‘End of Support’ means that Microsoft, the company that makes the Windows operating system, will stop providing updates and fixes for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025.

Up until that date, Microsoft regularly sends out updates that help keep your computer safe and working properly. These updates fix bugs, close security holes, and sometimes improve performance. But once support ends, any computer running Windows 10 willno longer get these updates, even if new problems or security risks are discovered.

This doesn’t mean your computer will suddenly stop working. You can still turn it on, open files, and use programs. But over time, it will become less safe to use, especially online, as there will likely be security flaws that no one will be fixing anymore.

So, ‘End of Support’ means Microsoft is moving on from Windows 10, and anyone using it will need to upgrade to something newer, like Windows 11 or another operating system, in order to stay protected and up-to-date.

Find out more about the end of support for Windows 10 directly from Microsoft, here.

Windows 10 will reach End of Support on October 14, 2025. That’s the date when Microsoft will stop updating and supporting Windows 10.

Until then, computers running the Windows 10 operating system will continue to get updates that fix bugs and protect against security threats. But after that date, Microsoft will no longer provide updates, no matter what problems are found.

After October 14, 2025, your Windows 10 system will keep working, but it will slowly become less secure and more outdated.

This change affects anyone still using a computer with Windows 10 after October 2025. That includes:

• Students and families using older Windows 10 laptops at home or for school

• Teachers and schools running Windows 10 in classrooms or labs

• Libraries or other community hubs running Windows 10 on public computers

• Tech clubs or refurbishment programs working with second-hand devices running Windows 10

• Anyone else who owns a Windows 10 computer that isn’t able to upgrade to Windows 11

For these people, continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends comes with risks — especially if they’re connected to the internet.

So if you’re someone running Windows 10 on your device, this will affect you! But never fear — you’re in the right place to figure out what your best next move is.

It matters because once Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, the operating system will no longer receive security updates. That means if new viruses, scams, or other security flaws are discovered, Microsoft will not fix these problems — leaving your computer exposed.

The risks of using an unsupported system include:

• Data - personal files, passwords, or other system data could be easier to lose or steal

• Security - outdated systems are more likely to get infected with malware or viruses

• Software - over time, some apps and websites may stop working properly or even become totally incompatible and unable to install

• No help from Microsoft - if something breaks or is lost, you’re on your own

For people who aren’t tech experts, these risks may not show up right away. But over time, a computer running Windows 10 will become less safe, less reliable, and harder to use, especially online.

That’s why it’s important to explore safe options for your device and to plan ahead now.

When support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025, you’ll need to make a choice about what to do with any computer still running Windows 10. The good news is that you have several options, depending on your device and how you plan to use it.

Here are some main paths you can take:

• Upgrade to Windows 11
  If your computer is able to, you can simply upgrade directly to Windows 11. This will give you a modern, secure system with full support from Microsoft.

• Switch Operating Systems (like to ChromeOS Flex)
  If your computer can’t run Windows 11, there are other systems out there. ChromeOS Flex is a free, lightweight alternative made by Google that’s easy to run on most devices, even older ones.

• Keep using Windows 10 (really carefully)
  If you’re not ready to switch yet, you can still use Windows 10 after support ends, but it’s not recommended for online use because it won’t be protected from new security threats. This option is best for the short-term and for offline-only tasks.

• Extended Security Updates (ESU) Subscription
  There is an option from Microsoft to pay for an annual ESU subscription, which means that for a price your Windows 10 device can continue to receive critical security updates from Microsoft even after support ends. Find out more from Microsoft here.

• Reuse the device in another way
  If the computer is too old or damaged to be updated, you could consider repurposing it. If you’re over it, consider getting in touch with RAD to help donate your device to tech clubs for hands-on learning or to help point you towards ethical e-waste options.

Each of these options has pros and cons, and what’s right for you will depend on your device, comfort level, and how you plan to use the computer.

Yes, you can still use your computer after support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025.

Your computer won’t suddenly stop working — it will still turn on, your files will still be there, and you can keep using the programs you already have installed.

But there’s a big catch — after support ends, Microsoft will stop sending security updates. This means that if new ways to break into Windows 10 are found, your computer won’t be protected.

Over time, this will make your device less and less safe, especially if you’re using it on the internet.

So while you can keep using it, doing so becomes riskier — especially for personal data or anything else on there that you want to keep private or secure.

To find out if your computer can upgrade to Windows 11, the easiest way is to use Microsoft’s free PC Health Check tool that can tell you whether your device meets the system requirements for Windows 11.

Here’s how to do it:

• Download the PC Health Check Tool from Microsoft’s official website, here

• Install and open the program

• Click Check now under the Windows 11 section

After a quick check, the tool should tell you if your device is compatible. If it’s not, it should explains which requirement your device doesn’t meet.

If your computer is too old or missing certain features, like a TPM 2.0 chip, it likely won’t be able to update directly to Windows 11. In this case, switching to a different operating system — like Google’s free ChromeOS Flex — may be your next best option.

ChromeOS Flex is a free, lightweight operating system made by Google. It’s based on the same software used in Chromebooks, and it’s designed to run fast and securely — even on older computers.

Here’s what makes it special:

• It’s free and doesn’t require a license

• It works well on older or slower laptops that can’t run Windows 11

• It’s lightweight, which means it’s quick and efficient

• It’s managed by Google and gets regular automatic updates, so it’s very secure

ChromeOS Flex doesn’t use traditional Windows apps, like Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop, but instead runs web-based or Chromebook-friendly versions of these and many other popular tools. It’s a great option for schoolwork, email, web browsing, and other everyday tasks.

Many schools and tech clubs have already switched older laptops over to ChromeOS Flex to keep them useful and safe. You can install it yourself by following Google’s step-by-step ChromeOS Flex installation guide — no advanced tech skills needed.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program from Microsoft is a way to temporarily keep getting security updates for Windows 10 even after support officially ends on October 14, 2025 — but it’s important to note that it’s a paid subscription that only covers a limited term.

Here’s what to know:

• It’s a paid subscription

• You’ll get only critical security fixes, not new features or regular support

• Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise edition users can subscribe annually for up to three years, covering November 2025 to October 2028

• Windows 10 Home edition users can only buy a single one‑year subscription, covering November 2025 to October 2026

Microsoft normally stops providing any updates once a version of Windows reaches its end of support, but through the ESU program you can pay for extra time.

So if you need to keep using Windows 10 and can’t upgrade right away, the ESU program might be a good option to give you more time to prepare safely. Just keep in mind that it costs money, it only provides critical updates, and it has a clear end date. Find out more from Microsoft here.