20th March 2025

Windows 10 End of Support – FAQ’s

Windows 10 End of Support – Frequently asked Questions

When does Windows 10 support end?

Windows 10 support will officially end on October 14, 2025. After this date, no further security updates or technical support will be provided.

What does “end of life” for Windows 10 mean?

“End of life” (EOL) refers to the end of technical support, security updates, and feature updates for Windows
10. After 10 years of service, Microsoft will no longer offer free updates, security patches, or technical assistance .

What happens to my PC when Windows 10 reaches end of support?

Your PC will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide:

Technical support
Feature updates
Security updates or fixes

Without security updates, your PC will be more vulnerable to viruses and malware. To stay protected, it is
recommended to upgrade to a supported version of Windows.

Will my Windows 10 PC stop working after October 14, 2025?

No, your PC will continue to work. However, it will not receive further updates, making it less secure over time.

What are my options for staying on a supported Windows version?

You have several options:

Upgrade to Windows 11: If your PC meets the system requirements, you can upgrade for free via Windows
Update.
Purchase a new PC: If your current device is not compatible with Windows 11, buying a new Windows 1 PC
is the best long-term option.

How can I upgrade to Windows 11?

There are two ways to get Windows 11:

Upgrade your current PC – Check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements by going to:
Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update
Buy a new PC – If your current device is not compatible, purchasing a Windows 11 PC ensures better
p e r f o r m a n c e a n d security.

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

Yes, if your PC is eligible, you can upgrade from Windows 10 Home or Pro to the equivalent edition of Windows
11 at no cost via Windows Update.

For S mode users, upgrades follow these rules:

Windows 10 Home (S mode) > Windows 1 Home (S mode)
Windows 10 Pro (S mode) must switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro (S mode is not available
for Windows 11 Pro).

What happens to my Microsoft 365 apps after Windows 10 support ends?

Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. To continue using
Microsoft 365 securely:

Upgrade your PC to Windows 11.
Transfer your Microsoft 365 subscription to a new PC.

How will this impact my Microsoft Office apps?

Office 2016 and Office 2019 will also reach end of support on October 14, 2025. Consider switching to:

Microsoft 365 subscription for ongoing support and updates.
Office 2021, the latest non-subscription version, which can be transferred to a new Windows 11 PC.

What if I still need a desktop PC? Can I switch to a laptop?

Laptops are more portable, but you can still connect them to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for a
desktop-like experience. If you still use CDs or DVDs, you can plug in an external DVD drive via USB.

Can I upgrade my hardware to meet Windows 1 requirements?

It depends. Some components, like RAM or storage, may be upgraded. However, older CPUs and missing TPM
2.0 may prevent an upgrade. Check with your PC manufacturer or a local technician for upgrade options.

What are the system requirements for Windows 11?

To run Windows 11, your PC must meet these minimum requirements:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores (Intel 8th Gen, AMD Ryzen 2000, or newer)
R A M : 4 G B o r m o r e
Storage: 64GB or larger
Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Version 2.0
Graphics: Direct 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display: 720p, 9-inch screen or larger