Windows 10 Support Ends October 14, 2025: Your Complete Upgrade Guide and Timeline

Windows 10 reached end-of-life on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft no longer provides security updates, bug fixes, or technical support—leaving your system increasingly vulnerable to threats and incompatible with new software. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about upgrading to Windows 11, with a practical timeline to help you prepare before support expires.

Windows 10 Support Ends October 14, 2025: Here’s What That Means for You

Windows 10 officially reached end-of-support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer releases security updates, bug fixes, or provides technical support. After this date, your system becomes increasingly vulnerable to security threats and incompatible with new software and services.

However, there’s good news: Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for consumers. You can receive free ESU for one year (until October 13, 2026) by either syncing your PC settings to your Microsoft account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. After the free ESU period expires, paid ESU is available for $30 annually. This gives you breathing room, but upgrading to Windows 11 remains the recommended path forward.

[Source: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-support-has-ended-on-october-14-2025-2ca8b313-1946-43d3-b55c-2b95b107f281]

Why Upgrading Before ESU Support Expires Matters

• Security Protection: Windows 11 includes modern security features like TPM 2.0 verification, Secure Boot requirements, and continuous monthly security updates that Windows 10 can no longer provide.
• Software Compatibility: New applications and software updates increasingly require Windows 11. Major software vendors are dropping Windows 10 support throughout 2025–2026.
• Performance and Features: Windows 11 includes improved system responsiveness, better battery management on laptops, and modern AI-powered features designed for your latest hardware.
• Peace of Mind: Upgrade while free migration is available and Microsoft actively supports the transition with resources and documentation.

Important Considerations Before You Upgrade

• Hardware Requirements: Your processor must be Intel 8th Gen (Core i3-8100 or newer) or AMD Ryzen 2000 series (Zen+) or newer. First-generation AMD Ryzen 1000 (Zen) and older processors are not supported. Check your exact processor model before proceeding.
• TPM 2.0 Is Non-Negotiable: Windows 11 requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, which Microsoft explicitly states will not be lowered for any future Windows version. Good news: TPM 2.0 has been included in essentially all CPUs manufactured since ~2015. Some older systems may have TPM 2.0 disabled in BIOS and require enabling it.
• Storage Space: Windows 11 requires a minimum of 64 GB disk space, though Microsoft recommends 128 GB or larger for comfortable headroom, proper updates, and system restore points. A fresh Windows 11 installation uses approximately 27 GB; after updates and normal use, expect 35–45 GB occupied.

Your Step-by-Step Preparation and Upgrade Timeline

Step 1: Check Your Windows 10 Build and System Information (Complete by January 2025)

First, note your Windows build number and processor model—you’ll need this information for compatibility verification.

1. Right-click the Start menu (Windows logo in lower left)
2. Select ‘Settings’ from the context menu
3. In Settings, click ‘System’ in the left sidebar
4. Scroll down and click ‘About’
5. Note your ‘Windows specifications’ section, which shows your Windows version and build number
6. In the same window, find ‘Processor’ (usually listed as ‘Intel Core i5-8400’ or similar)
7. Write down your processor model exactly as it appears

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Windows 10 Settings > System > About page showing processor model, Windows version (Build 22H2), RAM, and system type. Highlight the processor field with a red box to show what information to capture.]

Step 2: Verify Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility (Complete by February 2025)

Download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to determine if your system meets Windows 11 requirements.

1. Open a web browser and visit https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp (official Microsoft short URL)
2. Click the download button and save the file to your Downloads folder
3. Once downloaded, double-click the installer file named ‘PCHealthCheckSetup.exe’
4. Click ‘Install’ when prompted and allow the installation to complete
5. The app launches automatically after installation
6. Click ‘Check now’ to run the compatibility scan
7. Review the results—you’ll see green checkmarks for compatible components and red X marks for incompatible items
8. Screenshot or note any items marked as incompatible (this determines your next steps)

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: PC Health Check 4.0 results screen showing both compatible items (green checkmarks) and any incompatible items (red X marks). Show the full results panel with processor, RAM, storage, TPM, and system firmware status clearly visible.]

