Your computer keeps working, but support ends on a date
If you don't update to Windows 11, your computer will continue to run Windows 10 until Microsoft stops supporting it. Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will no longer release security patches, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10 — but your machine won't stop working or lock you out.
This doesn't mean your computer becomes unusable overnight. It means you stop receiving the monthly security updates that patch newly discovered vulnerabilities. The longer you go without updates after support ends, the more exposed your system becomes to malware, ransomware, and data theft. Your files won't disappear, your programs won't vanish, and you can still use your computer — but you're operating without the safety net Microsoft provides.
The real risk depends on how you use your computer. If you browse the web, check email, or handle financial information, the danger is significant. If your machine sits offline and runs only local programs, the risk is lower — but still present if you ever connect to the internet.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025, after which no new security updates will be released.
- Your computer will continue to function after support ends, but vulnerabilities discovered after that date will never be patched.
- The longer you use an unsupported system, the higher your risk of malware infection, ransomware attacks, and identity theft.
- Updating to Windows 11 requires checking your hardware first, as older computers may not meet the system requirements.
- If your computer cannot run Windows 11, you have options: buy a new device, use a different operating system, or accept the risks of an unsupported system.
Security vulnerabilities pile up without patches
Every month, security researchers discover flaws in Windows that could let attackers break in. Microsoft releases patches on the second Tuesday of each month to fix these flaws. When Windows 10 support ends, these monthly patches stop coming.
Attackers know this date. They will continue to find new vulnerabilities in Windows 10 after October 2025, and they will exploit them because they know Microsoft won't patch them. Your antivirus software can catch some threats, but it cannot protect you from a vulnerability that nobody has discovered yet — and it cannot protect you from a vulnerability that Microsoft has already discovered but refuses to patch because you're using an unsupported system.
The risk is not theoretical. Older versions of Windows that lost support — like Windows 7 — continued to be targeted by attackers for years after support ended. Ransomware gangs specifically scan for machines running unsupported Windows versions because they know those machines are easier to break into.
Your programs may stop working as websites change
Windows 10 itself will keep running, but the web is always changing. Websites update their security standards, browsers release new versions, and software developers stop supporting old systems. If you stay on Windows 10, you may find that newer versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge eventually stop working on your machine.
Banks, government websites, and financial services often require the latest browser security features. If your browser can no longer update, you may be locked out of these services. Email clients, cloud storage apps, and other software you rely on will eventually stop receiving updates too.
This happens gradually, not all at once. Some programs will stop working within a year of Windows 10 support ending. Others may work for several more years. But the trend is one direction: fewer programs, fewer updates, fewer services available to you.
Checking whether your computer can run Windows 11
Before you decide to update, you need to know if your hardware can run Windows 11. Microsoft has specific requirements: a processor from roughly 2017 or newer, at least 4 gigabytes of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than an older hard drive. Many computers from 2015 to 2019 do not meet these requirements, even if they run Windows 10 fine.
The easiest way to check is to read the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft's website. Run it on your computer, and it will tell you whether your machine meets Windows 11 requirements. If it does, you can update. If it doesn't, you have three paths forward.
If your computer fails the check, do not assume you cannot update. Some older processors are actually compatible but not on Microsoft's official list. You can attempt the update anyway, though Microsoft will not support you if something breaks. Many people do this successfully, but it is not recommended if you are not comfortable troubleshooting on your own.
What to do if your computer cannot run Windows 11
If your hardware genuinely cannot run Windows 11, you have three realistic options. The first is to buy a new computer. This is the safest path, but also the most expensive. A basic Windows 11 laptop costs between $300 and $600, and a desktop costs similar amounts.
The second option is to switch to a different operating system. Linux is free and runs on older hardware. It works well for email, web browsing, and office documents, but some specialized programs and games do not run on Linux. If you are willing to learn a new system and your programs are compatible, this can extend the life of your current machine.
The third option is to accept the risk and keep using Windows 10. This is not recommended for machines that connect to the internet, but some people do it anyway — usually because they cannot afford a new computer or because they use specialized software that only runs on Windows 10. If you choose this path, you should at least run antivirus software, avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders, and never enter passwords or financial information on unsecured websites.
The timeline: when things actually change
October 14, 2025 is when Microsoft stops releasing patches. That is the hard important date. Before that date, you have time to plan. After that date, the clock starts ticking on your security.
In the weeks before October 2025, Microsoft will send notifications to Windows 10 machines reminding you to update. You can ignore these, but they will become more frequent and more insistent as the date approaches. After October 2025, you will not receive any more notifications because Microsoft will no longer be maintaining Windows 10.
The danger does not spike when ready on October 15. Your computer will not suddenly become infected. But with each passing month, the number of unpatched vulnerabilities grows, and the likelihood that one of them will be exploited against you increases. Security researchers estimate that the risk becomes serious within six months to a year of support ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my computer stop working on October 14, 2025?
No. Your computer will continue to work exactly as it does now. Windows 10 will not shut down, lock you out, or delete your files. The only change is that you will stop receiving security updates from Microsoft.
Can I keep using Windows 10 if I don't connect to the internet?
Yes, an offline computer is much safer. If your machine never connects to the internet, the risk of malware infection drops dramatically. However, most people need internet access for email, banking, or work, which brings the risk back.
Will antivirus software protect me if I don't update to Windows 11?
Antivirus software helps, but it cannot protect you from vulnerabilities that Microsoft has not patched. It works best against known threats, not against new exploits that attackers develop after Windows 10 support ends.
What if I update to Windows 11 and my programs stop working?
Most programs that run on Windows 10 also run on Windows 11. If a program stops working after you update, you can usually find a newer version that is compatible. In rare cases, you may need to use a different program or run the old one in compatibility mode.
Is there any way to get Windows 11 for free if my computer doesn't meet the requirements?
Microsoft does not offer a free upgrade path for computers that do not meet Windows 11 requirements. You can attempt to install it anyway, but Microsoft will not support you if problems occur. Your other option is to buy a new computer or switch to a different operating system.