Windows 10 Computers End of Life October 14th 2025

Don't dispose of your Windows 10 End of Life PC without checking out these options:

Option 1: Upgrade your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 free of charge.

You MAY be able to continue using your Windows 10 PC, as you have the option, if:

• You are using version Windows 10 version 22H2
• You have the appropriate hardware specifications to upgrade.

You can see if you're eligible on your PC by going to Start > Settings > Update and security > Windows update > and then select :Check for updates.

If you are not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, then you may still have an option to purchase the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

Home and Personal Computers - Security Updates for 1 year only

This can protect your Windows 10 device for up to a year after 14th of October 2025 with a maximum expiry date of October 13th 2026 and costs $30 or equivalent.

NB: To join the ESU program your computer running Windows 10 must once again be version 22H2 with KB5046613, or a later update installed.

Commercial or Educational Windows 10 Pc’s can qualify for ESU with 3 year support. 

You qualify if your PC belongs to a commercial or educational organisation and you have: 

• Windows 10, version 22H2 with KB5046613, or a later update installed
• Administrative privileges on the device.

For more information on Windows 10 ESU go to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates

Windows 10 will still work - at your own risk

As of 14th of October 2025 Windows 10, will still work but you won't be able to get any technical support for Windows 10, or Microsoft 365 Applications, nor will you get software updates, or security updates or fixes, which can leave you vulnerable to viruses and malware.

I can't upgrade to Windows 11 or get Extended security updates - What can I do?

Save your data

The first thing to do prior to the 14th October 2025 deadline is to make sure your pc is up to date with the most recent version of Windows 10.
The latest version of Windows 10 has Windows Back Up installed allowing you to back up your data to your account on Microsoft OneDrive in the cloud.

This will allow you to access that data on your next Windows 11 PC.

Prior to taking a back up, check you have the latest security updates as well and then do an anti virus scan.

Recycling your Windows 10 EOL PC

Does it have any residual value?
Check if you  can get a cost reduction on your new Windows 11 PC by handing it in to the vendor.

Failing that please look at recycling opportunities and help the environment.

RCS Recycling Ltd recycle pc's and at the same time ensures that the data that you have backed up to the cloud is not going to be accessed from the hard drive of your Windows 10 pc.

We don't wipe or reformat your hard drive, we utterly destroy it ensuring that your personal and business data is erased.  

We provide certification to that effect in line with GDPR regulations, observing our legal obligations and exercising our duty of care as an Environment Agency registered Waste Carrier, Broker or Dealer.

See how recycling your computer really does help the environment, public health, contributes to a circular economy and reduces the consumption of finite raw materials.