The end of Windows 10 is near. What should you do?
At the time of posting this article, There’s less than a week left for the official Windows 10 support, and we have to explore options to keep using our computers that won’t be able to upgrade to the relatively new version of the operating system, or options to use it with the least issues possible, as long as Windows updates keep working correctly.
Maybe I came a little too late to the party, keeping in mind the amount of articles by more professional media dedicated to the topic, and the little time remaining for the apocalypse, but still, I want to put my part, and leave my entirely personal opinion about what I think about the topic.
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The simplest option: Do nothing
Let’s be honest. The fact that Windows 10 is ending its support on October 14th 2025 doesn’t mean your computer is gonna explode in a million pieces (although if you ask me, it should). So, on the short and possible medium term, you will be able to keep using your current PC and system. Although by stopping receiving security updates, you will eventually expose yourself to viruses and attacks if your computer keeps being connected to the internet.
Pros
- You can keep using your computer as you have until now
- By not receiving updates, your system will not break so easily
Cons
- On the long run, some programs will not be compatible anymore
- You might be exposed to vulnerabilities that won’t be fixed
Dropping cash: Paying for extended support
The truth is that Windows 10 support won’t end its support just like that. And by the final stages of the end of support for previous Windows versions, the option to pay for extended support was also available. Although with Windows 10 this is different, because previously, this service was only available only for enterprises. And this time, is now open for the general public. Common people like you and me.
And there are various ways to access to the extended security updates, as detailed on its official page, which includes a free option in exchange of syncing your computer configurations. And if you chose not to sync your data, you’re given the option to pay USD$30 for a year of security updates or use your Microsoft Rewards (Do someone use those things?) to redeem it.
Pros
- You get security updates legally, without feature modifications
- If you don’t want (or can’t) pay with money, is not strictly obligatory
Cons
- Depending the software you use, the compatibility is still not guaranteed
- If you don’t pay with money, you pay with your data
Serious mode: Installing Windows 10 Enterprise
And besides, it’s not that the only version of Windows 10 is the commercial version for the end user. There’s also a specific version for medium enterprises and PC manufacturers. It’s not for everyone, but as I have listed with another examples, it has its advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing is that is a trimmed down version of the system that doesn’t require a Microsoft account to install it, and it will have security support until 2032. And although to use it legally you must acquire a license, these are really cheap. The only but is that Microsoft doesn’t offer the licenses directly on its website, so you’ll have to find resellers
Pros
- System without preinstalled applications, which might improve performance and boot time
- More stable updates during seven more years after the official commercial support
- Includes features normally not offered to the end user, but that you might take advantage of
Cons
- You will have to reinstall your system from scratch, which implies a possible loss of settings and customizations (data backup suggested)
- Doesn’t include Microsoft Store to download apps easily
- Installing features such as the mentioned store, Cortana or media apps is not as easy, and requires PowerShell commands
- Finding a license for a reasonable price is not as easy, because there’s not a centralized place to find one
Because I say so: Forcing Windows 11 installation
The fact that you can’t upgrade to Windows 11 because Windows 10 is not allowing it from Windows Update doesn’t mean you can’t make a clean Windows 11 install. There are programs to make full installation media that avoid the system requirement verification during installation, such as Rufus, or even going further, using Tiny11 Builder to create a trimmed down version of Windows 11 that removes almost all the bloatware.
Pros
- You’ll have the latest features at the moment you install the system
- You might be able to update your programs to the latest version, for example, Office
- In the case of Tiny11, you’ll have a light but functional system
Cons
- By not being official installation methods, you may not be eligible to automatically update to the latest biannual versions. Which forces you to do the process manually
- You may encounter performance issues if your computer is not that modern.
Upgrading everything: Getting a new PC
If you have thought about getting a new PC (like I have), this may be the perfect time to do it, if you have the funds. That’s because almost any PC sold by any commercial retailer, and most of the refurbished PCs might come with Windows 11 preinstalled, or with the option to upgrade. So, if you have the funds, why not? There are lots of devices with varied prices and technical specs that may come with the system, which may adapt to your needs.
Pros
- By having a new device, it can last several years with the proper care and maintenance
- If it comes with Windows 11 preinstalled, you won’t even have to put any effort
Cons
- You might contribute to technologic trash generation, which damages the environment
- Speaking money-wise, this is the most damaging choice for your wallet if you don’t plan your spending
Long life recycling: Installing alternative operating systems
This whole article up to this point has been written as if Windows was the only alternative, but what if it isn’t? Well… actually is not. There are several operating systems really different from Windows that can be installed for free, and in the best case scenario, they can even give a second life to your old device you have stored somewhere.
Pros
- You avoid technologic trash generation
- You don’t have to get a new device
Cons
- You might need technical knowledge to install one of these systems
- Different interfaces to what you’re used to use, which may present a learning curve
- Software availability may be limited or be different, so, some of your preferred software might need alternatives, or not be available at all
There are different operating systems out there, with different purposes, sizes, colors and flavors. Like FreeBSD, Hurd, Kolibri, ReactOS, TempleOS or Haiku. But for simplicity purposes for this article (and because these are rather unknown and/or unstable), I’m going to center on two operating systems more known and relatively easy: Chrome OS and Linux.
The easiest option: Chrome OS
Chrome OS is a light and cloud-oriented operating system which uses Google Chrome as its main interface. I had the opportunity to work with it in one of my previous jobs, and honestly, it works pretty well, so now that Google is giving support to a variant to be installed outside of Chromebooks called Chrome OS Flex, it might be worth it to install on your current PC.
Pros
- Lightweight system
- Easy installation and setup
- Compatibility with Linux apps
- You don’t really need much technical knowledge to use it
Cons
- By being cloud-oriented, many of its apps may depend on an Internet connection
- Creating the installation media may be somewhat complex
- Differently from the version for Chromebooks, the Flex version doesn’t allow you to install apps from the Play Store
If you like to tinker: Linux
It’s not a secret to anybody who either reads me here or follows me on my social media that Linux has been my preferred operating system for several years, and particularly I’ve been using it since 2011, and I fully recommend it to lots of people. And since then, the usage of this system has become more friendly than what already was in that time. But the truth is that it’s not for everyone, because it does require more technical knowledge to solve potential issues with programs or some hardware.
One of the main advantages is that there are several variants, known as distributions, which can adapt to your liking and needs. From those oriented to beginners which even mimic the appearance of Windows or MacOS, to the minimalist ones which you can build from scratch, like Arch or Gentoo. Although to begin, I personally recommend Linux Mint XFCE to try and see if you like it, or check other distribution with other environments, like KDE Neon, Elementary or Zorin.
Besides, with the Wine app, you can add a compatibility layer for Windows apps that can make some easy apps work. Although it may not work with every software. That said, Steam uses a Wine variant for compatibility with some of its games, called Proton.
Pros
- Several distributions that can be adapted to you
- You can give a second life for at least three more years to your PC, and even get more performance to your new PC
- Highly customizable
Cons
- The massive amount of distributions may be overwhelming
- Not every windows app is compatible with Wine (particularly Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud)
- It requires technical knowledge (or willingness to learn) to be able to solve issues
- There may not be alternatives convincing enough to replace your usual programs
- Too recent PCs may not have proper support for a few months
Conclusion
The end of official support of Windows 10 doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the world. There are ways to keep using your current PCs or modernize your equipment to keep having a working computer. So we’re not out of options. And now that you have this options in detail, which path are you gonna take?