If you're still on Windows 10, the free Extended Security Updates for home users end on October 13, 2026, and there's no further extension for home users. (If you're reading this after that date, it has already happened.) This is the practical follow-up to my main Windows 10 post: a plan, not a panic.
First, don't panic
Your computer won't stop working, and nothing will happen overnight. What changes is that new security holes found in Windows 10 stay open. That risk grows slowly over months, not hours, which gives you time to decide properly. It doesn't give you time to ignore it forever.
Step 1: find out if you can upgrade to Windows 11
If your computer meets the requirements, the upgrade is free and keeps your files and programs. The Windows 11 checker takes about five minutes, and my upgrade guide walks through the rest. This is the best outcome for most people.
Step 2: if it can't upgrade, choose one of three paths
- Replace it. If it's old, slow and the repairs would cost half of a new one, a replacement makes sense. My repair or replace guide gives you a straight answer, and buying a laptop in Portugal covers what to look for.
- Change the system. If the computer still runs well, a free system like Linux Mint or ChromeOS Flex can give old hardware years of safe use. It's a different system, so it takes a little getting used to, but for email, browsing and documents it works well.
- Keep Windows 10 for a short time, carefully. It's a stopgap, and the tips below make it less risky.
If you keep Windows 10 for now
- Keep your browser, antivirus and apps updated. Browsers get their own updates, which helps, but it doesn't fix the system underneath.
- Leave Windows Security switched on (see do you need antivirus?).
- Do your banking on your phone rather than on the old computer, where you can.
- Use a standard (non-administrator) account for daily use, and never install cracked software.
- Be extra suspicious of email attachments, downloads and unknown links.
- Set a date to move on, so "for now" doesn't become "forever".
Want a second opinion?
Every computer is different. I can check yours, tell you plainly whether it can upgrade, and help with the move, including transferring your files to the new setup.