Windows 10 End of Life

If you are still running Windows 10, you are on borrowed time  – Here’s what you need to know

On October 14, 2025 Windows 10 will officially reach End of Life, when it will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. If you’re still using Windows 10, you need to upgrade, replace or pay for additional updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

HDF has upgraded it’s clients’ office computers, but our clients (you?) need to update their home PC computers.

Note: Mac computers are not affected by this.

How to Check Which Version of Windows You’re Using

Not sure which version of Windows your computer is running? Here’s how to find out:

• Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type winver and press Enter.
• A window will appear showing your Windows version and build number.

If it says Windows 11, then your computer is already running the new version of the OS, and you don’t need to do anything else on it.  However, you need to check *all* of your PC computers, and you may want to warn your friends and family to check theirs.

If instead it says Windows 10, keep reading… you need to address the situation immediately by Upgrading your computer, Replacing your computer or Extending your Windows 10 support.

Upgrading your computer

This is the best, easiest and recommended solution.  However, not all Windows 10 devices are eligible for Windows 11. Older computers will not have the necessary hardware requirements to get the upgrade.  To check if your computer meets the requirements:

1. Download the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Run the tool and follow the prompts.
3. It will tell you whether your device is compatible with Windows 11.

If your device is eligible, then you can update it through the PC Health Check tool, or through Settings > Windows Update.  It will take a while to download and install the upgrade.

If your device is not eligible, you may need to either replace the computer or extend your Windows 10 support.

Replacing your computer

This is the second recommendation, to be followed if your computer is not eligible for an upgrade.

Remember that you will need to transfer your data from the old to the new computer.  If you are using cloud services, this will be as easy at attaching your new computer to the same cloud services.  If you have been storing your files locally, then you will have to manually transfer them.

Extending your Windows 10 support

If you can’t upgrade or replace your computer, then you have this final option: the Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.  This is the least recommended option, and you should only take it if you have to.  You can choose from three ways to enroll in the ESU program:

1. Pay $30 for one year of updates.
2. Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (earned through Bing searches, Xbox games, and Microsoft Store purchases).
3. Sync your settings and files using Windows Backup to Microsoft OneDrive (free, but may require extra storage).

Remember! This is a stop-gap solution.  You can only extend the security updates for one year, at which time you will need to replace your computer.  So, you may want to go ahead and replace it now.

Full information about the ESU program is available on Microsoft’s website.

Final Thought

This is not a Test!

The risks you will face if you remain on Windows 10 (without extending security updates) is real.   Microsoft’s regular updates provide you with ongoing protections from the constant threats attacking you.  Without those shields it is only a matter of time before an attack makes it through your outdated defenses.  Your antivirus program will not be able to protect you if your OS itself is vulnerable.  Please do not continue to use Windows 10 without Extended Support.

If you have questions about this, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
Take care,