Windows 10 officially reached the end of support on 14 October 2025. Your computer will still switch on and work, but Microsoft no longer provides free security updates, feature updates or technical support for it. Over time, that makes a Windows 10 PC increasingly risky to use online.
The good news: you have clear options, and most of them are straightforward. This guide from Computer Gurus in Tunbridge Wells — repairing and upgrading computers since 2004 — explains what end of support really means, whether your PC can move to Windows 11, and the safest way forward for both home users and businesses.
What “end of support” actually means
Now that Windows 10 is out of support, Microsoft has stopped providing:
- Security updates that patch newly discovered vulnerabilities
- Feature and quality updates
- Official technical support
Your PC keeps working, but every month that passes, new security holes go unpatched. That gradually raises the risk of viruses, ransomware and data theft — a particular concern if you use the computer for banking, email, shopping or business. Over time, some web browsers and apps will also stop supporting Windows 10, so things will slowly stop working as well.
In short: there’s no need to panic today, but you shouldn’t leave an unprotected Windows 10 PC online indefinitely.
Your options now — at a glance
- Upgrade to Windows 11 — free for eligible, licensed Windows 10 PCs. Best choice for most people.
- Upgrade your hardware (SSD/RAM) so an eligible PC runs Windows 11 smoothly.
- Enrol in Extended Security Updates (ESU) — a temporary, security-only bridge if you’re not ready to move yet.
- Replace the PC — the right call if your machine can’t run Windows 11.
- Let us handle it — we’ll check compatibility and take care of the upgrade and your data.
Not sure which is right for you? Our computer help team will give you honest, jargon-free advice.
Can your PC run Windows 11?
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. The essentials are:
- A supported 64-bit processor (broadly Intel 8th generation or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer)
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
- Secure Boot enabled (UEFI firmware)
- 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage minimum
The things that most often block older PCs are TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and the processor age. You can check your machine using Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app, or simply bring it to us and we’ll tell you in minutes.
If your PC is eligible, upgrading to Windows 11 is free and keeps all your files and most programs in place.
Making Windows 11 run smoothly — SSD & RAM upgrades
An eligible PC that already feels slow on Windows 10 won’t magically speed up on Windows 11 — but two affordable upgrades make a huge difference:
- A solid-state drive (SSD) — the single biggest speed boost. Windows, apps and files load dramatically faster.
- More RAM — helps if you keep lots of tabs or programs open at once.
We can fit these, install Windows 11 and move all your data across in one visit, turning a tired old machine into something that feels new. Ask about our computer repair and upgrade service.
What if my PC can’t run Windows 11?
If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements, upgrading the SSD or RAM won’t get around a missing TPM 2.0 or an unsupported processor. In that case you have two sensible paths:
- A short-term bridge: enrol in Extended Security Updates (below) to keep receiving critical security patches while you plan.
- A fresh start: move to a new PC. We can advise on the right machine for your needs, set it up, and safely transfer your files, emails, favourites and printers so nothing is lost.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) explained
ESU is Microsoft’s official “bridge” that keeps eligible Windows 10 PCs receiving critical security updates only — no new features, no bug fixes and no technical support. Your PC must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 to qualify.
- Home users: you can enrol from within Windows Update. There’s a free enrolment route (by syncing your PC settings to a Microsoft account) or a small one-off fee. Microsoft’s consumer ESU program currently runs until October 2027.
- Businesses: ESU is available as a paid, yearly subscription for up to three years (currently through to October 2028), with the price rising each year — so it pays to plan a proper migration rather than relying on it long-term.
ESU is useful breathing space, but it’s a countdown timer, not a destination. The real fix is moving to a supported version of Windows.
Back up before you do anything
Before any upgrade or new-PC move, back up your important files — photos, documents and emails. We recommend the simple 3-2-1 rule: three copies, on two types of media, with one kept off-site or in the cloud. We always back up your data before we start work, so an upgrade never puts your files at risk.
How Computer Gurus can help
- Free Windows 11 compatibility check — we’ll tell you straight whether to upgrade or replace
- Windows 11 upgrades with all your data and settings kept
- SSD and RAM upgrades to make Windows 11 run beautifully
- New PC supply, setup and full data transfer if your machine can’t be upgraded
- Business rollouts — planning and upgrading multiple machines with minimal disruption via our business IT support
- Remote or in-store — many upgrades and checks can be done through remote support
Why choose Computer Gurus
- Windows upgrade and repair specialists — established since 2004
- Free, no-obligation advice and a clear quote before any work
- Quality service backed by our 6-month warranty
- Friendly, experienced technicians — plain English, no jargon
- Local to Tunbridge Wells with free customer parking, plus remote and collection options
- Trusted by hundreds of local customers with 600+ Google reviews
- Open 7 days a week, 8am–8pm
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows 10 still safe to use after October 2025?
It still works, but it no longer receives security updates, so the risk of viruses and ransomware grows over time. To stay protected you should upgrade to Windows 11, enrol in Extended Security Updates, or move to a new PC.
Is the upgrade to Windows 11 free?
Yes — for eligible, licensed Windows 10 PCs that meet the hardware requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is free and keeps your files and most programs in place.
How do I know if my PC can run Windows 11?
Run Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app, or bring the computer to us. The common blockers are TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and an older processor. We can check it for you in minutes.
What if my computer isn’t compatible with Windows 11?
Upgrading the SSD or RAM won’t get around a missing TPM 2.0 or unsupported CPU. Your options are to enrol in Extended Security Updates as a temporary bridge, or move to a new PC — we can advise and handle the switch.
What are Extended Security Updates (ESU)?
ESU is Microsoft’s program that gives eligible Windows 10 (version 22H2) PCs critical security updates only — no features or support. For home users it currently runs until October 2027; for businesses, up to October 2028 on a paid, yearly basis.
Will my programs and files still work after upgrading to Windows 11?
In most cases, yes. Your files stay in place and the majority of programs carry over. We always back up your data first and check your key software before upgrading.
My Windows 10 PC is slow — is it worth upgrading?
Often, yes. If your PC is Windows 11-compatible, adding an SSD and more RAM can transform it for a fraction of the cost of a new machine. We’ll give you an honest assessment.
Can you upgrade my PC or set up a new one for me?
Absolutely — in-store or remotely. We handle Windows 11 upgrades, hardware upgrades, new PC setup and full data transfer, for both home users and businesses.
Get expert help with your Windows 10 upgrade
Don’t leave your PC unprotected. Call us on 01892 529999, email help@computergurus.co.uk, or Book online. Visit us at 7 Yew Tree Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0BD — free customer parking, open every day 8am–8pm.