If all items show green checkmarks, your system is compatible and can upgrade for free. If you see red X marks, proceed to Step 6 (Plan Hardware Upgrades).

Step 3: Create a Complete System Backup (Complete by March 2025)

Before any major upgrade, create a full backup so you can recover everything if something goes wrong.

1. Connect an external hard drive (minimum 1 TB capacity) to your computer using a USB cable
2. Open Settings (right-click Start menu > Settings)
3. Click ‘System’ in the left sidebar
4. Scroll down and click ‘Backup’
5. Under ‘Backup options,’ click ‘Back up now’
6. Windows displays a backup progress window—let this complete fully (typically 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on data size)
7. Once complete, Windows shows ‘Backup completed successfully’
8. Check your external drive to confirm the backup folder appears (usually named ‘WindowsImageBackup’)
9. Note the backup completion date in your records

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Windows 10 Settings > System > Backup page showing the ‘Back up now’ button and backup status indicator. Show the progress window demonstrating an active backup with percentage complete and time remaining.]

Alternatively, advanced users can use third-party tools like Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect, which some find more reliable. The key is verifying the backup completed successfully by checking file sizes on your external drive (backup should be roughly 30–50% of your current Windows installation size).

Step 4: Document Your Software License Keys (Complete by April 2025)

Create a record of all paid software so you can reinstall and reactivate it after upgrading.

1. Create a new document in Word, Google Docs, or even a simple text file
2. List each paid application you use (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, antivirus software)
3. For each application:
   • Note the software name and version number
   • Find your license/product key (usually in: confirmation email, software’s Help > About menu, or Settings > Accounts for subscription apps)
   • Screenshot or copy the license information
   • Record your registration email address
4. Store this document in two places: email it to yourself and save a copy on your external backup drive

Key applications to document:

• Microsoft Office (if purchased separately)
• Adobe Creative Cloud apps (if subscribed)
• Antivirus or security software
• Specialized professional software (design, video editing, etc.)
• Any other paid applications you regularly use

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Example spreadsheet showing license documentation with columns for Application Name, Version, Product Key, Registration Email, and Notes. Show a few sample entries like ‘Microsoft Office 2021’ and ‘Adobe Photoshop 2024’ as examples.]

Step 5: Test Software Compatibility (Complete by May 2025)

Verify that your essential programs will work with Windows 11 before upgrading.

1. For each application you listed in Step 4, visit the software vendor’s website
2. Look for “System Requirements” or “Compatibility” pages
3. Check if Windows 11 is listed as a supported operating system
4. Note any applications that show Windows 10 only (these may need replacement)
5. For applications you’re unsure about, search the vendor’s support forum using terms like “Windows 11 compatible” plus the software name
6. Create a “software replacement” list for any incompatible tools, researching free or paid alternatives:
   • Free alternatives: LibreOffice (for Microsoft Office), GIMP (for Photoshop), OBS Studio (for video capture)
   • Paid alternatives: Research comparable tools with similar features

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Microsoft Learn Windows 11 Compatibility Cookbook page (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/windows-11/) showing the compatibility documentation interface.]

Note: The PC Health Check tool from Step 2 will also flag known problematic applications, so review those results again if you encounter specific software concerns.

Step 6: Plan Hardware Upgrades if Needed (Complete by June 2025)

If your PC Health Check results showed incompatible hardware (particularly an unsupported processor), research replacement options now.

1. Budget-conscious users ($400–$600):

   • Refurbished business-grade laptops (ThinkPad T-series, HP EliteBook, Dell Latitude)
   • These typically feature Intel 10th–12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors
   • Advantages: Durable build quality, multiple upgrade sources, good resale value

2. Performance-focused users ($800–$1,200):

   • Newer mid-range laptops or desktops
   • Intel 13th+ Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000+ series
   • Includes better graphics for creative work and gaming

3. Decision questions to ask yourself:

   • Do I primarily need this for office work (email, browsing, documents)?
   • Do I use specialized software (photo editing, video production, CAD)?
   • What’s my realistic budget?
   • Do I prefer laptop portability or desktop power?

