners, etc.) to also discontinue support for their products when support for the OS ends.

Specifically, the following problems may occur:

• The accounting software or New Year's card software I usually use stops working
• I bought a new printer, but the driver isn't compatible and I can't use it.
• Your security software will no longer be updated, putting you at risk
• Your web browser (such as Google Chrome) will no longer be able to update to the latest version, causing some websites to not display correctly.

The environment you're used to may suddenly stop working one day.

Risk 3: No official help available when problems occur

In the past, if you had a problem with your PC, you could contact official Microsoft support.

However, once support ends, you will no longer be able to get this official help.

If any unexplained errors or startup problems occur, you must resolve them all at your own risk.

Five options! The best solution after Windows 10 support ends

So, what specifically should we do?

Let's take a closer look at five options to suit your situation, along with their pros and cons.

Option 1: [Basic Recommendation] Upgrade to Windows 11 for free

The best option for most people is the free upgrade to Windows 11.

If your PC meets the requirements, you can upgrade to the latest OS at no additional cost.

Benefit	Demerit
✅ No cost (free)	❌ System requirements must be met
✅ Safe with the latest security features	❌ The design and operability have changed, so you will need to get used to it.
✅ Get the latest features and apps	❌ Some older software may no longer work
✅ Continued long-term support available	-

Recommended for:

• Your PC is relatively new (less than 4-5 years old)
• Maintain a safe environment without incurring costs
• I'm interested in new features and designs

First, start by checking whether your PC is compatible with Windows 11 using the PC Health Check app described below.

Option 2: Paid Extended Security Support (ESU Program)

If you really want to continue using the familiar Windows 10, or if the special software you use for work is not compatible with Windows 11, you can choose to use the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU).

Benefit	Demerit
✅ Maintain a familiar operating environment	❌ High costs, doubling every year
✅ Security risks can be avoided	❌ It's just a temporary measure, not a fundamental solution
✅ You can continue to use a specific software	❌ No new features or improvements
-	❌ Manufacturer support for peripherals and software may end

In principle, you need a Microsoft account to use Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU).

This is a program that allows you to receive security updates even after support ends by paying a fee.The period and price differ greatly between "individual" and "corporate" plans.Therefore, you need to be careful.

What you can and can't receive in the ESU program

If you enroll in the ESU program, your computer running Windows 10 version 22H2 will receive the following:Special Security UpdatesThis will allow you to receiveReduce the risk of protecting your computer from malicious viruses and cyber attacks

Specifically, only fixes for security weaknesses (vulnerabilities) that Microsoft has deemed "highly dangerous" will be provided.

The ESU program is available for devices running Windows 10 version 22H2. Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) Reduces the risk of malware and cybersecurity attacks by providing access to critical and important security updates as defined in the .

ecosystem

However, the following are not provided under the ESU program:

• Updates that improve functionality and usability (feature updates)
• Updates that fix non-security issues (bug fixes, etc.)
• Direct technical support from Microsoft

In other words, ESU is aTo maintain minimum securityIf you require the latest features, bug fixes, and support, you should consider upgrading to Windows 11.

[ESU for individuals] Can be extended for a maximum of one year only

ESU is available to us as individual users.Currently up to 1 yearThe fees are as follows:

period	Cost (USD)
1st year	Approximately $30 (free if conditions are met)

*When you enroll in ESU, you can use your existing ESU license on up to 10 devices.

[Supplementary information] This "one year" isSupport for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, for one year.Please note that this does not mean one year from the time of registering for ESU.2025/10/14 You can still register for ESU afterです。サポート終了後すぐに登録する必要はなく、例えば 2026/01/01 に登録した場合でも、サポート終了日から数えて1年間の延長サポート（この場合は 2025/10/14～2026/10/13日）が提供されます。

[Corporate ESU] Can be extended for up to 3 years

On the other hand, corporate contracts for businesses and organizations can extend support for up to three years, but the price increases each year.

period	Cost (USD)
1st year	61 dollar
2st year	122 dollar
3st year	244 dollar

Choices for Individual Users

As you can see from this information, for individual users, ESU is merely a "one-year extension of life."

Since this is not a permanent solution to the problem of continuing to use Windows 10, the wisest option would be to plan an upgrade to Windows 11 or migrate to a new PC during this one-year grace period.

If you use a Microsoft account, you can get free support for one year.

