Combien de temps pouvez-vous utiliser Windows 10 ? Exploration des alternatives, des risques de sécurité et de vos options après la fin du support

As Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, millions of users worldwide are facing critical decisions about their computing future. With approximately 40-43% of PCs still running Windows 10, this represents one of the largest operating system transitions in history. The good news is that your Windows 10 computer won’t simply stop working overnight, but understanding the implications of using an unsupported operating system is essential for making informed decisions about your digital security and computing needs.​

This comprehensive guide explores how long you can realistically continue using Windows 10, the security risks involved, available alternatives including lightweight Linux distributions like Ubuntu for older machines, and practical strategies for extending the life of your current hardware without compromising your data security.

Understanding Windows 10 End of Life: What It Really Means

The Official End of Support Timeline

Microsoft set October 14, 2025, as the definitive end-of-support date for Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions. This date marks a significant transition from a fully supported operating system to one that will no longer receive regular maintenance from Microsoft. The final version of Windows 10, version 22H2, represents the last feature update the operating system will ever receive.​

After this date, Microsoft ceased providing three critical components that have protected Windows 10 users for the past decade: security updates that patch newly discovered vulnerabilities, bug fixes that address system stability issues, and technical support for troubleshooting problems. However, it’s crucial to understand that this doesn’t mean your computer will immediately become unusable or that all software will stop functioning.​

What Continues to Work After Support Ends

Despite the end of official support, your Windows 10 system will continue to boot up and run applications normally. The operating system itself remains functional, and most of your installed software will continue working as before. This is similar to what happened with Windows 7, which reached end of life in January 2020 but still powers many computers today, albeit with increased security risks.​

Importantly, Microsoft 365 Apps (formerly Office 365) will continue receiving security updates on Windows 10 devices until October 10, 2028, with feature updates available through August 2026. This extended support for productivity applications provides a significant buffer period for users who rely heavily on Microsoft Office tools.​

Third-party software developers and hardware manufacturers will likely continue releasing updates for their products for several years after Windows 10’s end of support. Web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge typically maintain support for older operating systems longer than Microsoft itself does. Antivirus software vendors including Bitdefender have announced they will continue providing malware protection for Windows 10 until October 2026.​

Extended Security Updates: A Temporary Bridge

Recognizing that many users cannot immediately upgrade, Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. This program offers different options depending on whether you’re an individual consumer or a business organization.​

For individual users and Windows 10 Home customers, Microsoft offers a one-year extension of critical security updates through October 13, 2026. The program costs $30 as a one-time fee, though Microsoft has provided several free enrollment options. You can enroll without paying by either backing up your PC settings to OneDrive, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or in certain European regions where the program is offered at no charge.​

Business and enterprise customers have access to a more extensive ESU program that can extend security updates for up to three years, though at significantly higher costs that increase annually. Organizations using Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop receive ESU at no additional cost, making cloud-based solutions an attractive option for businesses with legacy hardware.​

It’s important to understand that ESU is explicitly designed as a temporary migration tool, not a long-term solution. The program provides only critical and important security updates—no new features, non-security bug fixes, design changes, or general technical support are included.​

Security Risks of Continuing with Unsupported Windows 10

The Growing Threat Landscape

Using an unsupported operating system creates significant security vulnerabilities that increase with each passing month after the end-of-support date. When Microsoft stops releasing security patches, any newly discovered vulnerabilities in Windows 10 will remain permanently unpatched, creating exploitable attack surfaces for cybercriminals.​

The threat is not theoretical. Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report reveals that over 90% of ransomware attacks reaching the encryption stage begin with unmanaged devices lacking proper security controls, and unsupported systems frequently fall into this category. Historical precedent supports these concerns—after Windows XP reached end of life in 2014, attacks on those systems increased sharply as hackers exploited known vulnerabilities that would never be fixed.​

Cybersecurity experts warn that unsupported operating systems become prime targets because attackers know exactly which vulnerabilities exist and that they won’t be remediated. Malicious actors actively scan networks to detect end-of-support systems, treating them as low-hanging fruit for ransomware, malware, and data theft operations.​

