To all Windows 10 users, mark your calendars for the 14th of October 2025! This is a crucial date as it marks the official end of life for Windows 10. After this day, Microsoft will cease to provide security updates, technical assistance, or new features.

What Are These "Security Updates" Anyway? 🤔

Windows utilises "security updates" to protect against vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system.  

These security updates or ‘patches' address newly discovered vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may try to exploit. In short, if you don't apply these updates, your system becomes more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. 

Is Your PC Ready for Windows 11?✅

Not all computers are compatible. Why? Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, particularly concerning TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. These terms refer to advanced security features integrated directly into your computer's hardware. They are designed to protect your PC from sophisticated, low-level attacks.

To determine if your Windows 10 PC is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, you can check either by accessing your Windows 10 Settings or by using Microsoft’s PC Health Check App.  

Here are some instructions on how to do both:

Method 1 - Check your Windows 10 Settings

• Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Look for an option that says "Check for updates" or a banner related to "Windows 11 eligibility." Click on it for more details.

Method 2 - the PC Health Check App:

To determine the compatibility of your current Windows 10 PC, Microsoft has a free tool called the PC Health Check app.  

Here's how to use it:

1. Click on the Windows button on your taskbar and type "PC Health Check"
2. You should then see PC Health Check (App) appear in the results
3. Open the application.
4. Click the "Check now" button located under the "Introducing Windows 11" section.
5. If the App does not appear in your search results, you can download it here and then follow steps 1-4

Microsoft have further notes on how to use this application here

Should I update to Windows 11?❓

If your PC is not compatible with Windows 11, or if you prefer to continue using Windows 10, you can do so after 14th October 2025. However, this decision does bring with it a risk from a security perspective and other ‘cons’ you may want to consider:

• Security Risk: This is the most critical thing to consider. Without regular security updates, your computer will become increasingly vulnerable to viruses, malware, and attempted hacks. Cybercriminals actively seek and exploit these unpatched weaknesses.
• No Technical Support: Should an issue arise with Windows 10 after the deadline, Microsoft will no longer provide free technical support to assist you.
• Software Incompatibility: Over time, new software and even updates to your existing programs may cease to function correctly on an unsupported Windows 10, as software developers prioritise support for the latest operating system.

To be clear, continuing to operate an unsupported operating system does pose a risk that could jeopardise your valuable data and privacy. 

Important Note - If the option to update to Windows 11 is available to you and you decide to proceed, we strongly advise backing up important files before doing so. 

Will Antivirus Software Protect an Unsupported Windows 10 PC? 🛡️

Many users rely on antivirus software for protection, and rightly so – it's an essential tool for digital security. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations when your underlying operating system, like Windows 10, is no longer receiving security updates.

Antivirus software acts like a security guard for your computer. It can detect and remove known viruses and malware, block suspicious websites, and warn you about potential threats.

However, antivirus software cannot fully compensate for a lack of operating system updates. Here's why:

• Operating System Vulnerabilities: Security updates from Microsoft patch vulnerabilities within the Windows operating system itself. These are deep-seated weaknesses that antivirus software isn't designed to fix.
• "Zero-Day" Exploits: New, undiscovered vulnerabilities (often called "zero-day" exploits) are constantly being found. When Microsoft stops providing updates, these new holes in Windows 10 will remain open, even if your antivirus is up-to-date.
• Reduced Effectiveness Over Time: As more vulnerabilities in Windows 10 become publicly known and remain unpatched, the job of antivirus software becomes increasingly complex.

While having a good antivirus program is always recommended, it cannot eliminate the fundamental risks associated with running Windows 10 after its end-of-life support has expired.

My Computer is not Windows 11 compatible… 🤔

Microsoft acknowledges that not all users can upgrade immediately. Therefore, they have the option to facilitate this transition through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program

This is the official method for continuing to receive security updates for Windows 10, but it is a temporary solution that will only last for one year.

What it covers: The program exclusively provides "critical and important" security updates. It does not include new features, non-security fixes, or general technical support.

How do I enrol on the ESU program?

• You can check whether this option is available to you by clicking on Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• You should then see an option similar to the one below: