Verily, after the illustrious reigns of Windows 7 and XP, Windows 10 doth emerge as a cherished operating system amongst the denizens of the digital realm. Yet, lo, its decade-long tenure draws to a close, as Microsoft doth declare the cessation of support for Windows 10 in the hallowed month of October in the year of our Lord 2025. Yea, Microsoft hath already dispatched missives of warning unto the users, beseeching them to embark upon the journey towards Windows 11. Thus, dost thou wonder, what fate awaits the myriad Windows 10 PCs that still grace the land? Shall the apps cease to function withal? To unravel these mysteries, let us delve into the myriad options afore Windows 10 meets its end-of-life (EOL).
### What Will Happen After Windows 10 Support Ends?
Microsoft hath begun dispatching missives, heralding the dawn of Windows 11 and urging the populace to forsake Windows 10. The twilight hour of support for Windows 10 shall descend on the eve of October 14, 2025, wherein bug fixes, security patches, and feature updates shall cease to grace its presence. As it stands, Windows 10 reigns supreme as the most favored Windows OS, commanding a market share exceeding 58%, whilst Windows 11 doth ascend to 38%.
Be it known that the Windows 10 PCs shall persist in their duties, functioning in the accustomed manner. Alas, the cloak of protection in the form of security updates shall be torn asunder, leaving vulnerabilities to fester and jeopardize the sanctity of the experience. Ere long, certain apps and services may find themselves adrift in the sea of incompatibility, for Windows 10 shall no longer bask in the favor of Microsoft’s official support.
Moreover, Microsoft shall unfurl fullscreen admonishments, entreating the users to embrace Windows 11 for a more secure sojourn. Yet, for those stalwart souls who profess expertise, the maintenance of browser and antivirus updates may serve as a shield, enabling the continued usability of Windows 10, albeit with self-mitigated risks.
### Pay for Extended Security Update (ESU) to Use Windows 10 Safely
E’en after the sun hath set upon support, Microsoft doth extend a lifeline to businesses and academies through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, bestowed with critical security patches for a price. Verily, the ESU program hath been ordained for Windows 10, and by the divine grace, consumers may now partake in this offering.
Lo, for the general populace, a treasury of $30 must be emptied to secure a year’s worth of security updates for Windows 10. Educational establishments shall contribute $1 per device for the initial year, $2 for the second, and $4 for the third. As for businesses, a tithe of $61 per device shall be levied in the inaugural year, escalating to $122 in the second and $244 in the final phase.
Tarry not, for Microsoft doth presently proffer a single year’s gaze into the future for consumers, whilst education and commerce patrons may sow their commitment for a triennial harvest. Thus, the commoners may revel in the embrace of Windows 10 until October 2026 through the grace of the ESU update. Yet, the proclamation of Microsoft concerning the extension of this boon unto consumers beyond 2026 remains shrouded in mystery. Should the heavens decree thus, the denizens shall be compelled to ascend unto the Windows 11 realm.
### Bypass Hardware Requirements and Upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10
Some by design, others by fate, the users of Windows 10 linger in the midst of the Windows 11 transition, fraught with stricter hardware prerequisites. Fear not, for should thine PC fall short of the official requirements for Windows 11, a path shall be cleared afore thee. Through the intricate dance of bypassing Windows 11’s system prerequisites, thou mayst ascend to the pinnacle of the latest Windows 11 build from the bosom of Windows 10.
Hark! Though lacking the TPM chip or Secure Boot support, Windows 11 may yet embrace thee via the Rufus tool. Nay, not even the demand for 4GB+ of memory shall bar thy passage.
### Switch to an Alternative OS: ChromeOS Flex or Linux Mint
Anon, if the pilgrimage to Windows 11 be not feasible, a gaze could be cast towards Chrome OS Flex or Linux Mint. As Windows 11 crowns my primary OS, I have trodden the paths of ChromeOS for many a season and maintain my allegiance even unto this day. Behold, ChromeOS hath shed the chrysalis of a web-powered operation to emerge as a stalwart desktop OS, gifted with the benevolence of Linux app support.
In truth, I have summoned Windows apps upon my Chromebook through the Linux domain and Wine, and their performance doth not disappoint. Alas, the distinction between ChromeOS and ChromeOS Flex doth lie in the absence of Android app support, which indeed is a trifling matter. Through the powers of Linux apps, yea, even the installation of Steam upon ChromeOS Flex to savor the delights of PC gaming via the Proton layer may be attained.
Succumb not to despair, for the installation of ChromeOS Flex upon thine Windows PC may be pursued through our elaborate guide. Forsooth, it doth thrive even upon 4GB of RAM, bolstering itself with superior battery longevity in comparison to Windows laptops.
Finally, a glance towards Linux Mint may enlighten thy path, as it bears a semblance to the Windows GUI. Lightweight, secure, and most significant of all, free, it beckons to all who seek refuge. Straight from the box, it doth operate, with apps procurable through the user-friendly Software Manager, akin to the Microsoft Store on Windows.