Specific Vulnerability Categories

Unpatched Security Flaws: Without Microsoft’s monthly security updates, any vulnerability discovered after October 14, 2025, becomes a permanent weakness in your system. These gaps can allow attackers unauthorized access to steal sensitive information, install malicious software, or use your computer as a launching point for attacks on other systems.​

Increased Malware Exposure: As Windows 10 becomes more widely unsupported, it will become an increasingly attractive target for malware authors. Research shows that organizations with outdated operating systems are three times more likely to suffer public data breaches compared to those running supported systems.​

Compatibility and Software Support Issues: Over time, software developers focus their efforts on newer operating systems, leading to compatibility problems. Applications and services may drop support for Windows 10, limiting functionality and creating additional security gaps when software cannot be properly updated.​

Compliance and Legal Risks: Many industries have strict regulatory requirements regarding data protection and the use of supported software. Regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS often require systems to be patched and secure. Continuing to use Windows 10 after end of support may result in non-compliance, potentially leading to substantial fines, legal liability, and complications in the event of a data breach.​

Comparing Windows 10 and Windows 11 Security

Windows 11 represents a significant security upgrade over Windows 10, with enhanced features designed to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The new operating system mandates TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), which provides hardware-based security by encrypting sensitive information like passwords, encryption keys, and user credentials at the chip level.​

TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 supports newer and stronger cryptographic algorithms compared to TPM 1.2, making it significantly harder for attackers to compromise encrypted data even if they gain physical access to a device. This hardware requirement, combined with mandatory Secure Boot, ensures that only verified and trusted software runs during system startup, blocking advanced malware and rootkits before they can compromise the system.​

Microsoft’s analysis of blocked attacks in 2020—which included 30 billion email threats, 6 billion threats to endpoint devices, and 30 billion authentications—informed the security baseline for Windows 11. The company found that organizations implementing passwordless authentication systems like Windows Hello, which relies on TPM, experienced 67% fewer compromises compared to those using legacy authentication methods.​

New Windows 11 PCs have reported a 62% drop in security incidents and a three times reported reduction in firmware attacks compared to Windows 10 systems. These statistics demonstrate the real-world security benefits of Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements and default security configurations.​​

Windows 11: System Requirements and Compatibility Challenges

Understanding the Hardware Barrier

Windows 11 introduced significantly stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10, creating a substantial compatibility barrier for many existing computers. The most controversial requirements include TPM 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and specific processor generation minimums that exclude many otherwise functional computers.​

The official minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 64-bit processor running at 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores from a list of approved CPUs, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot support, TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a high-definition (720p) display larger than 9 inches diagonally.​

The processor requirements are particularly restrictive. For Intel systems, Windows 11 officially requires 8th generation Core processors (Coffee Lake) or newer, released from 2017 onward. AMD systems need Zen+ architecture CPUs (Ryzen 2000 series) or newer. These requirements effectively exclude most computers manufactured before 2018, even if they have sufficient RAM, storage, and other capabilities.​

The TPM 2.0 requirement has proven especially problematic. Many desktop computers, particularly custom-built systems, either lack TPM modules entirely or have TPM 1.2 instead of the required 2.0 version. While laptops and pre-built computers manufactured after 2016 generally include TPM 2.0, older machines and DIY builds often don’t meet this specification.​

Checking Your System’s Compatibility

Before deciding whether to upgrade to Windows 11 or explore alternatives, you should verify your system’s compatibility. Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool that analyzes your hardware and reports whether it meets Windows 11 requirements, though this tool has faced criticism for providing limited information about specific incompatibilities.

