Do you really have to stop using Windows 10?

the end Close – at least, it’s for Windows 10. Microsoft It will stop supporting the operating system that dates back to a decade on October 14, 2025.

Although there is one Hiccup, although Windows 11 is a free update, the number of people who still use Windows 10 from Windows 11, According to Statcounter.comSite that tracks the use of the operating system around the world.

It seems that many people do not want it Upgrade to Windows 11 Or use Unnecessary devices. This means that millions of people can use an operating system that no longer receives safety updates.

If you are one of them, it makes sense to know what is happening to your computer in October – and what you should do about it. Here is a summary of what happens with Windows 10 and four options you have to replace.

Windows 10 will continue to work (but it will be less safe)

Nothing will happen in particular on October 14, today updates stop. Your computer will continue to work as it is, and you are unlikely to have problems. This does not mean it is a great idea to continue using Windows 10.

This is because the system will not receive updates or corrections from Microsoft. This will not matter much until the new Windows exploitation is discovered. After that, though, your device will have weaknesses that will never be corrected. At this point, you will be more likely to risk attacks like Ransomware, as the virus encrypts all your files and deceitful people asking for a boost to decipher it. Continue to use Windows 10 in the long run greatly increases the possibilities of these and other attacks.

There are other possible harassment. Third -party developers tend, which means that the companies that make the program you use and the games they play, tend to stop submitting updates to operating systems that are no longer officially supported. Therefore, if the game added new features in update, you may not be able to install them. The same applies to the program that you rely on to do your work: Over time, the latest desktop applications will not be operated on Windows 10, which means that you will lose the features. There is also a security angle. In addition to not receiving safety updates for your operating system, you will also stop getting safety updates for the tools you use.

None of this will happen immediately on October 14. But you can expect to start hearing software makers who drop support for Windows 10 later this year. It is a good idea, then, to be ready.

Microsoft has two official recommendations: update your computer to Windows 11, which is provided that the computer supports it. Another recommendation is to buy a new device, and it is assumed that it is already Windows 11. These are not your only options, though. You can replace Windows with another completely operating system, such as Chromeos or Linux. Let’s talk through all four options.

Option 1: Try to install Windows 11

The simplest thing, for most people, is Upgrade to Windows 11. Yes, this is annoying if you prefer Windows 10, but good news is that Windows 11 is free, and it is easy to turn off the annoying artificial intelligence features.

Learn if your computer supports Windows 11 by opening Settings. Go to Settings> Privacy and Security> Windows Update. If your computer is compatible, you should see Upgrade to Windows 11 option. From there, you can click it to start making the update. Note that it is good in general Your computer reserves Before upgrading your operating system.