Guide
Windows 10 End of Support: What Wisconsin Homes and Businesses Should Do Now
Windows 10 no longer gets regular security updates. Here is how to check whether your computers can move to Windows 11, what to do with the ones that cannot, and how to switch safely.
Short answer: Windows 10 stopped getting regular security updates in October 2025, and the extra year of updates offered to home users ended in October 2026. Computers still on Windows 10 should move to Windows 11 if they can, or be replaced if they cannot, especially any computer used for email, banking, payments or customer data.
Why it matters
Without security updates, newly discovered holes in Windows stay open forever. Attackers know this and target outdated systems first. Your computer will keep turning on and working, which is exactly why this is easy to put off.
Step 1: Check each computer
- Open Settings → System → About to see the Windows version.
- Open Windows Update to see whether Windows 11 is offered.
- Common blockers: an older processor, no TPM 2.0 chip turned on, or very little storage.
Step 2: Decide upgrade or replace
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 is offered | Back up, then upgrade |
| Not offered, but the hardware is close | A settings change or small upgrade may fix it |
| Older than about six or seven years | Replace, and move your files over |
| Used for payments or patient or customer data | Do not leave it on Windows 10 |
Step 3: Upgrade safely
- Back up files, photos and email first.
- Note any special software and printers.
- Upgrade, then check that apps, printers and files all work.
- Wipe old computers properly before recycling them.
We do all of this for homes and offices across Wisconsin. See Windows 10 end of support and Windows 11 upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep using Windows 10 offline?
A computer that never connects to the internet is much lower risk, but most computers need the internet for email, browsing or updates. For anything online, upgrading is the safe move.
Will Windows 11 delete my files?
A normal upgrade keeps files and apps, but always back up first. If we do a clean install, we move your files over for you.
What about older business software?
Most programs run fine on Windows 11. We test critical software first, and we can plan around anything that truly cannot move.