Windows 10 Support Has Ended — What You Need To Do Now

After nearly a decade, Windows 10 has officially reached the end of support. That means Microsoft is no longer releasing security updates or patches for the operating system — and from a security and reliability standpoint, that’s a big deal.

If your PC is still running Windows 10, you now have three realistic paths forward. Here’s what each option means, and how to stay safe.

Option 1: Stay on Windows 10 — But Only If You’ve Purchased Microsoft’s 12-Month ESU

Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for organisations and some users who want to keep running Windows 10 for a bit longer. This allows you to continue receiving critical security patches for one additional year.

✔ Offers temporary breathing room
✔ Lets businesses plan upgrades without rushing
✔ Keeps your system protected—but only for the ESU period

However:

• ESUs are not free

• They only last 12 months

• They don’t add new features or performance improvements

• They are a stop-gap, not a long-term solution

If you’ve signed up for ESU, great — but you still need a solid plan to upgrade within the year.

Option 2: Upgrade to Windows 11 (If Your Hardware Supports It)

For many PCs built in the last 3–5 years, upgrading to Windows 11 is the simplest long-term fix. It gives you:

• Regular security updates

• Ongoing feature upgrades

• Better optimisation for modern hardware

• A clean, modern interface

However, some older systems don’t support Windows 11 due to TPM 2.0 or CPU requirements. If your PC is unsupported, forcing the upgrade is possible but not recommended — it can cause instability and Microsoft may block updates.

If your hardware isn’t compatible, this leads you to Option 3…

Option 3: Switch to a Modern Linux Operating System

If upgrading isn’t an option — or your PC is older but still runs well — switching to a modern Linux-based OS is an excellent alternative.

Two user-friendly options we often recommend are:

🔹 Zorin OS

• Very clean, Windows-like interface

• Easy learning curve for everyday users

• Excellent performance on older machines

• Great for home users and students

🔹 Linux Mint

• Reliable, simple, and stable

• Familiar desktop layout for Windows converts

• Low resource usage — ideal for older hardware

• Large community and great documentation

Both systems:

• Are free

• Receive regular updates

• Are extremely secure

• Are lightweight and fast

• Work well for web browsing, Office tasks, media, email, etc.

For many users, switching to Linux can extend the life of a PC by years without sacrificing usability.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Need Help Choosing or Upgrading?

At iFix Computers, we handle:

• Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrades

• Installing and setting up Linux systems

• Data transfers and backups

• Security hardening

• Hardware assessments

• ESU advice for businesses

If you’re unsure what to do next, we can assess your system and recommend the most cost-effective option.