Can I still use my Windows 10 after 2025?

Yes, you can still use Windows 10 after its official end-of-support date (October 14, 2025), but your PC will stop receiving crucial security updates, making it vulnerable to viruses and malware, so upgrading to Windows 11 or buying a new PC is highly recommended for safety. You can use an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a fee to get updates, or if your PC is eligible, upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

Can I continue to use Windows 10 after 2025?

Yes, you can still use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, but it will no longer receive free security updates, making it increasingly vulnerable to viruses and malware; your options are to upgrade to Windows 11 if eligible, pay for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, or use it offline/with a strong third-party antivirus. While the OS will function, the lack of security fixes is a significant risk, so upgrading or migrating to a supported system is highly recommended for continued online use. 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

Can I still upgrade my Windows 10 to 11 for free?

Yes, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still free for any PC that meets Windows 11's minimum hardware requirements (like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a supported processor), and you can check for the free offer through Windows Update (Settings > Update & Security) or by using Microsoft's PC Health Check app. Even if your PC isn't officially supported, you might still be able to install it using modified ISO files, but this carries risks as Microsoft doesn't guarantee updates or support for unsupported hardware. 
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

How much will it cost to use Windows 10 after 2025?

Individual users can extend support for one year, but will only receive critical security updates. Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025, but those who are not ready to make the leap to Windows 11 can pay $30 to stay on the company's aging OS.
Takedown request View complete answer on pcmag.com

Is Windows 11 really any better than Windows 10?

Windows 11 is better at processing background information meaning that you get a smoother experience of your computer. Less powerful devices, for example with less RAM or limited CPU power, will experience a boost in performance from Windows 11. Windows 11 is worth the update for most people.
Takedown request View complete answer on community.acer.com

☠ Windows 10 Is DEAD! What You NEED to Know Now!

Is Windows 12 out yet?

No, Windows 12 is not out yet; Microsoft has not officially announced it, and current focus is on major Windows 11 updates (like 24H2/25H2) with significant AI integration, with speculation pointing towards a potential late 2025 or 2026 release for a next-gen OS, possibly as a revamped Windows 11 or a new version, but nothing is confirmed. 
Takedown request View complete answer on pcmag.com

Why do people refuse to update to Windows 11?

People hesitate to upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, newer CPU) locking out older PCs, a lack of compelling new features, visual changes like the centered Taskbar and simplified Start Menu that disrupt established workflows, performance bugs, unwanted bloatware, and privacy concerns over increased data collection, with many feeling Windows 10 still works well and offers more customization. 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

Can I keep using Windows 10 forever?

No. Support for Windows 10 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after October 14, 2025, your computer running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. In addition, Microsoft customer service will no longer be available to provide Windows 10 technical support.
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

Is Windows 11 released officially?

Yes, Windows 11 is out; and has been available since October 5, 2021, as the current major version of Windows, offered as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and pre-installed on new computers, with ongoing updates like the recent 25H2 release;. 
Takedown request View complete answer on microsoft.com

How many people still use Windows 10 in 2025?

estimates that roughly 21 million people still own or use a Windows 10 computer. A September 2025 survey found that 26 per cent of these users plan to keep using it after support ends, even though that will leave their systems exposed to security risks and scams. The same pattern is visible in the business sector.
Takedown request View complete answer on justcomputersonline.co.uk

What is the downside to upgrading to Windows 11?

While Windows 11 offers exciting new features, it also introduces some potential challenges.
  • Hardware requirements. ...
  • Learning curve. ...
  • Compatibility issues. ...
  • Potential bugs and stability issues. ...
  • Cost of upgrade.
Takedown request View complete answer on asurion.com

Who is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11?

An existing Windows 10 device can be upgraded to Windows 11 if it meets the following criteria:
  • The device is running a currently supported version of Windows 10. ...
  • The device meets the minimum hardware specifications to run Windows 11.
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

Do you need to buy Windows 11 if you have Windows 10?

No, you generally don't need to buy Windows 11 if you have a compatible Windows 10 PC, as Microsoft offers a free upgrade, but your device must meet specific hardware requirements (like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot) to get the update through Windows Update; otherwise, you might need to buy a new PC or explore unsupported workarounds. 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

What happens if Windows 10 is no longer supported?

When Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, Microsoft stopped providing security updates, feature updates, and technical assistance, making devices vulnerable to new malware and attacks, though PCs still function but become less secure over time unless users upgrade to Windows 11, enroll in the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, or switch to another OS like Linux. 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

Is Windows 11 upgrade really free?

Yes, upgrading from a licensed Windows 10 to Windows 11 is officially free for compatible PCs, maintaining your Windows edition (Home to Home, Pro to Pro) and keeping your files, but you need to ensure your hardware meets minimum requirements by checking with the PC Health Check app or Windows Update. If your PC isn't officially supported, you might be able to use workarounds to install it, but Microsoft warns of potential issues with future updates, making it a riskier path. 
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

Will McAfee protect Windows 10 after October 2025?

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 10. This will mean Microsoft will not provide future security patches or updates. However, McAfee products will continue to function normally, and your subscription will remain active.
Takedown request View complete answer on mcafee.com

What happens if you don't upgrade to Windows 11 by October 2025?

If you decide not to upgrade to Windows 11 before October 14, 2025, your Windows 10 PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

Is Windows 12 coming out soon?

No, Windows 12 isn't coming out "soon"; Microsoft has shifted focus to major Windows 11 updates, like the AI-focused 24H2 (Codename Germanium) and upcoming 25H2, with many experts now predicting a potential Windows 12 release in late 2025 or 2026, or even later, as the company emphasizes AI features and NPU hardware, moving away from a strict 3-year cycle. 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

How much RAM do I need for Windows 11?

Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, but for a smooth experience with daily tasks and multitasking, 8 GB is generally recommended, with 16 GB or more being ideal for demanding applications, gaming, or heavy productivity, despite Microsoft's official minimum. 
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

What's better, Windows 11 or 10?

Yes, Windows 11 is generally considered better than Windows 10 for most users in 2025PCMag, offering a modern, consistent interface, better multitasking (Snap Layouts), enhanced security (TPM 2.0 default), improved gaming features (Auto HDR, DirectStorage), and longer support, though Windows 10 remains viable until its support ends in October 2025, with some users preferring its familiarity and older hardware compatibility. 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

Is Windows 11 officially released?

Yes, Windows 11 is out; and has been available since October 5, 2021, as the current major version of Windows, offered as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and pre-installed on new computers, with ongoing updates like the recent 25H2 release;. 
Takedown request View complete answer on microsoft.com

How much does it cost to upgrade to Windows 11?

Upgrading from a compatible Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 is free, with the cost only potentially coming from your internet provider if you have a metered connection and download a large amount of data. If your PC doesn't meet the minimum hardware requirements, you might need to buy a new PC, or potentially a Windows 11 license if you're upgrading from older Windows versions like Windows 7 (though it's best to upgrade to Win 10 first). 
Takedown request View complete answer on support.microsoft.com

What is the downside of Windows 11?

Windows 11's disadvantages often center on its strict hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, newer CPUs), a less flexible Taskbar and Start Menu compared to Windows 10 (like forced centering), mandatory Microsoft account sign-ins for some versions, privacy concerns with data collection, pre-installed bloatware, and some removed features like Timeline or easy tablet mode switching. Users also report bugs, performance issues, and difficulty with certain settings like disabling Defender or changing default apps easily.
 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

Is it better to stay on Windows 10?

You should upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 if possible for security and features, as support ended October 14, 2025, meaning no more updates, but you can keep using Windows 10 if needed, especially on older hardware, by taking extra security measures like strong antivirus and careful browsing, or by paying for Extended Security Updates (ESU) to get updates until 2027. 
Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

What percentage of people are still using Windows 10?

As of late 2025, Windows 10 still holds a significant share of the desktop market, hovering around 41-44% globally, even after Windows 11 surpassed it as the leading version; many users, especially in enterprises, are sticking with Windows 10 due to hardware constraints or cost, despite Microsoft ending free support in October 2025. While Windows 11 dominates with over 50% of the market, Windows 10 remains a very popular choice, with some reports indicating nearly a billion PCs still running it. 
Takedown request View complete answer on gs.statcounter.com

Previous question
Why is my HUGO BOSS logo backwards?
Next question
Can I email Nintendo support?