Will my Windows 10 computer stop working?

No. It keeps working. What stopped is free security updates, unless the computer is enrolled in Extended Security Updates, which run for home users until 12 October 2027.

Is the Windows 11 upgrade really free?

Yes, if your computer meets Microsoft's requirements. You only pay if you want someone to do the checking, backing up and upgrading for you.

My computer says it can't run Windows 11. Do I need a new one?

Not straight away. Sometimes it is only a setting that is switched off. If the processor is too old, Extended Security Updates keep it safe until October 2027, so you can replace it when it suits you.

10 Oct 2026 · 5 min read

Still on Windows 10? Your options, in plain English

Windows 10 stopped getting free support in October 2025, but that doesn't mean you need a new computer tomorrow. Here is what it actually means and the three sensible ways forward.

We get asked this on most jobs at the moment, usually by someone who has had a pop-up telling them their computer is "out of support" and is worried it's about to stop working. It isn't. Here is what has actually changed.

What "end of support" means

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025.
Your computer keeps working exactly as before. Nothing switches off.
What stops is security updates, unless the computer is enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU). Without them, new security holes don't get fixed, and the risk grows over time.

Option 1: upgrade to Windows 11 (free, if your computer qualifies)

If your computer meets Microsoft's requirements, Windows 11 is a free upgrade. The requirements are a supported processor, a security chip called TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage. To check, open Settings, then Windows Update: it will usually say whether your PC can run Windows 11.

Quite often a computer "fails" only because TPM or Secure Boot is switched off in its settings. That can usually be fixed, but take a backup first.

Option 2: stay on Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates

For home users, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates until 12 October 2027, and it is free if you sync your PC settings to your Microsoft account. It buys time. It doesn't fix the problem forever, but it's a sensible choice for a computer that can't upgrade and still does what you need.

Option 3: replace the computer when it suits you

If your computer is old, slow and can't run Windows 11, the end of ESU is a natural point to replace it. With ESU running to October 2027, there's no need to rush or buy in a panic. Wait for a sale, buy something sensible, and have your files moved across.

Before any upgrade: back up

An upgrade normally keeps your files and programs, but things do go wrong occasionally. Copy your photos and documents to a USB drive or cloud storage first. It's the one step everybody skips and the only one you can't undo afterwards.

If you'd rather we handle it

We check whether your computer can upgrade, back it up, upgrade it, and make sure everything still works, at your place or remotely. It falls in our Software & setup range of $80–$180, with a fixed price agreed first. See Windows 11 upgrades and reinstalls. For a business with several computers, see Windows 11 for business.

Rapid Tech Solutions is an independent local business and is not affiliated with Microsoft. If someone rings claiming to be from Microsoft about your Windows 10 computer, hang up: that's a scam.

Want us to just handle it? Free diagnosis, fixed price, no fix no fee.

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