4. Where to buy:

   • Check local computer retailers, Amazon, B&H Photo, or manufacturer websites
   • Look for refurbished sections if budget is tight
   • Verify warranty coverage (at least 1 year is standard)

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Comparison chart showing example models: ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 ($499 refurbished), HP EliteBook 655 ($549 refurbished), and newer models like Dell Inspiron 15 Plus ($899 new) with processor generations and key specs clearly labeled.]

Step 7: Schedule Your Windows 11 Upgrade (July–September 2025)

Once you’ve confirmed compatibility and prepared your system, download Windows 11.

Option A: Free In-Place Upgrade (if your system is compatible)

1. Open Settings (right-click Start menu > Settings)
2. Click ‘Update & Security’ in the left sidebar
3. Click ‘Check for updates’
4. If your system is compatible, Windows Update shows “Feature update to Windows 11” is available
5. Click ‘Download and install’ (this begins the upgrade process)
6. Follow the on-screen prompts and allow the installation to complete

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Windows Update settings page showing “Feature update to Windows 11 is ready to install” with the ‘Download and install’ button highlighted.]

Option B: Clean Installation on New Hardware (if you purchased new equipment)

1. Visit https://microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 on your new computer
2. Under “Create Windows 11 installation media,” click ‘Download now’
3. Save the ‘MediaCreationTool’ installer to your Downloads folder
4. Run the installer and follow the prompts to create Windows 11 installation media on a USB drive
5. Once the USB drive is prepared, insert it into your new computer and restart
6. Follow the Windows 11 setup wizard to complete installation

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Windows 11 installation media creation tool showing the download button and progress indicator.]

Step 8: Execute the Upgrade and Verify (September–October 2025)

After starting the installation, allow 2–3 hours for the process to complete.

1. Before starting, make sure:

   • Your computer is plugged into power (if laptop)
   • You’ve closed all open programs
   • You have the external backup drive connected

2. After installation completes, verify critical functions:

   • Check internet connection: Open a web browser and visit google.com—confirm pages load quickly
   • Test 3–5 essential applications: Launch your most-used programs (email client, browser, Microsoft Office, etc.) and perform basic tasks
   • Run Windows Update: Open Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates and install any available patches (ensures latest security updates)
   • Verify your files: Check that your Documents, Pictures, and Downloads folders still contain your expected data

3. Rollback window (if critical issues occur):

   • Windows 11 provides a 10-day rollback period after installation
   • If you encounter severe problems, go to Settings > System > Recovery > Go back
   • Select “Go back to Windows 10” and follow the prompts
   • This restores your system to Windows 10 using the backup information captured during upgrade

[PLACEHOLDER FOR SCREENSHOT: Windows 11 desktop showing the Start menu, taskbar, and desktop customization options. Show the new design with rounded corners and centered taskbar to illustrate successful installation.]

Timeline Summary

• January 2025: Document your current system specifications
• February 2025: Run PC Health Check to verify compatibility
• March 2025: Create and verify full system backup
• April 2025: Document all software licenses and registration information
• May 2025: Research and document compatible replacement software if needed
• June 2025: Finalize hardware upgrade decisions if necessary
• July–September 2025: Download Windows 11 installation media and complete upgrade
• October 2025: Verify Windows 11 installation and all critical applications function properly

This timeline gives you 9 months to prepare without rushing, while ensuring you’re on Windows 11 well before Windows 10 support completely expires and extended security updates end.

Your Upgrade Complete: What’s Next

Once Windows 11 installation completes and you’ve verified all your applications work correctly, your system is protected by Microsoft’s latest security updates and ready for new software releases. Set a calendar reminder to check Windows Update monthly (Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates) to maintain the latest security patches. Windows 11 will receive support until October 12, 2034—giving you a decade of security and compatibility with new software.

If you decided to keep your current hardware and remain on Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates, remember that the free ESU period ends October 13, 2026. Plan your upgrade timeline now to avoid any last-minute complications.

[Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-10-home-and-pro]

Windows 10’s end-of-life doesn’t mean you need to panic, but it does mean you need to act before October 13, 2026 when free Extended Security Updates expire. By following this 9-month timeline, you’ll upgrade to Windows 11 smoothly, protecting your data and ensuring compatibility with future software. Start today with Step 1—check your current system specifications—and work through each step methodically.