10 questions about Windows 10

Rob Coenraads

Although there have been more computers with Windows 11 since the beginning of April 2025 than with Windows 10, there are (very) many computers with Windows 10 as a operating system. Read our answers to the 10 most frequently asked questions or Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Windows 10.

Question 1
Does my computer no longer work with Windows 10 from October 14, 2025?

Your computer with Windows 10 will just work after that day. After October 14, 2025, Microsoft does not offer free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance or security fixes for Windows 10. Although your computer will still do it, Microsoft recommends that you switch to Windows 11. According to Microsoft, that should offer a modern and efficient security that is to meet the current demand.

You can, however, receive essential and important security updates for Windows 10, but that is only if you choose the ESU program (see questions 8, 9 and 10).

Question 2
What options do I have to continue to use a Windows operating system?

You can choose to use your W10 computer ‘just’, but then we recommend that you strictly connect your computer to the internet. Simply because your computer is then very vulnerable, so don’t. If you want to safely use your computer with Windows 10, Microsoft offers a paid ESU program that delivers essential and important security updates (see questions 8.9 and 10).

You can also switch to Windows 11 if your computer with Windows 10 meets the minimum requirements for installing Windows 11 on a computer.

Question 3
How do I know if my W10 computer meets the minimum requirements of Windows 11?

Check if your computer meets the minimum requirements (see https://www.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/windows11-pecifications?r=1) from Windows 11 by on your computer in the search window institutions to type and on Enter to print. Choose there Privacy and security and then for Windows update. If your computer can upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade for free to Windows 11.

Question 4
Is upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 free?

The upgrade of Windows 10 Home of Windows 10 Pro to the equivalent edition of Windows 11 is free, such as Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro. For users of S-mode, the upgrade of Windows 10 Home edition in S-mode and Windows 10 Pro edition in S-mode to Windows 11 is free. If your computer meets the minimum system specifications, the Windows 10 Home edition in S-mode can upgrade to the Windows 11 Home edition in S-mode. If your Windows 10 computer uses the pro-edition in S mode, you must leave the S-mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 pro-edition is not available in S-mode. Read more about the S-modus: https://support.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/vijt- questions-over-over-windows10-en-Windows-11-in-s-Modus-851057D6-1ee9-B9E5-C30B-93BAEBC85

Question 5
Can I change my hardware so that the device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11?

That is possible, but we recommend that you contact your computer manufacturer, the store where you bought the computer or inquire at some HCC meetings to check which options are available to you. Also read this article for more information: https://support.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windows/Systeists-voor-windows1-86C11283-eA52-4782-9efd-7674389a7ba3

Question 6
What if my computer is not suitable for Windows 11?

If it is not possible to switch to Windows 11, you can use your W10 computer internetless or install Linux on your computer, for example. In PC-Active itself and on Pcactive.nl you will find many articles about Linux Mint. Moreover, HCC! Linux regularly organizes presentations and workshops on Linux.

Question 7
What if I no longer want to use my computer?

Then we recommend that you use trade-in and recycling programs that are available, such as the Open and Wecycle Foundation. On Microsoft websites you will find information about how you can recycle your old computer in a responsible manner with initiatives for management and recycling at the end of the life of your device. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/compliance/recycling and click below Netherlands for example Devices (WEEEE).

Question 8
Can I safely use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025?

In addition to using your W10 computer without the internet, there is another possibility to continue to use Windows 10 safely, but against payment. Microsoft offers an extended security updates (ESU) program of one year for around € 30 to protect your Windows 10 device.

Question 9
What is the Windows 10 ESU program?

ESU stands for Extended security updates And it is therefore a paid program that ensures that eligible computers receive essential and important security updates after the support for Windows 10 ends. However, the program does not provide other types of updates or technical support.

Question 10
How do I get that ESU program and when is it available?

A good question to which Microsoft himself is also guilty. In response to my questions about, among other things, when ESU becomes available, Microsoft was unfortunately only able to indicate that as October 2025 gets closer, more information would be available and you can register in time. We will of course let you know immediately. Look at pcactive.nl for updates.