Windows 10 isn’t dead — but you need to decide now

Windows 10 can still be used in 2026, but the days when you could ignore upgrades and rely on routine Microsoft updates are over.

For many people in the United States, this isn’t just a technical question. It’s about the old Lenovo laptop, the home office desktop, the computer used for online banking and government logins, or the desktop that still runs fine but Windows 11 refuses to install on. We tested this on an older Windows 10 PC ourselves, and the most annoying part isn’t that the computer stops working. It doesn’t. The hard part is figuring out what’s actually safe to do now.

Microsoft has ended mainstream support for Windows 10, but you still have several options: continue temporarily with security updates, upgrade to Windows 11, install an alternative like Linux Mint, or replace the PC.

What does it mean that Windows 10 support has ended?

When support for Windows 10 ends, it doesn’t mean your computer suddenly goes dark. You can still start the PC, open apps, use Chrome, Firefox, Office, LibreOffice, and browse the web.

The key point is that Windows 10 no longer receives regular feature updates and ongoing improvements the way it used to. Over time, that makes the system riskier to use—especially if the computer is used for online banking, government logins, work, email, cloud files, or your kids’ school accounts.

It’s a bit like driving a car that still starts every morning but whose manufacturer no longer issues safety fixes when a serious flaw is discovered. The car works, but more and more of the responsibility falls on you.

Can you still use Windows 10 in 2026?

Yes, Windows 10 can still be used in 2026, but you shouldn’t do it uncritically.

If your Windows 10 PC is enrolled in extended security updates and you keep apps, your browser, and antivirus up to date, it can work as a temporary solution. If it’s not receiving security updates, you should be much more cautious.

We’d think twice if the PC is used for:

✅ Online banking and government logins
✅ Work or customer data
✅ Email with sensitive information
✅ Kids’ school accounts and documents
✅ Online shopping and payments
✅ Saved passwords in the browser

An old Windows 10 PC without updates can still be fine for offline use, older games, local documents, or as a spare machine at home. But as your primary internet PC, it’s not a solution we recommend long term.

How to get security updates for Windows 10

Microsoft offers a program for extended security updates that lets you continue receiving important security fixes for a period after mainstream support ends. It’s called ESU—Extended Security Updates.

It’s important to understand what ESU is—and what it isn’t.

ESU provides security updates. It does not make Windows 10 “new” again. Don’t expect new features, modern design changes, or the same long-term support you get on Windows 11. It’s a temporary bridge to give you more time to move on.

Check your Windows 10 version first

Before anything else, verify that your PC is updated to the latest Windows 10 version.

Here’s how:

✅ Click the Start menu
✅ Open Settings
✅ Go to System
✅ Select About
✅ Find Windows specifications
✅ Confirm you’re running Windows 10 version 22H2

If your PC isn’t updated, open Windows Update and install all pending updates.

Look for ESU in Windows Update

Once your PC is updated, open Windows Update and see if you can enroll the computer in extended security updates.

To check:

✅ Open Settings
✅ Select Update & Security
✅ Click Windows Update
✅ Install all available updates
✅ Look for messages about extended security updates
✅ Follow the on-screen steps

If you don’t see the option yet, it could be because the PC isn’t fully updated, the feature hasn’t rolled out to your device, or you need a Microsoft account to complete enrollment.

Safely download the Windows 10 ISO

Many people still search for Windows 10 download, download Windows 10, and Windows 10 ISO. That makes sense—an installation file can be necessary if a PC needs to be reset, repaired, or reinstalled.

Our clear recommendation: only download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft’s official download page.

Avoid random ISOs from forums, old mirror sites, unknown download portals, or links in YouTube comments. A Windows ISO isn’t just another program—it’s the foundation for your entire operating system. If it’s altered, outdated, or tampered with, you could end up with a system that’s unsafe from the very first boot.

Before you reinstall Windows 10, always back up documents, photos, browser data, license keys, and important files. It sounds basic, but this is where things often go wrong. A clean install can be effective, but it’s unforgiving if you forgot something on the desktop.

Windows 10 or Windows 11 – which should you choose?

