Windows 10 Security Updates Have Ended. What Should You Do Now?

Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10 in October 2025. For home users who signed up, the Extended Security Updates program added one more year of security fixes, and that year has now run out. If your computer still runs Windows 10, here is what it means and what you can do about it.

What "end of updates" actually means

Your computer will not stop working. Windows 10 will still start, and your programs will still open. What stops is the flow of security fixes.

Every month, new security holes are found in Windows. On a supported system, Microsoft patches them. On Windows 10, those holes now stay open. Over time that makes the computer an easier target for malware, ransomware and scams, especially if it is used for email, banking or shopping.

Other problems tend to follow:

• Some newer programs and browsers drop support for Windows 10
• New printers and devices may not include Windows 10 drivers
• Businesses may run into problems with insurance or compliance requirements

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 for free

If your computer meets Microsoft's requirements, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free.

1. Open Windows Update and check whether Windows 11 is offered.
2. Use the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to see whether your computer qualifies and, if not, why.
3. Back up your files first. Upgrades usually go smoothly, but a backup means you lose nothing if one does not.

Sometimes a computer fails the check because of a setting, such as Secure Boot or TPM being turned off in the firmware, rather than because of old hardware. That can often be fixed.

Option 2: Upgrade the hardware

If your computer is otherwise in good shape, a few upgrades can help it run Windows 11 well:

• An SSD in place of an old hard drive makes a dramatic difference in speed.
• More memory (RAM) helps if you keep many programs or browser tabs open.

This only makes sense if the processor meets Windows 11's requirements, so we check that first.

Option 3: Replace the computer

If the computer is old, slow and not eligible for Windows 11, replacing it is often the better value. When you do, we can move your files and programs to the new machine and wipe the old one securely.

If you must stay on Windows 10 for now

Sometimes a computer runs a program or a piece of equipment that only works on Windows 10. If you have to keep it:

• Keep it off the internet if it does not need to be online
• Do not use it for email, banking or browsing
• Keep your browser and antivirus up to date for as long as they support it
• Back up regularly, so a problem never costs you your files

Not sure where your computer stands?

That is a common question at the counter. Bring the computer in and we will check whether it can run Windows 11, what it would take, and whether upgrading it or replacing it makes more sense. Our computer and laptop repair service handles upgrades, and our virus and malware removal service can set up protection on the computers you keep. For offices, our on-site business IT service can plan the move for every machine.

Move off Windows 10 with Alpha Computers

Chuck and our team have more than 26 years of experience and over 20,000 devices repaired. Every repair includes our 1-year warranty and No Fix – No Fee promise. Call 678-899-6800, stop by our shop on Hickory Flat Hwy in Canton, or request a free quote.