Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A year later, many computers around McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley are still running it, in homes and in busy offices. Your computer still turns on and works, so it is easy to put this off. The risk is what you can’t see: without security updates, new vulnerabilities stay open, and attackers know it.
Here is a plain-English guide to where things stand and what you should do next.
Where Windows 10 Support Stands Today
- Regular support is over. Windows 10 no longer gets feature updates or standard security patches.
- Home users have a little more time. Microsoft extended its free consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through October 12, 2027. If you enrolled, coverage continues automatically. If you haven’t, you can still enroll from Settings > Windows Update.
- Businesses pay for extra time. Business ESU is a paid, per-device program, and the cost goes up each year. It is meant as a bridge, not a long-term plan.
ESU only delivers security fixes. You won’t get new features, and many software makers (accounting, practice management, printer drivers) are already dropping Windows 10 support.
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free
If your computer meets Microsoft’s requirements, the upgrade from a licensed copy of Windows 10 is free. To check:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your PC qualifies, you will usually see an offer to upgrade.
- Or download Microsoft’s PC Health Check app, which tells you exactly what passes and what doesn’t.
The most common blockers are an older processor, TPM 2.0 being turned off, or Secure Boot being disabled. The last two can often be fixed in the computer’s BIOS settings, so a “not compatible” message doesn’t always mean you need a new PC.
Option 2: Enroll in Extended Security Updates
If your computer can’t run Windows 11 and you aren’t ready to replace it, ESU keeps security patches coming for now. Make sure you’re on Windows 10 version 22H2 with all updates installed, then look for the enrollment option in Windows Update. Use this time to plan your replacement.
Option 3: Replace the Computer
For machines that are seven or more years old, replacement often makes more sense than upgrading. A new PC with a solid-state drive will feel dramatically faster, and it will be supported for years.
Before You Upgrade or Replace Anything
- Back up your files to an external drive or cloud backup first.
- Check your important software. Confirm that your accounting, POS, or medical software supports Windows 11.
- Gather passwords and license keys for programs you’ll need to reinstall.
- Plan the timing for business PCs so an upgrade doesn’t interrupt a workday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Windows 10 computer stop working?
No. It will keep running, but once security updates stop, it becomes an easier target for malware and ransomware.
Will I lose my files when I upgrade to Windows 11?
An in-place upgrade normally keeps your files and programs, but things can go wrong. Always back up first.
Get Help Upgrading Your Computers in McAllen
PC Solution RGV has helped homes and businesses across the Rio Grande Valley since 2009. We check compatibility, back up your data, handle Windows 11 upgrades, and set up new computers so you can get back to work. We work by appointment at 321 W. Nolana Ave., Suite 9, McAllen, TX. Call 956-483-1399 or visit pcsolutionrgv.com to schedule. Hablamos español.