Windows 10 Support Ended: 5 Options for Older PCs
Windows 10 Support Ended: 5 Options for Older PCs
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-windows-10-support-ended-5-options/
Publish Date: 2026-06-05 13:32:00
Source Domain: www.techrepublic.com
A Windows 10 PC that cannot run on Windows 11 is not automatically junk. But it does need a plan.
Regular Windows 10 support ended on Oct. 14, 2025, leaving older PCs without standard security updates, feature updates, or technical assistance. Google’s $3 ChromeOS Flex USB kit reportedly sold out within a month, which suggests some users want practical ways to keep aging PCs useful.
For Windows 10 users whose hardware does not meet Windows 11 requirements, the best next step may involve ESU, ChromeOS Flex, Linux, repurposing, or replacement.
1. Confirm the Windows 11 upgrade is really blocked
Before giving up on the PC, check what’s preventing the Windows 11 upgrade. In some cases, the hardware is not the issue. A setting may simply need to change.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements include TPM 2.0, Secure Boot support, a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage.
Some machines fail the upgrade check because Secure Boot is disabled or firmware settings need attention. Others fail because the processor or TPM does not meet Microsoft’s requirements. Users may fix the first problem through firmware settings, while the second usually means the PC is outside Microsoft’s supported Windows 11 path.
2. Use ESU to buy more time
If the PC still works well, Extended Security Updates may give users more breathing room. Microsoft said Windows 10 PCs “will continue to function” after support ends, but warned that devices without ongoing updates face a greater risk of viruses and malware.
For consumers, Microsoft says users can enroll in ESU by syncing PC settings, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying $30. ESU buys time through October 13, 2026, but it does not make Windows 10 a long-term answer.
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3. Try ChromeOS Flex
ChromeOS Flex may work for an older PC that mostly handles browsing, email, documents, streaming, and video calls. Google’s $3 ChromeOS Flex USB kit is currently sold out,…
