Do you really need to stop using Windows 10?

The end is At least – at least it’s for Windows 10. Microsoft will stop supporting the operating system of the decade on October 14, 2025.

However, there is one hiccup: Although Windows 11 is a free update, more people still use Windows 10 from Windows 11, According to statcounter.comA site that tracks the use of the operating system worldwide.

Many people seem to Upgrade to Windows 11 or use devices that are not supportedS This means that millions of people can use an operating system that no longer receives security updates.

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

Windows 10 will continue to work (but will be less protective)

Nothing more special will happen on October 14, the day the updates are sleeping. Your computer will continue to work the way you have, and you are unlikely to deal with problems. However, this does not mean that it is a great idea to continue using Windows 10.

This is because the system will no longer receive updates or security patches from Microsoft. This will not matter much until a new Windows operation is opened. However, your device will then have vulnerabilities that will never be packed. At this point, you will be at increased risk of attacks such as Ransomware, where the virus encrypts all your files and scammers require payment to decrypt them. Continuing the use of Windows 10 long -term dramatically increases the chances of these and other attacks.

There are other potential annoyances. Third -party developers, which means that the companies that make the software you use and the games you play are inclined to stop providing updates for operating systems that are no longer officially supported. So if the game adds new features to the update, you may not be able to install it. The same applies to the software you rely on to do your job: over time, the latest versions of your desktop applications will not be performed in Windows 10, which means you will miss the functions. There is also a security angle. In addition to not receiving security updates for your operating system, you will eventually stop receiving security updates for the tools you use.

None of this will happen immediately on October 14th. But you can expect you to start hearing about software manufacturers who are dropping out for Windows 10 support this year. Then it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Microsoft has two official recommendations: updating your computer to Windows 11, which is free, provided your computer supports it. Another recommendation is to buy a new device, probably one already working with Windows 11. However, these are not your only election. You can replace Windows with another operating system entirely, such as Chromeos or Linux. Let’s talk through the four options.

Option 1: Try installing Windows 11

The simplest thing for most people is Upgrade to Windows 11S Yes, this is annoying if you prefer Windows 10, but the good news is that Windows 11 is free and AI’s annoying features are easy to turn off.

Find out if your computer supports Windows 11 by opening SettingsS Focus on 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 the update procedure. Note that it is generally a good idea Back up your computer Before upgrading your operating system.