A recent visit to our “hospital” on Elm Street revealed a common scenario: a customer brought in a perfectly functional Dell laptop. It powered on, checked emails, printed documents without a hitch. However, the underlying issue was that it was running Windows 10, which lost its mainstream support from Microsoft last October.
“So what?” she remarked. “It still works.”
Indeed, she had a point. The laptop didn’t magically stop functioning on October 15, 2025. It still boots up, browses the web, and even plays solitaire. Yet, the crucial aspect to consider is that Microsoft has ceased patching security vulnerabilities unless users take specific actions. This situation can be likened to driving a well-performing car that lacks airbags and has unreliable brakes. While the engine may run smoothly, the safety net is no longer in place.
Understanding Your Options
So, what are your options moving forward? There are three viable paths to consider, with a fourth option being “do nothing and hope,” which we do not recommend.
- Option one: Upgrade to Windows 11. This upgrade is free if your PC meets the necessary requirements. However, many computers manufactured before 2019 may not support Windows 11 due to a security chip called TPM 2.0. Microsoft provides a free “PC Health Check” app that can quickly determine if your machine qualifies. If it does, the upgrade process is straightforward. If it doesn’t, while workarounds exist, they are not the most advisable route.
- Option two: Purchase a new or refurbished PC. While this may not be the most appealing option, if your computer is six or seven years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Recently, we transitioned a long-time customer from a non-functional Windows 10 machine to a refurbished Lenovo laptop running Windows 11 for under 5, which included file migration and Microsoft account setup. The process is often less daunting than anticipated, especially when handled by professionals.
- Option three: Enroll in extended security updates. Microsoft offers three ways to access this program. You may qualify at no additional cost if you are syncing your PC settings with a Microsoft account. Alternatively, you can redeem 1,000 Microsoft rewards points or pay a one-time fee of . This program will be available until October 2027. While it serves as a temporary solution, it is important to remember that you will eventually need to upgrade to a new PC or Windows 11.
As a precaution, it’s important to be aware of potential scams. Since the October deadline, we have observed an increase in fraudulent “Microsoft” popups and phone calls claiming that Windows 10 is “expired” and demanding payment for reactivation or remote access to fix the issue. This is misinformation; Microsoft will never contact you unexpectedly or request remote access due to an expired operating system. If you encounter such a popup, close it immediately, and if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, hang up.
The simplest way to assess your situation is to click the start button, type “PC Health Check,” and download the app from Microsoft. Running it will provide clarity: if your PC can run Windows 11, that’s excellent news. If it cannot, it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement or consider enrolling in the extended updates.
Technology need not be intimidating; it simply requires staying current. Should you have any uncertainties regarding your PC’s status or encounter difficulties with the “PC Health Check” app, feel free to schedule an appointment with us, or visit your trusted computer technician. We believe in healthy competition!
If your computer is still operating on Windows 10, there’s no need for alarm—just don’t ignore the situation.
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