If your PC can officially run Windows 11, that’s usually the best choice. You’ll get a newer system, longer support, and better future-proofing.

But there’s a reason so many people still use Windows 10. Lots of older PCs work perfectly well for everyday use but are rejected by Windows 11 due to requirements like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or a newer CPU.

Here’s the practical rule of thumb:

✅ Choose Windows 11 if the PC supports it without tricks
✅ Stay on Windows 10 temporarily if you’re getting security updates and need more time
✅ Consider Linux Mint if the PC is too old for Windows 11 but still fast enough
✅ Buy a new PC if the machine is slow, unstable, or used for important logins and payments

We don’t recommend forcing Windows 11 onto an old PC using unofficial methods unless you know exactly what you’re doing. It can work, but you risk compatibility issues, missing updates, and a machine that’s more trouble than it’s worth.

If your PC can’t get Windows 11

Many users only discover the problem when they try to upgrade and are told the PC doesn’t meet the requirements. That’s frustrating—especially if the computer still feels fast enough.

The most common reasons are:

✅ The PC lacks TPM 2.0
✅ Secure Boot is disabled or unsupported
✅ The CPU is too old
✅ BIOS/UEFI isn’t configured correctly
✅ The machine has too little RAM or storage

Sometimes the issue can be fixed in BIOS/UEFI if TPM or Secure Boot is simply turned off. Other times, the hardware is just too old.

The best first step is to run Microsoft’s compatibility checker or check Windows Update, where you’ll often see whether the PC can be upgraded.

Linux Mint can be a surprisingly good solution

If your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded to Windows 11 but still feels fast, consider Linux Mint. It’s especially good for everyday tasks like browsing, email, word processing, streaming, photos, and light office work.

Linux Mint looks more like a classic desktop than many expect. The Start menu, taskbar, file management, and apps feel familiar if you’re coming from Windows. It’s not right for everyone, but for an older PC it can add several more years of useful life.

It’s a good fit for:

✅ Older laptops
✅ Simple home office machines
✅ PCs for browsing, email, and documents
✅ Users who aren’t dependent on specific Windows-only apps
✅ Families who want to avoid buying a new PC right away

The downside, of course, is that not all Windows software runs natively. If you rely on certain accounting apps, games, hardware tools, or specialized software, check compatibility first.

Security on Windows 10 in 2026

If you’re sticking with Windows 10, tighten up security. Not with panic—just common sense.

Start with the browser. Use a modern browser like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Brave, and make sure it auto-updates. The browser is often the most important app because so much happens online.

Next, remove old programs you no longer use. Outdated PDF readers, driver tools, “PC optimizers,” old game launchers, and legacy plugins can introduce unnecessary risk.

Keeping an antivirus program up to date is also smart. Windows Security is better than its old reputation, but if the PC is used heavily online, a stronger security suite might make sense. Most importantly, don’t install random “free cleanup tools” that promise to make your PC 300% faster. Those often create more noise than help.

Don’t use Windows 10 without a backup

Backups are boring—until you need one.

If your Windows 10 PC is old, don’t think only about malware and updates. Think about the hard drive or SSD, too. Older machines can fail without warning, and a Windows reinstall won’t help if family photos, a thesis, or accounting files existed in only one place.

A good minimum setup is:

✅ One backup on an external hard drive
✅ One backup in the cloud
✅ Automatic sync of key folders
✅ Test that files actually open
✅ Back up before upgrading, resetting, or installing Linux

It takes a little time the first round, but it’s far less painful than losing everything.

Our recommendation for U.S. Windows 10 users

If your Windows 10 PC still works, you don’t have to throw it out tomorrow. But you also shouldn’t ignore the situation.

The best path depends on how you use the computer. For a secondary machine, older games, or simple offline work, Windows 10 can still make sense. For online banking, government logins, work, email, and daily browsing, make sure the PC is getting security updates—or start planning a move.

Our practical advice is simple: get security updates sorted first, make a backup next, and then decide whether your PC should move to Windows 11, Linux Mint, or retirement.

The worst choice isn’t staying on Windows 10 for a short period. The worst choice is doing nothing and hoping the problem goes away.

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Frequently asked questions about Windows 10 after end of support