5 ways to keep your Windows 10 PC alive

With Windows 11 having been around for a while, Microsoft is clearly focused on their latest operating system. But if you’re still using a Windows 10 laptop or desktop, there’s a deadline you can’t ignore. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10, which means no more security updates, exposing your laptop/PC to threats. 

If you don’t take action, your device could be at risk, but don’t worry, you’ve got options, and there’s still time to figure out what works best for you. 

5 ways to keep your Windows 10 PC alive:

Here are five  ways to keep your Windows 10 PC alive and running smoothly.

1. Upgrade to Windows 11, even if your PC isn’t officially supported

For those looking to stay within the Microsoft ecosystem, upgrading to Windows 11 is the most straightforward option. Even if your PC doesn’t meet the official requirements, you can likely bypass these hurdles with some tweaks.

ALSO READ: Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Is the upgrade worth it?

You’ll still get security updates for free, keeping your system protected. There are three categories of Windows 10 PCs: those officially supported for a smooth upgrade via Windows Update, unsupported ones that can upgrade with a simple registry hack (thanks to tools like Rufus), and very old machines that can’t run Windows 11 at all. If you’re not ready to part with your hardware, this is an easy way to stay up to date.

2. Pay for extended security updates

If your Windows 10 PC is still working fine and you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft has a solution: the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. This program allows you to pay for up to three extra years of security updates after Windows 10’s official support ends. It’s a simple way to get security patches without upgrading to Windows 11. However, keep in mind that you won’t get any new features, just security patches to keep your system protected.

3. Stick with Windows 10 (but without updates)

If you’re not ready to make a switch just yet, you can keep using Windows 10 after support ends. However, without security updates, your PC will become more vulnerable over time.

Initially, your system will likely run just fine, but as new security flaws are discovered, your risk of cyber threats will increase. While this is a short-term solution, you’ll eventually need to upgrade or switch for long-term security. If you do choose to stay, just keep a close eye on your system’s security.

4. Switch to Google’s ChromeOS Flex

If you’re open to exploring alternatives, ChromeOS Flex by Google is a free, lightweight operating system designed for basic tasks like web browsing. ChromeOS Flex is available to everyone and provides a browser-focused experience with built-in security updates.

ALSO READ: Evolution of Windows operating system: How Microsoft created the world’s most popular OS

However, not every PC is officially supported, so some hardware might not work perfectly. ChromeOS Flex is ideal for people who mostly use their computers for web browsing, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t offer every feature a Chromebook does.

5. Give desktop Linux a try

For those looking to break away from both Microsoft and Google, desktop Linux is worth a try. It’s surprisingly user-friendly, especially with prevalent distributions like Ubuntu. While it may not support all Windows applications, it’s still great for browsing, productivity, and even gaming via platforms like Steam. If you want a more customisable OS, Linux gives you control without the security update worries.

Whether you’re ready to upgrade or prefer sticking with what you have, do give all the above options a long and hard thought.