‘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 will no 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 directly from Microsoft about the end of support for Windows 10, 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After October 14, 2025, your Windows 10 system will keep working, but it will slowly become less secure and more outdated.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
  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 simple to install and easy to run on a wide range of devices, even older ones.

  • Linux is a family of free, open-source operating systems, with different versions designed for different needs, to help give any computer a new lease on life.

• 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 ESU subscription, which means that for a price your Windows 10 device can continue to receive critical security updates from Microsoft for a fixed period of time, even after support ends. Find out more from Microsoft, here.

• Reuse the device in another way
  If a computer is too old or damaged to be updated, you could consider repurposing it. If you’re over it and ready to move on, consider getting in touch with RAD to help donate your old device to tech clubs for hands-on learning or for help finding 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 Checktool 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 ChromeOS Flex or an open source Linux distro — 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 most 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 for certified models

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 other popular tools. It’s a great option for schoolwork, email, web browsing, and other everyday tasks.

Double check that your device is on the list of computer models certified for ChromeOS Flex, then install it yourself by following Google’s step-by-step ChromeOS Flex installation guide — no advanced tech skills needed.

Linux is a family of open-source operating systems with many different versions designed for different needs that can be a great way to give any computer a new lease on life.

Instead of being owned by one company, like Microsoft, open source programs are built and improved by independent developers collaborating from all over the world. Plus they’re often free to download and use.

When it comes to operating systems, Linux is the most popular open source option. However, there’s no single ‘Linux’ — instead, there are lots of different versions called ‘distributions’ or ‘distros’ that share the same core but look and feel a bit different depending on your needs.

While this can seem daunting to make sense of, it’s actually a good thing! It means:

• There are lightweight options for older or slower computers

• There are versions designed to look familiar to Windows users

• There are education-focused versions ready to go for school and learning

• And there are advanced versions for tech-savvy tinkerers

So no matter your device or comfort level, there’s a Linux version that fits your needs.

Here’s a glance at a couple of straightforward options that might be a good place to start:

• Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux versions for people switching from Windows, designed to be easy to use for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, checking email, watching videos, and more.

  The layout looks a lot like older versions of Windows, so it won’t feel too unfamiliar. You’ll also find a built-in Software Manager that works like an app store, where you can install free programs with just a few clicks — no tech skills needed.

  Why people choose Linux Mint:

  • It has a clean, familiar layout (especially the Cinnamon edition)

  • I runs well on older computers with as little as 2–4 GB of RAM

  • There’s a big, friendly user community with lots of online guides and tutorials

  • It’s an excellent choice for beginners, students, and families

• Zorin OS is a modern, sleek version of Linux built specifically for people who are leaving Windows behind. It looks great, runs smoothly, and makes it easy to do everything from schoolwork to browsing, streaming, and lots more.

  Zorin gives you different desktop layouts to choose from — including one that looks almost exactly like Windows — so you can pick what feels most comfortable. It also includes helpful built-in tools, and you can even run some Windows programs using the built-in ‘Windows App Support’ feature.

  There’s also Zorin OS Lite, made for older or low-spec devices, and Zorin Education, packed with learning tools for schools and students.

  Why people choose Zorin OS:

  • It’s designed to feel familiar for Windows users

  • It has a stylish and modern interface

  • It works well on newer and older devices alike

  • There are optional editions for education or low-powered laptops

  • There’s an active and growing user community

These distros and their versions are made to feel familiar and easy to learn with user-friendly layouts, simple app stores, and lightweight performance. They work well on older devices, and there’s a lot of help available online. So if you're new to Linux, these are great places to start.

Of course there are dozens of other Linux options out there that provide a wide range of flexibility and control. So if you’re keen to dive deeper, then consider doing some research to see what might suit you best. For instance, the Distrochooser tool is an online test to help you choose the best Linux version for you based on your abilities, needs, and expectations.

Phew! We know this might feel like a lot — new names, a potential laundry list of options, and a whole new way of thinking about your computer. But the good news is you don’t need to know everything to take the next step.

Take your time. Ask questions. Try out a version that looks right for you. Make mistakes. Learn a little. Or a lot! And discover how much value even an older device can still offer when matched with the right tools and a bit of curiosity.

One of the beautiful things about open source systems like Linux is that they’re built by people who believe in sharing knowledge and making technology accessible to everyone. So whether you’re fixing up an old laptop, helping someone in your community, or just exploring what’s possible — there’s room for you here. If you ever feel stuck, just remember that there’s a whole community out there ready to help you move forward. You’ve got this!

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 directly from Microsoft, here.

That’s totally okay — this kind of change can be confusing, especially if you're not sure what it all means for you or your computer.

The important thing to know is that you’re not alone. Plus, the good news is that help is out there, and it’s ok to ask!

A good next step might be to visit your local library, community centre, marae or local digital inclusion program — many of which offer free help with computers and technology. If you're part of a school, club, community group, or even at your workplace there may be someone who can walk you through your options in person.

Here are a few ideas for where you might find free or low-cost tech support:

• Your local library – many offer digital help sessions or drop-in support

• Your local marae or community centre – many are set up to help whānau with tech

• Your workplace – many have an IT department, a tech specialist, or at least a vested interest in helping support you with the tools you need to succeed

• Stepping UP – a programme for free, community-based digital literacy classes in libraries, community centers, and schools, from Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa

• SeniorNet – a community learning network that specialises in digital skills training for seniors aged 50 years and over

You can also check out helpful information online from official and highly reputable sources, including:

• Microsoft’s official Windows 10 End of Support page

• Microsoft’s guide to Extended Security Updates (ESU)

• Consumer NZ article about the Windows 10 shutdown

Remember, you don’t need to figure it all out at once. Reach out to someone you trust, or connect with a local support programme. Whoever you are and wherever you live across our great motu, there are people ready to help you take the next step — the right step for you, one small step at a time.