Windows 10 is Retired: How to Keep Your PC Secure in 2026
The deadline has passed. As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially stopped providing standard security updates for Windows 10. If you are a home user or a small business in Wickford still running Windows 10, your computer is likely no longer receiving the vital patches needed to defend against modern cyber threats.
At LaunchLayer, I’m helping local residents decide whether to upgrade their hardware or use Microsoft’s new "bridge" to stay safe for one more year.
1. The Reality of Staying on Windows 10
If you use your PC for banking, shopping, or business, running an unsupported OS is a significant risk. Without updates, new vulnerabilities found by hackers stay open forever. However, Microsoft has introduced a temporary safety net: the Extended Security Update (ESU) Program.
2. How to Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For the first time ever, Microsoft is offering home users a way to extend the life of Windows 10 until October 13, 2026.
Where to find it:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
If your PC is up to date, you should see a link that says "Enroll in Extended Security Updates."
The Cost: * Free: If you sign in with a Microsoft Account and enable "Windows Backup" (syncing your settings).
£25–£30 (approx): A one-time payment if you prefer to keep using a Local Account.
Business Users: Small businesses must purchase a different license (starting around £50 per PC for the first year) through a Microsoft partner.
Note: This is a one-year-only fix. After October 2026, the ESU program for home users ends, and you will have to move to Windows 11 or a new device.
3. Your 3 Main Options in 2026
Option A: The "Compatibility Hack" Many PCs marked as "ineligible" can actually run Windows 11 perfectly well. Microsoft’s requirements (like TPM 2.0) can often be bypassed or enabled in your BIOS settings. I offer a Free Compatibility Check at my Wickford workshop to see if your "old" PC just needs a professional touch to get onto Windows 11.
Option B: The Refurbished Route If your hardware is truly too old, don’t buy a bottom-of-the-barrel new laptop. At LaunchLayer, I stock Professional-Grade Refurbished Laptops. These are higher quality than retail "budget" machines, fully Windows 11 ready, and come with a local guarantee.
Option C: The "Secure Enough" Strategy If you choose to stay on Windows 10 without ESU, you must be extremely vigilant.
Browser Choice: Use a browser that still supports Windows 10 (like Chrome or Edge) to get some protection.
Third-Party Antivirus: Ensure you have a robust, paid antivirus, as Windows Defender’s effectiveness may decrease over time on an unsupported OS.
Don’t Wait for a Breach
If you’re seeing the "End of Support" pop-ups and aren't sure which path to take, bring your device into LaunchLayer. Whether it’s enrolling you in the ESU program or migrating your data to a faster, newer machine, I'll make sure your data stays safe.
Is your PC Windows 11 ready? Book your Free Compatibility Check at LaunchLayer today.
