Thanks for another informative piece, Paul. I unfortunately learned the one password for many accounts lesson the hard way. The two-system authentication is a good reminder that the extra step IS like locking your door at night. Happy December and all good wishes and goodwill.
Microsoft isn't requiring an upgrade, but they're stopping support for Windows 10. This includes ceasing security dates.
You can keep using a Windows 10 PC for a while, but you’ll want to reduce your exposure to online threats and, if possible, take advantage of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates or other safety steps.
Option 1: Get Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft now offers a Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers that continues critical security patches for at least one extra year after October 14, 2025.
You enroll from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, where eligible PCs will show an “Extended Security Updates” or “ESU” enrollment option; the consumer ESU runs through October 13, 2026 and focuses only on critical and important security fixes, not new features.
Option 2: Lock down a non‑ESU Windows 10 PC
If ESU isn’t affordable or available, treat the PC as “high‑risk” and limit what you do with it online. Good practices include:
Use a reputable third‑party security suite, keep your browser and apps (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, LibreOffice, etc.) fully updated, and uninstall software you do not need.
Avoid sensitive tasks (banking, taxes, medical portals) on that machine; reserve those for a more up‑to‑date device such as a phone or tablet, and use the Windows 10 PC mainly for offline work, basic web browsing on trusted sites, or local apps.
Option 3: Stretch current hardware creatively
Some “unsupported” PCs can technically run Windows 11 via workarounds (such as enabling TPM (a Trusted Platform Module which is a chip) in firmware or minor registry tweaks), though Microsoft does not guarantee updates on such systems and this is best for advanced users who accept the risk. This is WAY technical - beyond me.
Another budget‑friendly path is to keep the current hardware but plan a future switch to a lighter operating system (like a user‑friendly Linux distribution) when Windows 10 feels too risky; this can extend the life of older PCs at no license cost, though it comes with a learning curve.
In the near term, focus on: getting at least that one extra ESU year if you can, maintaining good backups, tightening security settings, and moving your most sensitive activities to a fully supported device.
Over the next 1–2 years, plan and budget for either a replacement Windows 11 PC or a migration strategy (such as Chromebook, tablet, or Linux) so you are not rushed into a purchase when the security risk becomes too high for comfort.
Some really good advice in this article. Good reminder about using different passwords which I didn’t use to do.
The only way that works for me is using a password manager. Thank goodness they exist.
Thanks for another informative piece, Paul. I unfortunately learned the one password for many accounts lesson the hard way. The two-system authentication is a good reminder that the extra step IS like locking your door at night. Happy December and all good wishes and goodwill.
I hate two-step authentication in the same way that I hate taking bitter medicine.
Both are good for us and I willingly use and take both.
Hey Paul, do you have any advice for those of us who won't be affording to replace a Windows 10 computer with new hardware right away?
Can you tell me what prompted your question? That might help me with an answer.
I assume that the required upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 has to do with security.
Microsoft isn't requiring an upgrade, but they're stopping support for Windows 10. This includes ceasing security dates.
You can keep using a Windows 10 PC for a while, but you’ll want to reduce your exposure to online threats and, if possible, take advantage of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates or other safety steps.
Option 1: Get Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft now offers a Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers that continues critical security patches for at least one extra year after October 14, 2025.
You enroll from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, where eligible PCs will show an “Extended Security Updates” or “ESU” enrollment option; the consumer ESU runs through October 13, 2026 and focuses only on critical and important security fixes, not new features.
Option 2: Lock down a non‑ESU Windows 10 PC
If ESU isn’t affordable or available, treat the PC as “high‑risk” and limit what you do with it online. Good practices include:
Use a reputable third‑party security suite, keep your browser and apps (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, LibreOffice, etc.) fully updated, and uninstall software you do not need.
Avoid sensitive tasks (banking, taxes, medical portals) on that machine; reserve those for a more up‑to‑date device such as a phone or tablet, and use the Windows 10 PC mainly for offline work, basic web browsing on trusted sites, or local apps.
Option 3: Stretch current hardware creatively
Some “unsupported” PCs can technically run Windows 11 via workarounds (such as enabling TPM (a Trusted Platform Module which is a chip) in firmware or minor registry tweaks), though Microsoft does not guarantee updates on such systems and this is best for advanced users who accept the risk. This is WAY technical - beyond me.
Another budget‑friendly path is to keep the current hardware but plan a future switch to a lighter operating system (like a user‑friendly Linux distribution) when Windows 10 feels too risky; this can extend the life of older PCs at no license cost, though it comes with a learning curve.
In the near term, focus on: getting at least that one extra ESU year if you can, maintaining good backups, tightening security settings, and moving your most sensitive activities to a fully supported device.
Over the next 1–2 years, plan and budget for either a replacement Windows 11 PC or a migration strategy (such as Chromebook, tablet, or Linux) so you are not rushed into a purchase when the security risk becomes too high for comfort.