To manually check for TPM 2.0 support, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type “tpm.msc” and press Enter. If TPM is present and enabled, the TPM Management window will display “The TPM is ready for use” with the specification version listed. If you see “Compatible TPM cannot be found,” your system lacks the required TPM module.​

You can check your system specifications by going to Settings > System > About, where you’ll find information about your processor, RAM, and system type. Cross-reference your processor model against Microsoft’s official compatibility lists to determine if it meets the generation requirements.​

Workarounds and Bypassing Requirements

For users with computers that don’t meet official requirements but are otherwise capable, several methods exist to bypass Windows 11’s hardware restrictions. These workarounds involve either registry modifications during installation or using third-party tools like Rufus to create custom installation media that skips requirement checks.​

The registry editing method involves performing a clean install and modifying specific registry keys during the setup process to tell the installer to skip TPM, CPU, and RAM requirement checks. This approach requires some technical knowledge and careful following of instructions to avoid installation failures.​

Rufus, a popular USB bootable drive creation tool, offers a simpler approach. When creating a Windows 11 installation USB drive with Rufus, you can select options to automatically remove hardware requirement checks. This method is generally easier for less technical users and can be used for both clean installations and in-place upgrades.​

However, Microsoft explicitly warns that installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware comes with risks. Systems running Windows 11 without meeting official requirements may not receive all updates, could experience performance issues or system instability, and are not officially supported by Microsoft. Users choosing this path should be comfortable assuming these risks and troubleshooting potential problems independently.​

Linux as a Viable Alternative: Focus on Ubuntu

Why Linux Makes Sense for Older Hardware

Linux distributions have long been celebrated for their ability to breathe new life into older computers that struggle with modern Windows versions. Unlike Windows, which has steadily increased hardware requirements with each major release, many Linux distributions are specifically designed to run efficiently on low-resource systems while still providing a modern, secure computing experience.​

The fundamental advantage of Linux for older machines lies in its modular architecture and variety of desktop environments with different resource requirements. While Windows 10 and especially Windows 11 demand substantial system resources, Linux offers lightweight alternatives that can run smoothly on computers with as little as 1-2 GB of RAM.​

Linux distributions are completely free, eliminating licensing costs that can make Windows upgrades prohibitively expensive. This cost-effectiveness extends beyond the operating system itself—the vast majority of Linux software is also free and open-source, providing alternatives to expensive commercial applications for productivity, media editing, and other common tasks.​

Security is another compelling reason to consider Linux. The operating system benefits from a robust security model, active community scrutiny of open-source code, and relatively limited targeting by malware authors compared to Windows. While no system is completely immune to security threats, Linux’s architecture and smaller market share make it a less attractive target for widespread malware campaigns.​

Ubuntu: A User-Friendly Entry Point

Ubuntu has established itself as one of the most popular and user-friendly Linux distributions, making it an excellent choice for users transitioning from Windows. Developed by Canonical and based on the Debian Linux distribution, Ubuntu offers a polished desktop experience with strong hardware support, extensive documentation, and a large community ready to help newcomers.​

The standard Ubuntu Desktop edition uses the GNOME desktop environment, providing a modern, visually appealing interface. However, GNOME is relatively resource-intensive, with recommended system requirements of 4 GB RAM and 25 GB of storage. For older computers, these requirements might still be challenging, which is why Ubuntu offers several lightweight variants.​

Ubuntu System Requirements Overview: The official recommended requirements for Ubuntu Desktop include a 2 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB of RAM (minimum 2 GB), and 25 GB of free hard drive space. While these specifications are modest compared to Windows 11, users with older hardware may benefit from exploring Ubuntu’s lightweight variants.​

Lightweight Ubuntu Variants for Older Machines

Lubuntu stands out as the most lightweight Ubuntu variant, using the LXQt desktop environment (previously LXDE). Lubuntu can run on computers with as little as 512 MB to 1 GB of RAM, making it ideal for very old hardware. Despite its minimal resource requirements, Lubuntu provides a complete desktop experience with essential applications for web browsing, office work, media playback, and more. The interface is simple and straightforward, though less visually polished than heavier alternatives.​

Xubuntu offers a middle ground, using the XFCE desktop environment which balances resource efficiency with modern features. With minimum RAM requirements of 2 GB (4 GB recommended), Xubuntu runs well on moderately outdated computers. XFCE provides more visual polish and customization options than Lubuntu’s interface while remaining significantly lighter than standard Ubuntu’s GNOME desktop.​

Ubuntu MATE uses the MATE desktop environment, which evolved from GNOME 2, offering a traditional desktop layout familiar to Windows users. System requirements include a minimum of 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended) and 10 GB of storage, making it suitable for computers from the mid-2000s onward. Ubuntu MATE strikes an excellent balance between resource efficiency and a complete, modern desktop experience.​

Linux Mint deserves special mention, though technically a separate distribution rather than an official Ubuntu variant. Based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint with its Cinnamon desktop environment closely resembles the Windows interface, making the transition easier for Windows users. It requires similar resources to standard Ubuntu but offers a more Windows-like workflow and excellent out-of-the-box hardware support.​

Real-World Performance on Older Hardware

User experiences demonstrate that Ubuntu and its variants can successfully revive older computers. A 2015 laptop with 4 GB RAM and a traditional hard drive, which struggled under Windows 10, can run Ubuntu variants smoothly for web browsing, document editing, media consumption, and other common tasks.​

Upgrading from a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD) dramatically improves performance on older systems running Linux. Even inexpensive 128-256 GB SSDs can transform the user experience, with boot times dropping from minutes to seconds and applications launching nearly instantly. This relatively affordable hardware upgrade paired with lightweight Linux can make a decade-old computer feel responsive and modern.​

Community reports consistently show that computers from 2008-2015 that have become unusable under Windows 8, 10, or 11 can run perfectly well with appropriate Linux distributions. A 2013 laptop with 4 GB RAM, for example, can run modern web browsers, office suites, media players, and development tools comfortably under Linux Mint or Xubuntu.​

Transitioning to Linux: Practical Implementation

Preparation and Data Backup

Before making any changes to your operating system, comprehensive data backup is absolutely essential. The installation process, whether replacing Windows entirely or setting up a dual-boot configuration, involves partitioning your hard drive and making fundamental changes to your system—operations that carry inherent risks of data loss if something goes wrong.​

Create complete backups of all important documents, photos, videos, music, and any other irreplaceable files. External hard drives provide an excellent backup solution, offering large storage capacity at reasonable prices. Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive can supplement physical backups, though uploading large amounts of data may take considerable time depending on your internet connection speed.​

Beyond personal files, document your current system configuration. Take screenshots of your desktop layout, note which applications you use regularly, save bookmarks from your web browsers, and export any application settings you can. While Linux offers alternatives to most Windows software, you’ll need to know what functionality to replicate in your new environment.​

Consider creating a full system image backup using tools like Macrium Reflect, EaseUS Todo, or similar software. A system image captures your entire hard drive state, allowing you to restore everything exactly as it was if you decide to return to Windows or if the Linux installation encounters problems. This provides the ultimate safety net during the transition.​

Creating a Bootable USB Drive and Testing Ubuntu

The beauty of Linux is that you can try it without installing anything on your computer. Most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, offer “Live” versions that run directly from a USB drive, allowing you to explore the operating system, test hardware compatibility, and familiarize yourself with the interface before committing to installation.​

To create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive, first download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website. Choose the version appropriate for your hardware—standard Ubuntu Desktop for newer computers, or one of the lightweight variants like Xubuntu or Lubuntu for older systems. The ISO file is typically 2-4 GB in size.​​

Next, download and install a USB creation tool such as Rufus (Windows), balenaEtcher (Windows, macOS, Linux), or Ventoy. These free applications write the Ubuntu ISO to a USB drive, making it bootable. You’ll need a USB drive with at least 4 GB capacity, though 8 GB or larger is recommended. Important: the USB drive will be completely erased during this process, so ensure it doesn’t contain any files you need.​​

