When Windows 10 Support Runs Out

[Phillip Coetser]

Hi all,
As we all know Microsoft will officially end support for its most popular operating system in October 2025. Here's what you should do with your Windows 10 PCs before that day arrives.
Option 1: Ignore the end-of-support deadline completely.
You could do nothing at all -- just continue running your unsupported operating system and hope for the best.
That's a bad idea, one that exposes you to the very real possibility that you'll fall prey to a security exploit. If you're intent on doing so,
consider installing the free 0patch agent (https://0patch.com/index.html) to deal with any security issues that aren't addressed by
Microsoft.
Option 2: Buy a new PC.
Microsoft and its partners would like you to replace that unsupported hardware with a brand-new PC. If Windows 12 arrives in mid-2024 as
expected, you might even be tempted by a shiny new laptop or gaming PC, which runs that next-generation operating system.
Option 3: Ditch Windows completely.
You could keep your old hardware and replace Windows 10 with the flavor of Linux you prefer. If you've got the technical know-how and
experience to manage the transition, that option is worth considering.
Option 4: Pay Microsoft for security updates.
Microsoft announced in December 2023 that it will offer Extended Security Options (ESUs) for Windows 10; these subscription-based updates
will be available for up to three years. How much are these paid-for updates going to cost? Microsoft doesn't say, promising only that
further details will be available "at a later date".
Option 5: Upgrade your old hardware to Windows 11.
The following disclaimer applies if you install Windows 11 on a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements:
If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your
PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty. you're no longer "entitled" to those updates. That word is
a tell on Microsoft's part, disclaiming legal responsibility without actually saying what it will do.
The installation instructions that allow you to bypass the compatibility check are in a separate support article: "Ways to install Windows 11." To perform an upgrade, you need to create the following registry key values:
Registry Key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup Name: AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 1
If you don't want to mess with the registry and you're willing to do a clean install, just create a bootable Windows 11 installation drive and
use that option, which bypasses the compatibility checker completely.

Regards

[fugglefeet]

Hi all,

I personally will go with option 3. Something worth noting, is the implications this will have for companies needing to keep up to date with the newer versions of Windows. Having to upgrade the hardware to work with the new operating systems is going to be a massive outlay that is going to take place and more e-waste that may end up in landfills if the infrastructure isn't there to properly recycle this.

Darryl

[F.Viljoen]

Class action in courts long overdue!