HowyGuard

What do I do about Windows 10 computers?

Howy the walrus with a coffee mug, watching a laptop install an update

Windows 10 stopped getting regular security updates on October 14, 2025. Find every computer still running it, upgrade each one to Windows 11 if it can run it, and replace the ones that can't. If you have to keep one for now, write down what it's for and ask a tech to keep it apart from your other computers.

Windows 10 is now end of support software: Microsoft no longer sends it regular security fixes.

Check if you already have it

On each Windows computer, open Settings, System, About, and look at Windows specifications. If it says Windows 10, put that computer on a list with what it's used for. Check every one, including the old PC that only runs one program.

How to set it up

The update steps below check the version (step 5) and point each Windows 10 computer toward Windows 11:

Turn on automatic security updates in Windows

Windows, needs an administrator account on each computer

  1. Open Settings, then Windows Update.
  2. If updates are paused, click Resume updates.
  3. Click Check for updates and install everything offered. Restart when asked.
  4. Click Advanced options and turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products.
  5. Open Settings, then System, then About, and look at Windows specifications. If it says Windows 10, that computer stopped getting regular security updates in October 2025. Plan to move it to Windows 11.
  6. Open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, and click Get updates for apps.
  7. Repeat on every computer the business uses.

How to show it's true: Screenshot Windows Update showing You're up to date on each computer, with the computer name and date noted.

If you get stuck:
  • An update keeps failing: note the error code shown and ask a tech.
  • A computer can't run Windows 11: it may need replacing, or Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates as a short bridge.

For each computer on your list:

  1. If it can run Windows 11, upgrade it. A tech can do this safely if it runs your business software.
  2. If it can't, plan to replace it. Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates can bridge the gap.
  3. If you must keep it for now, ask a tech to keep it apart from your other computers, and write down what it's for.

How to show it's done

Keep a screenshot of the About page on each computer showing Windows 11, with its name and the date. For any Windows 10 computer you keep, keep your note of what it is, how it's used and how it's kept apart. File them in your proof folder.

Common questions

My form asks if we have end of support software. What do I answer?

If any Windows 10 computer is still in use, the answer is yes. Describe it using your note.

Does this apply to Macs too?

The same idea does. If Software Update offers nothing and your macOS is several years old, ask a tech whether it still gets security updates.

Sources

  1. Microsoft Support: Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025support.microsoft.com
  2. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: How updates secure your device (ITSAP.10.096)cyber.gc.ca
  3. Microsoft Support: Install Windows updatessupport.microsoft.com

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