Using Rufus as an example, the process is straightforward: open the application, select your USB drive, click the “Select” button to choose your downloaded Ubuntu ISO file, leave the default settings unless you have specific requirements, and click “Start”. The process typically takes 5-15 minutes depending on your USB drive’s speed.​​

The Live Session: Testing Before Installing

Once you’ve created the bootable USB, restart your computer and access the boot menu by pressing a specific key during startup—commonly F12, F2, F10, ESC, or Delete, depending on your computer manufacturer. The boot menu allows you to select your USB drive as the boot device instead of your normal hard drive.​​

The Ubuntu live session boots into a fully functional desktop environment running entirely from your USB drive. This remarkable feature lets you test virtually everything: check if your WiFi works, verify that sound plays correctly, test your webcam and Bluetooth devices, browse the web, try pre-installed applications, and explore the desktop interface—all without touching your actual hard drive or Windows installation.​

Take time during this live session to thoroughly test your hardware. Open the system settings and verify that all your hardware components are recognized. Try connecting to your WiFi network, play some audio, open the web browser and visit your usual websites, and test any peripherals like printers or external monitors. This testing phase is crucial because it reveals potential compatibility issues before you commit to installing Linux.​

The live session runs somewhat slower than an installed system because it operates from the USB drive rather than your hard drive, so don’t judge final performance based solely on this experience. However, it provides an excellent preview of the interface and general capabilities.​

Dual Boot vs. Complete Replacement

When installing Linux, you face a fundamental choice: completely replace Windows with Linux, or set up a dual-boot configuration that lets you choose between operating systems at startup.​

Dual-Boot Advantages: Dual-booting provides a safety net during your transition to Linux. You maintain access to Windows for any applications that don’t have suitable Linux alternatives, can gradually move your workflow to Linux at your own pace, and retain the ability to access Windows-specific software or features when needed. This approach is ideal if you’re uncertain about making a complete switch or have specific software requirements that only work in Windows.​

Dual-Boot Considerations: The dual-boot setup requires partitioning your hard drive to allocate space for both operating systems. This process involves shrinking your Windows partition to create free space for Linux—typically 50-100 GB for a comfortable Linux installation with room for applications and files. While modern partitioning tools make this process relatively safe, it does carry some risk if not done carefully.​

Complete Replacement: If you’re confident about switching to Linux and don’t need Windows anymore, completely replacing Windows is simpler. This approach gives Linux access to your entire hard drive, eliminates the complexity of managing two operating systems, and provides the cleanest installation experience. However, it’s the more permanent option and requires greater confidence in your decision.​

Step-by-Step Installation Process

The Ubuntu installation process is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through each decision with clear explanations. After booting from your USB drive and testing the live session, double-click the “Install Ubuntu” icon on the desktop to begin.​​

The installer first asks about keyboard layout—choose your region and test the selection by typing in the provided test area. Next, you’ll select between “Normal installation” (includes web browser, office suite, media player, and common utilities) and “Minimal installation” (just web browser and basic tools). For most users, normal installation is appropriate.​​

A crucial screen asks whether to download updates during installation and whether to install third-party software for graphics cards, WiFi hardware, and media codecs. Checking both boxes is highly recommended as they ensure better hardware compatibility and the ability to play common media formats out of the box.​

The installation type screen presents several options. For complete replacement, select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu”—despite the alarming name, this option handles everything automatically. For dual-boot, choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows” which automatically manages partitioning. Advanced users can select “Something else” for manual partition control.​​

After making your choice, the installer shows what changes will be made to your disk. Review this carefully—it’s your last chance to back out before modifying your system. If everything looks correct, confirm and the installation begins.​​

While files copy, you’ll set up your user account: enter your name, choose a computer name (hostname), create a username and password. You can also select whether to require a password at login or log in automatically—password-protected login is more secure, especially for laptops.​​

Select your time zone on the world map. The installation then proceeds, typically taking 15-30 minutes depending on your computer’s speed and whether you chose to download updates. Once complete, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. Remove the USB drive when instructed.​

