Windows 11: It’s Time to Decide
The end of the road for Windows 10 is near. With the official support end date of October 14, 2025, now just over two months away, the time for Windows 10 users to decide on their next steps is critical. Microsoft will soon stop providing free security updates for the operating system, leaving any non-upgraded computers vulnerable to new threats.
Windows 11 is a free upgrade, but it isn’t an option for all Windows 10 PCs. Many Windows 10 computers don’t meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. Therefore, the first step is to determine if your current machine is capable of the upgrade.
Here’s how to check if your computer meets the requirements for Windows 11:
Use the PC Health Check app: Microsoft’s free tool, “PC Health Check,” is the easiest way to find out.
Visit this Microsoft page to get the PC Health Check app and learn how to use it.
If your PC isn’t eligible for a free upgrade, you have a limited time to decide on a course of action to maintain security after the deadline.
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft offers a paid program called Extended Security Updates (ESU) for users who want to keep their Windows 10 PCs for a little longer. This program provides crucial security updates for one additional year.
Cost and Availability: For individual consumers, Microsoft is offering a one-year ESU subscription for a one-time purchase of $30. It’s important to note that this purchase will be tied to your Microsoft account.
You also have the option to get the updates for free by syncing your PC settings to the cloud or by using 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. But let’s be honest, both of these “free” ways to get an ESU subscription will cost you a lot more than $30 in the long run. You’re better off just paying the $30 for one additional year of updates rather than trying to navigate Microsoft’s rabbit hole of options.
You can typically enroll in the ESU program through the Windows Update settings on your PC (Your computer may not yet have this option available – it’s rolling out now, and everyone should have this option available in Settings > Windows Update by the end of August, 2025.
If you have more than one Windows 10 computer, you can cover up to ten Windows 10 computers for one $30 payment. However, you must use the same Microsoft account to sign into any computers you want to cover.
If you don’t want to use Microsoft’s ESU or you want to keep using Windows 10 for more than one more year, you can try:
Third-Party Patching with 0patch:
For those looking for an alternative to Microsoft’s ESU program, services like 0patch provide another solution.
0patch is a micro-patching platform that delivers security patches for unsupported operating systems like Windows 10 after its end-of-life. It works by applying small patches to fix vulnerabilities in memory, providing a security layer without official updates from Microsoft.
0patch offers paid plans that include these essential security patches, with a yearly subscription costing around $27 per year. Per computer, plus tax. This is often a more affordable option for multi-year support. You can read more about 0patch here.
With the Windows 10 end-of-life deadline looming, the window for making a decision is closing fast. Whether you choose to upgrade to a new PC, pay for official ESU, or explore a third-party solution like 0patch, taking action now is the only way to ensure your computer remains protected beyond October 14, 2025. Don’t be caught unprepared.