Is Windows 10 Still Safe to Use? What to Do in 2026

Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, but free security updates run until October 2027. What that means, and your three choices, in plain English.

By Steady Neighbor Editorial Team · Updated · 2-minute read

The short answer

Windows 10 stopped getting regular updates on October 14, 2025. You can keep it safe until October 12, 2027 by signing up for Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU), which is free if you sync your PC settings with a Microsoft account. Before then, plan to move to Windows 11 (free if your computer qualifies) or a new computer.

What changed

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10. Your computer still turns on and works the same as before. What stopped is the stream of free security updates, the fixes that close holes criminals use to break into computers.

To give people more time, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for home computers. With ESU, a Windows 10 computer keeps getting important security fixes until October 12, 2027.

Timeline: Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. With Extended Security Updates, a home computer keeps getting security fixes until October 12, 2027. After that there are no new security fixes. Protected with free updates No new fixes Oct 14, 2025 Support ended You are here Sign up for free updates (ESU) Oct 12, 2027 Free updates end
Windows 10 dates, from Microsoft. Your computer keeps working either way; what changes is the security fixes.

So, is my Windows 10 computer safe?

Your situationHow safe is it?
Windows 10 with ESU turned onKeeps getting important security fixes until October 12, 2027. Fine for everyday use.
Windows 10 without ESUNo new security fixes. The risk grows every month. Sign up for ESU or change computers soon.
Windows 11Fully supported. Nothing to do except install updates.

First, check which Windows you have

  1. Hold down the Windows key (it has the Windows logo) and press R.
  2. Type winver and press Enter.
  3. A small window shows your version, for example “Windows 10, Version 22H2” or “Windows 11.”
Illustration of the small About Windows box that opens when you run winver. The second line gives the version, for example Version 22H2, and that line is marked as the one to read. About Windows Microsoft Windows Version 22H2 (OS Build 19045.xxxx) 1 © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. This product is licensed under the Microsoft Software License Terms to: your own name appears here OK
Illustration, not a screenshot. Read the version line. The build number after 19045 will be different on your computer, and that is normal. Click OK to close the box.

Your three choices

Choice 1: Keep Windows 10 and sign up for free security updates (ESU)

Best if your computer works well and you’re not ready to change. It’s free if you sign in with a Microsoft account and let Windows back up (sync) your settings. You can also use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time $30.

Follow our step-by-step guide: How to get free Windows 10 security updates until October 2027.

Choice 2: Upgrade to Windows 11 for free, if your computer can run it

Windows 11 is a free upgrade for Windows 10 computers that meet Microsoft’s requirements. Many older computers don’t qualify, usually because of their processor or a security chip called TPM 2.0. To check, go to Start, then Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update. Windows usually tells you there whether your computer can run Windows 11.

Illustration of the Windows Update page in Windows 10 Settings, showing the two possible messages about Windows 11: one saying this PC can run Windows 11, and one saying this PC does not currently meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11. Settings Windows Update Delivery Optimization Windows Security Backup Troubleshoot Recovery Activation Update & Security › Windows Update Windows Update You’re up to date Underneath, Windows tells you about Windows 11. You get one of these: This PC can run Windows 11 This PC doesn’t currently meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11
Illustration, not a screenshot. You get one of these two messages, not both. The second one means this computer cannot upgrade to Windows 11.

Choice 3: Get a new computer

If your computer is old, slow or can’t run Windows 11, a new one may be the simplest choice, and there’s no rush while ESU protects you until October 2027. Other options include a Windows 11 laptop, a Chromebook or a Mac. Think about which one feels easiest for you, not which is newest.

Watch out for Windows 10 scams

Scammers love confusing news. Remember:

  • Microsoft won’t call you about Windows 10. Microsoft says it doesn’t make unsolicited phone calls to fix computers.
  • Real Microsoft warnings never include a phone number.
  • Signing up for ESU happens inside your own Windows settings. You never need to call anyone, give remote access or pay with a gift card.

If a pop-up or caller says your Windows 10 “has expired” and you must call now, it’s a scam. See what to do about fake virus pop-ups.

From Steady Neighbor · https://steadyneighbor.com/computers/windows-10-end-of-support/

Sources we used

About the author

Steady Neighbor Editorial Team: We write plain-English guides for older adults and the families who help them. Every step is checked against the official instructions from Microsoft, Apple and U.S. government agencies before a guide is published, and we link to the sources we used. How we write and check our guides.