Post-Installation: First Steps in Linux

After installation, your computer boots into Linux (or the GRUB bootloader for dual-boot systems where you choose between operating systems). Log in with the credentials you created during installation.​​

Ubuntu typically prompts you to complete initial setup steps: configure online accounts, participate in usage statistics (optional), enable location services (optional), and check for system updates. Run the update check immediately—this ensures you have the latest security patches and software improvements.​​

The Ubuntu Software Center provides easy access to thousands of free applications. Browse by category or search for specific programs. Popular applications include GIMP for image editing (similar to Photoshop), LibreOffice for office documents (compatible with Microsoft Office formats), VLC for media playback, Thunderbird for email, and many others.​

Most Linux distributions include comprehensive documentation and active community forums. Ubuntu’s official documentation, community forums, and Ask Ubuntu question-and-answer site provide extensive help resources. Don’t hesitate to search for solutions or ask questions—the Linux community is generally welcoming to newcomers seeking to learn.​

Best Practices for Extended Windows 10 Use

If You Must Continue Using Windows 10

For users who cannot immediately upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to Linux, several practices can help mitigate security risks when using Windows 10 after end of support.​​

Enroll in Extended Security Updates: The ESU program provides an additional year of critical security patches, buying time for a more permanent solution. With free enrollment options available through OneDrive backup or Microsoft Rewards points, this protection is accessible to most users.​

Invest in Robust Third-Party Security Software: Reputable antivirus solutions from vendors like Bitdefender, Norton, Kaspersky, or Malwarebytes continue providing protection against malware and exploits even on unsupported operating systems. While these tools cannot patch operating system vulnerabilities, they detect and block many attacks before they reach the OS level. Bitdefender specifically announced continued support for Windows 10 through October 2026.​

Keep All Software Updated: Third-party applications, particularly web browsers and security software, will continue receiving updates after Windows 10 support ends. Modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge typically support older operating systems for several years beyond Microsoft’s support window, providing protection for web-based threats. Maintain regular update schedules for all installed software to benefit from security patches at the application level.​​

Practice Safe Computing Habits: The most effective security measure is vigilant user behavior. Avoid clicking suspicious email links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, only download software from official websites or trusted repositories, be cautious about which websites you visit, keep multiple backups of important data, use strong, unique passwords for different accounts, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.​

Limit Exposure: If possible, use your Windows 10 machine for limited, low-risk activities. Consider maintaining a newer, supported device for online banking, shopping, and handling sensitive information, while using the older Windows 10 system for offline tasks, basic productivity work, or media consumption.​​

Implement Network Segmentation: For users with multiple computers, consider isolating the Windows 10 machine on a separate network segment or VLAN to limit potential damage if it becomes compromised. This advanced approach prevents attackers from easily pivoting from a compromised Windows 10 system to other devices on your network.​

Regular Backup Regime: With increased security risks, maintaining current backups becomes even more critical. Implement automatic daily backups to external drives or cloud storage, ensuring you can recover from ransomware attacks or system failures. Test your backups periodically to verify they work correctly—untested backups are worthless in an emergency.​

Making Your Decision: A Practical Framework

Evaluating Your Specific Situation

Your ideal path forward depends on several factors unique to your circumstances. Consider these questions when making your decision:

Hardware Assessment: Is your current computer capable of running Windows 11 according to official requirements? If not, would it run well with a lightweight Linux distribution based on its age and specifications? Could a simple RAM upgrade or SSD installation extend its useful life?​

Software Requirements: Do you rely on specific Windows-only applications that have no suitable alternatives in Linux or web-based versions? Are your essential applications compatible with Windows 11 if you choose that upgrade path? Can your workflow adapt to Linux alternatives for common tasks?​

Budget Constraints: What is your financial capacity for new hardware or Windows 11 licenses? Is the $30 ESU program for Windows 10 a viable stopgap solution? Would investing in a modest SSD upgrade for an older computer running Linux be more cost-effective than replacing the entire system?​