Microsoft has announced that if you use a Microsoft account, you can extend support for one year free of charge if you meet one of the following conditions:

1. Microsoft RewardsUse points
   • 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points will get you one year of free extended support
2. Sync your settings to the cloud using Windows Backup

According to Microsoft, you can register by selecting one of the three options above (including ESU) from the "Registration Wizard."

This "Registration Wizard"notificationIt will be available from the settings.Windows Update screen(Register from)

Recommended for:

• Corporations and sole proprietors who cannot migrate because certain business software is not compatible with Windows 11
• I want to temporarily secure my computer while preparing to buy a new one or upgrade it.

It is important to understand that ESU is merely a "buying time" option and is not a permanent solution.

It is important to note that even if Microsoft extends support, there is a possibility that peripheral and software manufacturers will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, when support is scheduled to end.

In fact, some software has announced that it will no longer support it.

• FF14 (Final Fantasy XIV)
• ICS application system (including the "Umakun α" series)
• Automatic meeting minutes AI "YOMEL" etc.

How to enroll in ESU

ESU will be gradually rolled out to all Windows 10 devices running Windows 10, version 22H2 from Windows Insiders.

Therefore, not all devices are immediately available for registration.

In my environment, the "Register now" link appeared on the Windows Update screen on September 21, 2025.

Prerequisites

To enroll in the ESU program, make sure your device meets the following requirements:

• You must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation edition.
• The latest updates must be installed.
• The Microsoft account you use to sign in to your device must be an administrator account.
  • Your ESU license is linked to your Microsoft account, so if you normally sign in to Windows with a local account, you may be asked to sign in. 
  • If your Microsoft account is a child account, you cannot register.

To enroll your device in ESU

1. Open Settings > Update & Security. If your device meets the prerequisites,Windows Update screenYou will be provided with a link to enroll in ESU.
2. Selecting "Register now" will start your ESU enrollment. If you're signed in to Windows with a local account, you'll be prompted to sign in to your Microsoft account. If you've already backed up your PC settings, you'll be prompted to enroll your device. 
3. If you don't have your Windows settings backed up, you can choose to start backing up your settings, redeem rewards, or make a one-time purchase to enroll in ESU.

*In my environment, after completing ESU registration, the ESU was not canceled even when I switched to a local account.

[Advanced] How to check if ESU is enabled in the registry

Option 3: Buy a new PC

If your PC doesn't meet the system requirements for Windows 11, or if it's more than five years old and feels slow, your best bet is to replace your PC.

Benefit	Demerit
✅ Windows 11 pre-installed for hassle-free operation	❌ It costs a lot of money
✅ Improves overall PC performance and makes it run smoothly	❌ Data and settings need to be migrated
✅ Latest hardware for long-term peace of mind	-
✅ New manufacturer warranty	-

Recommended for:

• Your PC doesn't meet the requirements for Windows 11
• You are dissatisfied with the performance of your PC, such as slow startup and operation.
• I want to take this opportunity to refresh my PC environment.

Considering the cost of paying for ESUs over several years, investing in a newer PC is often more cost-effective in the long run.

Option 4: Install another OS, such as Linux

This is an advanced option, but if you don't mind not sticking with Windows, you can also install a free OS like Ubuntu or Linux Mint.

It is perfectly usable for general purposes such as web browsing, email, and document creation.

Benefit	Demerit
✅ The OS itself is free to use	❌ Specialized knowledge required
✅ It often runs smoothly even on older PCs	❌ Windows software is basically unusable
✅ High security	❌ You need to check the compatibility of peripheral devices yourself.

Recommended for:

• Familiar with PC operation and mechanics
• Limited uses, such as web browsing and programming
• Want to revive your old PC without spending a fortune?

Option 5: [Not recommended] Continue using the service even after support ends

Finally, there is the option of doing nothing.Definitely not recommended.

Continuing to use an unsupported OS while connected to the internet is like continuing to live in an unlocked house.

Not only is your personal information and money at risk, but your PC could even be used as a springboard for cyber attacks, causing trouble for others.

The only exception isDo not connect to the internet or external devices (such as USB memory sticks), and use it only for specific tasks (such as old games) in a completely offline, isolated environment.However, this is an extremely limited case.

Can your PC be upgraded to Windows 11?

For many people, the first step is to see if upgrading to Windows 11 is possible.

Here are two steps to do that.

Step 1: Find out the minimum system requirements for Windows 11

To enhance security, Windows 11 has stricter system requirements than Windows 10.

