Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Support Today: Here are Five Things to Know

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 today (October 14), a decade after the operating system (OS) was first introduced to the public. But what does this mean for you? Systems that are running the OS will not receive any new updates once the declared end-of-life period is reached. While your PC will continue to function normally, it will not be eligible for any new security updates, leaving it susceptible to newly discovered cyberthreats. In recent months, the Redmond-based tech giant has been actively pushing individuals, as well as businesses, to upgrade to Windows 11 and enjoy all of the latest features.

With the sun finally setting on Windows 10, here are five things you need to know about what's next for your PC:

How to Upgrade to Windows 11

As per Microsoft, users with eligible PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 at any time, without any charge. To ensure that your PC is compatible, the company offers a PC health app that checks for the minimum requirements by analysing the PC specifications and informs you if there is a possible option to upgrade.

In case it meets the criteria, you need to:

1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Next, select the Check for updates option.
3. If your device is eligible and the upgrade is ready, the option to download and install Windows 11 will appear.
4. Click on Download and install and accept the terms and conditions to get the latest version of Windows 11.

There are two alternate methods as well. First, you can get it by using Microsoft's Installation Assistant. You simply need to download the Installation Assistant from the company's website, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Alternatively, Microsoft also provides an option to create a bootable USB drive or DVD from its Windows 11 software page. You can also create a Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) that will be available on a bootable installation media, such as a USB flash drive or an SSD, to help you install the new Windows version on your machine.

How to Sign Up for Windows 10 ESU Programme

In case you do not want the Microsoft 11 upgrade and wish to continue running Windows 10, there's a way to do this, while also receiving the latest security updates for at least one year. This is possible because of Microsoft's Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU), which runs through 2026.

There are three ways to enrol in the Windows 10 ESU programme: Using Windows Backup (Free), redeeming Microsoft Reward Points, or paying a $30 fee (roughly Rs. 2,660). Here's how to sign up:

1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. You'll see a link to enrol your device in ESU if it is eligible. Click Enrol Now.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
3. Choose the enrolment method. You can either back up settings to OneDrive, redeem Microsoft Rewards, or pay the $30 (roughly Rs. 2,660) fee as a one-time payment.
4. Once completed, your PC will be eligible for Windows 10 ESU updates through October 13, 2026.

The Windows 10 ESU programme began rolling out earlier this year and should be visible on all PCs running Windows 10. You can read more about it here.

The easiest option, however, is to purchase a new PC altogether. If this is something on your wishlist, then it is a great time to do so if you're in India, keeping in mind the ongoing festive sales. You can check out top deals on best-selling laptops, offers on premium ultrabooks, top offers on all-in-one PCs, and more.