Windows 10 Just Stopped Support—What to Do Now!?

So yeah.. — Microsoft officially ends complimentary support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That's not saying your PC becomes instantly unfunctional, but more risky. You get no more security patches, no more fixes for functionalities, and you are more likely to get hacked. If you're losing it, no biggie — this is how I'd react (and you can too) so your gear isn't damaged or compromised.

What Really Changes When Support Ends

• Microsoft no longer offers security patches, bug fixes, and updates for Windows 10.

• Your operating system will run programs and boot up, but newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unfixed.

• Ultimately, software (specifically browsers, games, drivers) can discontinue supporting Windows 10.

• Microsoft does provide an Extended Security Update (ESU) plan so you can stay current with essential updates for some time — but only provisionally and with strings attached.

So — Windows 10 does not actually "die" at that date but becomes more risky in the longer term if left in its current state.

What You Should Do (My Plan + Yours)

That's what I'd (you should) do in order to survive the post-Windows-10 days:

1. Verify if Your PC Can Run Windows 11

• First, ensure your machine qualifies with the minimum specs (TPM 2.0, CPU support, sufficient RAM, etc.).

• Use PC Health Check from Microsoft or something similar.

• If it does work, moving to Windows 11 is typically the simplest course of action.

2. Back Up Everything

• Your files, photos, papers — don't leave them exposed.

• Create a system image or complete backup so that you can recover if you screw something up.

• Consider using external drives like USB drives or cloud drives.

3. Consider ESU (Extended Security Updates)

• ESU allows you always to receive Windows 10's essential security updates beyond the deadline. 

• It’s a stopgap — not forever.

• Additional note: Microsoft also now requires that your PC be tied with a Microsoft account in order to sign up with the consumer ESU plan; local-only accounts are not qualified.

4. Switch to a Different OS (In the Event Windows 11 Isn't the Option)

• Many are opting for Linux distros (Linux Mint, Ubuntu, etc.) instead. They are less resource intensive, more secure in most instances, and are absolutely free.

• ChromeOS Flex can also be used with older PCs.

• They are also good options if you can't or don't want to run Windows 11.

5. Harden What You're Committing To

• In the unlikely event that you prefer sticking with Windows 10 (though unsupported), then you must be more careful:

• Use the top antivirus and firewall.

• Keep other applications (parsers, browsers, plugins) up to date.

• Avoid shady downloads or untrusted sources.

My Story + What I'd Do If My Retired Laptop Was Still Using Windows 10

If I were standing in your shoes, this is how I'd take it:

1. Verify if your laptop can run Windows 11. Update if possible.

2. Otherwise, backup all your files and install a light-weight Linux distro.

3. ESU if my hardware is borderline and I require a buffer year.

4. Keep Windows 10 solely for older applications, and leave it isolated from heavy usage on the net. 

5. Arrange for hardware replacement or upgrade in the future.

 

Final Thoughts

Windows 10’s end of support is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. You’ve got options: upgrade, extend, or switch. The key is acting now before vulnerabilities really pile up.