“My Windows 10 is out of support”
Still on Windows 10? Upgrade help for Windows 11
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The computer still turns on, but it no longer receives the regular free security fixes. Here is how to find out where yours stands and what the sensible next step is.
How to recognize it
- Windows shows a notice that this version is no longer supported
- Windows Update says the PC does not meet Windows 11 requirements
- The upgrade starts, fails and rolls back
- A program, the bank or a printer stopped supporting Windows 10
- The office still has several Windows 10 machines
What you can try yourself first
- See which Windows you havePress the Windows key, type winver and press Enter. The window shows the version.
- Run Microsoft's own checkOpen Settings, Windows Update. If the PC qualifies, the Windows 11 offer appears there. Microsoft's free PC Health Check app explains what is missing if it does not.
- Back up before any upgradeCopy documents and photos to an external drive or a cloud account first. Upgrades usually keep everything; usually is not always.
- Free up disk spaceThe upgrade needs room to work. Empty the Recycle Bin and Downloads, and uninstall programs you no longer use.
When to stop and call us
- The check says the PC is not compatible and you want to know whether that is final
- The upgrade keeps failing
- You depend on an older program and are not sure it runs on Windows 11
- You need several office computers moved without a lost workday
How a remote session fixes it
The technician checks the hardware against Windows 11 requirements, including settings that are sometimes simply switched off, makes sure a backup exists, runs the upgrade and then puts back what upgrades tend to disturb: the default printer, the mail profile, the start-up programs.
If the computer cannot run Windows 11, we tell you so before doing any work, then help you choose a replacement and move everything across.
Questions
Is it safe to keep using Windows 10?
It keeps working, but security holes found from now on are no longer fixed for free on ordinary home editions. The risk grows with time, mostly for banking, email and business use. Microsoft's extension of security updates is temporary and aimed mainly at organizations; we can explain whether it applies to you.
Is the upgrade to Windows 11 free?
For a genuine, activated Windows 10 on a PC that meets the requirements, Microsoft offers the upgrade at no charge. Our fee is for the technician's time.
Will my files and programs survive?
An in-place upgrade keeps them in most cases. We still make sure a backup exists first.
Related problems
Help with this across Colorado
Remote sessions work anywhere with an internet connection. On-site visits are for business clients, by appointment.
Still reading? Just call.
(720) 222-0110Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM Mountain. For emergencies, call or buy a session any time and we answer as fast as we can.