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Answer a few quick questions to see if your computer still gets security updates, and whether to keep it, fix it or replace it. Free, no signup.
This is a general guide based on the information you provide. For a full assessment, have a technician check your device.
How it works
- 01We detect what we can from your browser, like Windows 11 or macOS, and you confirm or fix it.
- 02You tell us the computer's age, memory, drive and any problems. If you know the processor, we check it against Microsoft's Windows 11 list.
- 03We compare your answers with the official support dates from Microsoft, Apple and Google, which we re-check regularly.
- 04You get a clear verdict (keep it, quick fix, plan to replace or replace now) with the reasons, low-cost fixes and what to look for in a new computer.
Windows 10 after support ended: what to do now
By Jhonny Perez
Last checked September 29, 2026
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Your PC didn't stop working that day, but it stopped getting free security fixes. Here's where things stand, and the three ways forward.
The dates that matter
- October 14, 2025: Windows 10 support ended (Microsoft Lifecycle).
- October 12, 2027: Extended Security Updates (ESU) for home PCs end. Microsoft first set this for October 13, 2026, and its official ESU page now says coverage runs through October 12, 2027. If you're already enrolled, you're covered automatically.
After October 12, 2027, a Windows 10 PC gets no security updates at all. It's fine for offline jobs, but not for email, banking or anything with customer information.
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 for free
If your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, the upgrade is free:
- Back up your files.
- Run Microsoft's PC Health Check app. It checks the processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, memory and storage for you.
- If it passes, open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and install Windows 11.
The processor is the requirement most older PCs miss. Microsoft's lists start roughly at Intel's 8th generation Core and AMD's Ryzen 2000 series. The checker above reads your processor name and tells you which side of that line it's on.
There are workarounds that install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, but Microsoft says those PCs aren't guaranteed to receive updates, including security updates. For a business computer, that isn't a real fix.
Option 2: Enroll in Extended Security Updates
ESU keeps a Windows 10 PC getting security fixes until October 12, 2027. For home and small-office PCs, you can enroll:
- Free, by backing up your PC settings to a Microsoft account
- With 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points
- For a one-time $30
Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and select Enroll now. The PC needs Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates, and you sign in with a Microsoft account. PCs joined to a company domain or managed by IT software can't use the home program; organizations buy ESU through Microsoft volume licensing instead, at a much higher price that doubles each year.
ESU buys time. It doesn't add features, and it ends.
Option 3: Replace it
If the PC can't run Windows 11, or it's slow, loud or unreliable, put the ESU time toward a planned replacement instead of an emergency one. When you buy:
- For business use, choose Windows 11 Pro. It adds BitLocker drive encryption and makes IT management much easier.
- Get 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB SSD, so it stays fast for years.
- Move your files and passwords carefully, then wipe the old drive before you recycle or donate the PC.
What about Macs and Chromebooks?
Macs. Apple doesn't publish end dates. macOS 27 only runs on Macs with Apple chips, and macOS Tahoe 26 was the last version for Intel Macs, on just four models. Apple's September 2026 security updates covered macOS 27, 26 and 15 Sequoia; macOS 14 Sonoma and older weren't included.
Chromebooks. Each one has a set date for its final update. Newer models get 10 years of updates. Check yours in Settings → About ChromeOS → Additional details → Update schedule (Google's steps).
Running a business on several of these?
Every Windows 10 PC in your office needs one of the three options above, and each one handles customer email, invoices and passwords. If you'd rather not sort it out machine by machine, Burger Tech's managed IT can check every device, upgrade what's worth upgrading and set up replacements.
Common questions
Can I still use Windows 10?
It still works, but Microsoft ended support on October 14, 2025. Home PCs only get security updates if they're enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU), which run until October 12, 2027. After that, a Windows 10 PC gets no security fixes at all, so upgrade to Windows 11 or replace it before then.
Didn't Windows 10 security updates end in October 2026?
That was the original date for home users. Microsoft's official ESU page now says consumer coverage runs through October 12, 2027, and PCs that are already enrolled continue automatically. Many older articles still say 2026.
Is Windows 10 Extended Security Updates free?
It can be. Microsoft offers it free if you back up your PC settings with a Microsoft account, for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or for a one-time $30. Enroll in Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Business PCs managed by an IT department use a separate, paid program.
How do I know if my PC can run Windows 11?
Run Microsoft's free PC Health Check app. The main requirements are a processor on Microsoft's list (roughly Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 and newer), 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of storage, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. If it passes, the upgrade is free through Windows Update.
How long do Macs get updates?
Apple doesn't publish end dates. In practice, the newest macOS and the two before it get security fixes. macOS 27 only runs on Macs with Apple chips, so Intel Macs are now on older versions that will stop getting fixes over the next year or two.
How long do Chromebooks get updates?
Newer Chromebooks get 10 years of updates from Google. Older models got less. Check yours in Settings → About ChromeOS → Additional details → Update schedule.
Is it worth upgrading an old computer instead of replacing it?
Often, yes, if it still gets security updates. Swapping a hard drive for an SSD, adding memory or replacing a worn battery costs far less than a new computer. If it can't get security updates, spend the money on a replacement instead.
Do you save my answers?
No. The check runs in your browser and your answers aren't stored. If you ask us to email your report, we use your address to send that one email and don't keep it.
Next step
Running a business on old computers?
Burger Tech can assess your devices and handle upgrades, setup and ongoing IT support.