Of particular importance is "TPM 2.0".

Components	Minimum requirements
Processor	1GHz or faster, 2-core or more compatible 64-bit processor
Memory (RAM)	4GB or more *Personally, I recommend 8GB to 16GB or more.
storage	64GB or more storage device
System Firmware	UEFI, Secure Boot supported
TPM	Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card	Supports DirectX 12 or higher (WDDM 2.0 driver)
display	Diagonal size 9 inches or larger and high resolution (720p)
Internet connection and Microsoft account	Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home for personal use require an internet connection and a Microsoft account during initial device setup

Step 2: Easy check! How to use the "PC Health Check App"

With one click, you can use the official tool provided by Microsoft to check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11.

1. Official Microsoft websiteFrom "PC health check appDownload the app (https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp).
2. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
3. Launch the app and click on "Introducing Windows 11" [Check it out now] Click the button.
4. The results will be displayed immediately. If it says "This PC meets the requirements for Windows 11," you can upgrade for free.

Steps to upgrade to Win11 from the Win10 Update screen

Even if the requirements are not met, it will tell you which item is the cause, which will be important information when considering subsequent measures (such as replacing your PC).

For example, in the image below, TPM 2.0 was not detected, so it says "TPM 2.0 must be supported and enabled on this PC."

What is TPM 2.0?

TPM 2.0 is a dedicated hardware component (chip) that is installed on the motherboard to enhance the security of your computer.

In a nutshell, it's like a "strong safe" that protects your important information.

Key Roles of TPM 2.0

TPM 2.0 has two main roles:

1. Safely storing encryption keys [The role of a safe]

Keys used to encrypt data on your computer, passwords, fingerprint and facial recognition information, and other data are safely stored in the TPM chip, which is isolated from the OS and other software.

• merit: Even if you are attacked by software such as a virus, the key in this "safe" is difficult to steal, significantly reducing the risk of information leakage. This mechanism is used by Windows encryption function "BitLocker" and others.

2. Check for any unauthorized access when starting up the PC [Gatekeeper role]

When you turn on your computer, it checks to see if anyone has tampered with the OS or system.

• merit: Even if a malicious program is installed in the system, the TPM will detect it and prevent it from starting up or issuing a warning, preventing damage such as hijacking.

Why is it necessary?

It is required for installing Windows 11.

To create a safer computing environment, Microsoft has made the inclusion of TPM 2.0, which ensures security at the hardware level, a mandatory requirement for Windows 11.

This allows users to use their computers with greater peace of mind.

Q&A: Frequently asked questions about Windows 10 end of support

When should I upgrade?

Ideally, you should complete this by the end of support date of October 14, 2025. However, there is a possibility that servers will be overwhelmed with last-minute requests and unexpected problems may occur just before the end of support. We recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to plan and put into action by the end of August.

What happens if the upgrade fails? Can I undo it?

After upgrading to Windows 11, you can easily roll back (restore) your system to Windows 10 within 10 days. This is a great way to protect your data in case something goes wrong with your software. However, just to be safe, be sure to back up any important data before upgrading.

Is it true that Windows 11 is difficult to use?

Windows 11 has some big changes, such as centering the Start menu and taskbar design, which may be confusing at first. However, you can also return the taskbar to left alignment in the settings. With security improvements and many new convenient features, most people will be able to get used to it quickly.

What should I do about my company PC?

For company PCs, never upgrade on your own. Always follow the instructions of your IT department or administrator. If the business systems used in your company are not compatible with Windows 11, it may cause disruption to your business.

Summary

This has gotten quite long, so let me summarise the key points of this article.

• End of support date: Windows 10 support 2025/10/14 will end at
• Biggest risks: If you continue to use the product after the end of support by connecting it to the Internet,Serious security riskwill be exposed to.
• Basic measures: Free upgrade to Windows 11is the most recommended option.
• Other options: If you can't upgrade,Replacing your PCis the next best option. ESU Program We will consider the following.

The next action to take is

1. Download the PC Health Check app now and see if your PC is ready for Windows 11.
2. If you can: Back up your important data and plan to upgrade to Windows 11 when you have time.
3. If not, consider the age of your PC and your budget, and start seriously considering replacing your PC or using ESU.

The end of support is a great opportunity to review your PC environment. Don't put it off, start preparing today and you'll be ready for October 2025 with peace of mind.

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