Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or new features, making it riskier to continue using it online.
For many users, the natural next step might seem to be upgrading to Windows 11. But what if your computer doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, and you’re not ready to buy a new one? Could it be time to get off the Microsoft carousel, rather than cave, and buy a new PC?
Don’t worry — there are still safe and practical options. Here are some alternatives you can consider to keep your PC viable after Windows 10 support ends.
Before Windows 10 ends, switch to Linux
The Internet runs on Linux. Linux is an alternative Operating System to Windows that can run happily on most PCs. Several flavours (called “distributions” or “distros”) are perfect for older hardware and are easy to install and use, especially if you primarily use your computer for web browsing, email, documents, and streaming.
Because of the variety of Linux distros, don’t expect to find the one that suits you straightaway. Adopt a suck it and see approach, and it will be rewarding. Most distros can be installed alongside Windows, allowing you to choose which system to start when your computer boots up. So you can take your time.
Great beginner-friendly Linux options:
- Linux Mint – Looks familiar to Windows users and runs well on most older PCs.
- Zorin OS – Designed to resemble Windows and includes many familiar features.
- Ubuntu MATE or Xubuntu – Lightweight versions of Ubuntu that are fast and responsive even on older machines.
- Peppermint OS – Extremely lightweight and efficient for very low-spec hardware.
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source.
- Frequently updated and secure.
- You can try it from a USB stick before installing it.
Cons:
- There is a learning curve, especially if you rely on Windows-specific apps.
- Some distros do not automatically sign you in to Microsoft, Google, etc. Welcome to the possibility of online freedom 😏.
You Could Install ChromeOS Flex
Google offers ChromeOS Flex, a cloud-first operating system designed for older PCs and Macs. It’s lightweight, fast, and easy to install.
Unlike Linux, ChromeOS Flex cannot be installed alongside Windows – it deletes all the data on the computer disk, including your files and Windows itself. For this reason, be sure to have first moved the data you wish to keep to an online location such as OneDrive or Google Drive before installing ChromeOS. You can connect to these locations afterwards, and they are preferable to backing up to a local disk because the disk might not be readable by ChromeOS.
Best for:
- Users who need to be instantly signed in to Google, Gmail, Microsoft, Zoom, etc.
- Schools or casual users who require fast, simple access to the internet.
Pros:
- Installs quickly and easily.
- Automatically updates and includes built-in virus protection.
- Familiar to Chromebook users.
- Will offer a Linux environment on some PCs, allowing the installation of alternative apps.
Cons:
- Limited to web apps unless you add the Linux environment (but even so, you can’t install traditional Windows apps).
- No support for Android apps like standard Chromebooks.
After Support for Windows 10 Ends, Continue Using It (With Precautions)
Technically, your PC won’t stop working after October 2025, but it will become much less secure. If you choose to keep using Windows 10:
Tips for safer use after support for Windows 10 ends…
- Use a strong antivirus (Microsoft Defender may still work, but alternatives like Bitdefender or Kaspersky might offer more ongoing protection).
- Avoid sensitive transactions (e.g., banking) on that device.
- Use a modern, secure browser like Firefox or Brave, which may continue supporting Windows 10 for a while after 2025.
- Disconnect from the internet if using the PC only for offline tasks.
Warning: This is not a long-term solution. Without updates, vulnerabilities will increase over time.
Or Upgrade to Windows 11 Anyway (Unofficially)
There are unofficial workarounds that allow some unsupported PCs to install Windows 11 by bypassing hardware checks. Microsoft doesn’t recommend this, of course, and it may come with limitations, such as missing updates or driver issues. At some point, a future update could leave your PC unable to start.
If you’re comfortable with some technical steps, this is an option — but proceed at your own risk.
Or Turn Your PC Into a Specialised Machine
Even if your PC can’t be upgraded or connected safely to the internet, it might still serve other purposes:
- A media player for videos or music.
- A retro gaming machine using emulators.
- An offline writing station.
- A file server on your home network (if properly secured).
Final Thoughts
The end of Windows 10 support doesn’t mean your PC has to become e-waste. Whether you install a lightweight Linux distro, try ChromeOS Flex, or get creative with offline use, there are smart and secure ways to extend the life of your machine and keep it viable. If you’re interested in exploring these options or need assistance transferring to a new Windows 11 PC, contact me to see if I can help.