Technical Comfort Level: How comfortable are you with troubleshooting technical issues independently? Are you willing to learn a new operating system interface and different software applications? Do you have access to technical help if needed, whether through friends, family, or online communities?​

Timeline and Urgency: Can you continue using Windows 10 for several months while planning a transition? Does your work or personal situation require immediate action due to security or compliance requirements? Do you have time to learn Linux gradually through dual-boot before fully switching?​​

Recommended Pathways

For Users with Windows 11-Compatible Hardware: If your computer meets Windows 11 requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 provides the most straightforward path to continued security and support. The free upgrade from Windows 10 eliminates licensing costs, and you’ll benefit from enhanced security features and continued support through at least 2031. Back up your data thoroughly before upgrading, and consider creating a full system image to enable rollback if you encounter issues.​

For Users with Borderline Hardware: If your computer nearly meets Windows 11 requirements, particularly lacking only TPM 2.0 or having a slightly old processor, the registry bypass or Rufus installation methods offer viable options. While unsupported by Microsoft, many users successfully run Windows 11 on technically incompatible hardware with acceptable performance. Consider this approach if you need Windows-specific software and cannot afford new hardware, but be prepared for potential update issues or system instability.​

For Users with Older Hardware and Basic Needs: If your computer cannot run Windows 11 and you primarily use it for web browsing, email, document editing, media consumption, and other common tasks, Linux presents an excellent opportunity to extend hardware life. Start with a dual-boot installation to familiarize yourself gradually, choosing user-friendly distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, or for very old hardware, Lubuntu or Linux Lite. Most users find that after a few weeks of adjustment, Linux fully meets their computing needs without the security concerns of unsupported Windows.​

For Users Requiring Specific Windows Software: If you absolutely need Windows-specific applications without suitable alternatives, your options include purchasing new Windows 11-compatible hardware, enrolling in the ESU program while saving for eventual upgrade, setting up a dual-boot system where you use Linux for most tasks but can boot into Windows 10 when necessary, or exploring Windows virtualization solutions on Linux for occasional Windows application use.​

For Budget-Conscious Users: Linux distributions are completely free, making them ideal for extending the life of older hardware without any software licensing costs. A lightweight distribution like Lubuntu or Xubuntu paired with a $30-50 SSD upgrade can transform an old, slow computer into a responsive, secure system suitable for several more years of use. This approach typically costs far less than purchasing new hardware or even Windows 11 licenses.​

Conclusion: Planning Your Transition

The end of Windows 10 support represents a significant transition moment, but it need not be a crisis. Whether you choose to upgrade to Windows 11, embrace Linux, or carefully continue using Windows 10 with appropriate precautions, understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions aligned with your specific needs, budget, and technical comfort level.

Windows 10 will continue functioning beyond its October 14, 2025 end-of-support date—your computer won’t suddenly stop working. However, the accumulating security risks make some form of action advisable within the next 6-12 months. The Extended Security Updates program provides breathing room through October 2026, but it’s explicitly designed as a bridge to migration, not a permanent solution.​

For many users with older hardware, Linux distributions like Ubuntu and its variants offer an outstanding opportunity to extend computer life by 3-5 years or more while maintaining security and functionality. The initial learning curve is modest—most users find Linux comfortable for everyday tasks within 2-4 weeks of regular use. The dual-boot option eliminates risk, letting you maintain Windows access while exploring Linux at your own pace.​

Start your transition planning now rather than waiting until security incidents force rushed decisions. Test Linux in a live session this week, back up your important data, research your specific software needs, and chart a realistic timeline for change. Whether that timeline ends with Windows 11, Linux, or a carefully managed extended Windows 10 use, early planning ensures a smooth transition that maintains your productivity and security.

The most important step is the first one: acknowledge that change is coming and begin exploring your options today. Your future computing experience—and the security of your data—will benefit from thoughtful preparation rather than reactive scrambling when security incidents inevitably increase in the months ahead.