For millions of teams, the calendar marks a before and after: with the Windows 10 end of support It's time to decide what to do with your PC. The system will continue to boot as usual, but it will no longer receive critical patches, opening the door to vulnerabilities that will accumulate over time.
Given this situation, there are several solutions, and not all of them involve changing computers. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU), upgrading to Windows 11 if your hardware allows it, and, for those who prefer another route, alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. It's best to choose wisely and do so before the risks increase.
What changes with the end of support
From the official date, Microsoft stops publishing Security updates, bug patches, and technical support for the average user. The system won't crash or stop working, but it will operate without the fixes that correct new threats, which in the medium term could translate into Security breaches, malware, and lack of compatibility.
At the corporate level, the company maintains continuity channels through the program ESU for companies, which adds patches for up to three more years. For homes, there is an additional year of ESU with different access modalities, while long-cycle editions, such as LTSC Enterprise o LTSC IoT, retain support beyond the standard editions if properly licensed.
ESU: This is how you can continue receiving patches
TAI-certified Extended Security Updates is the official way to continue being protected on Windows 10 after the end of support. In the European Economic AreaMicrosoft has enabled free registration for individual users, with a guided process from the system settings itself.
Prerequisites: Your PC must be running Windows 10 22H2 and use a Microsoft account with administrator permissions. In some cases, the option appears gradually, so it may take a while to reach all devices.
- Opens Settings > Windows Update and look for the end of support notice with the link to ESU.
- The wizard offers three ways: backup with Windows Backup/OneDrive (free option), redeem 1.000 Microsoft Rewards points o direct payment.
- Outside the EEA, access typically costs approximately $ 30 (in some cases it is shown 25 €), in addition to the free options with Backup or Rewards.
- To maintain the free benefit, Microsoft requires log in periodically (for example, every 60 days) with your Microsoft account.
If the wizard doesn't appear, don't panic: Microsoft is rolling out the feature in phases, and in the meantime, you can manually check that you have it. Windows 10 22H2 fully updated from Windows Update history.
Upgrading to Windows 11: Paths and Pitfalls
The natural alternative is to take the leap to Windows 11, provided the computer meets the requirements (TPM 2.0, secure boot, compatible CPU, among others). In recent days, Microsoft has acknowledged a specific flaw in the Media Creation Tool which prevents some users from creating the installation USB from Windows 10, an unfortunate stumble in the middle of the countdown.
While it is being corrected, there are two equally valid routes: download the Official Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website and run the setup.exe for a clean installation, or use an external tool such as Rufus to prepare the bootable USB with the system image.
Please note that installing Windows 11 requires Internet connection and Microsoft account in the initial wizard. The company has gone closing shortcuts to create local accounts during setup, which complicates this approach on disconnected computers. Alternative methods still exist, but may change with new builds.
Other alternatives if you can't (or don't want to) migrate now
If you'd rather not continue on unsupported Windows 10 and your hardware doesn't support Windows 11, you can consider a alternate operating system. The distributions of Linux most popular (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, among others) offer a modern experience, and Chrome OS Flex It is a lightweight option to breathe new life into veteran teams.
In enterprise environments with specific licenses, editions of Windows 10 LTSC They have longer support windows than the traditional Home/Pro edition. It's a valid path only if you meet the licensing requirements and IT governance, not a general path for individuals.
The real scope: millions of devices involved
Still today, a very relevant part of the computer park The world is running Windows 10, including many computers in SMEs and governments. This inertia explains the urgency of taking action: without patches, the number of internal support costs and the risk of security incidents.
Various analyses warn that a poorly planned migration can affect employee productivity and the digital experience. Identifying which devices are moving to Windows 11, validating applications, and anticipating incidents is key to avoiding setbacks. Suppliers and technology partners already offer transition services and temporary patches to cover the gap while migrating.
The end of the Windows 10 era doesn't mean you have to retire your computer right away: between ESUWhether you're planning a successful upgrade or adopting other systems, there's room to stay protected and operational, as long as you act early and have a clear strategy.