Microsoft has officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, patches, or technical support. This end-of-life milestone means now is the time to start planning your next steps—whether that’s upgrading to Windows 11 or considering hardware changes to stay secure and up to date.
What Does End of Support Mean?
Once Windows 10 reaches its end of support, Microsoft will stop releasing:
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Security updates to protect against the latest threats
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Bug fixes and system stability improvements
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Technical support for issues or troubleshooting
Continuing to use Windows 10 beyond this date puts your system at risk of malware, compatibility problems, and software vulnerabilities. For businesses, it can also pose compliance risks.
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
The natural upgrade path for most users is Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system. Released in October 2021, Windows 11 brings a refreshed interface, performance improvements, and stronger security requirements.
However, not all devices running Windows 10 are eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11.
Key Requirements for Windows 11:
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64-bit processor (Windows 11 does not support 32-bit CPUs)
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4GB RAM or more
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64GB storage or more
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TPM 2.0 chip
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UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
What is TPM 2.0?
A TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip is a security component built into newer motherboards. It enables advanced security features like:
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Hardware-based encryption
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Secure credential storage
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Protection against firmware attacks
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 to take full advantage of these features, which improve system integrity and help protect your data.
If your PC doesn’t have a TPM 2.0 chip, you may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11 without purchasing a new device or compatible motherboard.
64-bit Only: What It Means for Compatibility
Windows 11 is a 64-bit-only operating system, meaning:
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It does not support 32-bit processors
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It will not run 32-bit versions of programs or legacy plug-ins that were compatible with Windows 10
Before upgrading, you should review your software and hardware (such as printers, scanners, or specialized tools) to ensure compatibility with Windows 11.
Option 2: Continue Using Windows 10 (Not Recommended)
While you can technically continue using Windows 10 after October 2025, doing so comes with serious risks:
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No protection from newly discovered security threats
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Increasing software incompatibility
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Growing lack of support from third-party developers and services
Option 3: Consider New Hardware
If your current device doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, you may need to purchase a new computer. Fortunately, most new PCs sold today are Windows 11-ready and include TPM 2.0 chips by default.
When shopping for a new device, be sure to check:
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Processor compatibility
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TPM 2.0 support
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Driver availability for essential accessories
Final Thoughts
With the clock ticking down to October 2025, it’s important to start evaluating your upgrade path now. Whether you’re an individual user or managing a fleet of business machines, planning ahead will help you avoid disruption and stay secure in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
If you’re unsure whether your device can run Windows 11, Microsoft offers a free PC Health Check tool to help you determine compatibility.
Need help upgrading or exploring your options? Contact MC Services at 262-522-6950 to ensure a smooth transition.
