What to Do About Windows 10?

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If your computer runs Windows 10, you undoubtedly have received one or more alerts about upgrading to Windows 11 before the end of life for Windows 10 support on Oct. 14, 2025.

First, if you lump these alerts into that “shrug basket” of fake alerts we have been conditioned to toss them into, know that Microsoft will actually be ending support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14.

Second, you have three options depending on your situation:

  1. If your computer can run Windows 11, you can upgrade it before the deadline
  2. If your computer can’t run Windows 11, you will need to buy a new computer with Windows 11 on it before the deadline
  3. If your computer can’t run Windows 11 or you don’t want to upgrade, you can purchase a one-year Extended Security Update (ESU) that will allow you to run Windows 10 for one more year securely.

On Option 1, I generally recommend not upgrading Windows 10 computers older than 5-7 years (residential computers) or 3-5 years for business pc’s. If yours happens to be 3 years old or less, then an upgrade could make sense.

On Option 2, prices for new computers remain higher than a year ago, but could rise much higher with the implementation of tariffs. You can wait to get as much use out of your Windows 10 computer as possible, but it could be costly in the long run.

On Option 3, the cost for the ESU is $30 for a residential user and $61 for a business user. That will provide you with important security updates for future vulnerabilities but will not include bug fixes, feature improvements, or technical support from Microsoft.

For advice on these options, contact me at 302-537-4198 or ericm@flexitechs.com.

Top 5 Questions About Windows 11 – Comparison to Windows 10?

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Microsoft has a habit of backtracking on proclamations about its software, such as … “Windows 10 will be our last Windows operating system”.

Famous last words …

As you may or may not know, given that Microsoft has hyped its newest operating system far less than its predecessors, the company has made Windows 11 available to manufacturers and consumers.

Manufacturers have begun shipping new computers with Windows 11 while availability for upgrades to existing computers depends on where you fall in the phased-in upgrade rollout.

Microsoft calls its latest operating system the “Windows that brings you closer to what you love.”

I won’t pretend to know what such marketing drivel means, so over the next five days we will just answer “The Top 5 Questions You Might Have about Windows 11”, starting with Question 1:

What’s the Difference Between Windows 10 and 11?

Microsoft claims it significantly boosted performance, functionality, and style in Windows 11. Here’s a rundown of the new OS’s major upgrades:

  • Windows gets a makeover —  If you’ve used Apple or Chrome, you might see similarities between them and Windows 11. Microsoft’s attempts to copy its competitors always seem to be clumsy (i.e., Edge). If I want Apple or Chrome, I’ll just use those. Anyway, Windows 11 also has tightly rounded corners and taskbar icons are permanently centered. But at least the handy Start button lives on.
  • Streamlined Productivity Functions — Microsoft made many small upgrades for Windows 11. For one, your PC will now remember the last layout of your choice when docking. Each of your virtual desktops can also have a different background. Also, widgets are back like never before. And Windows 11 features a Snap Layout function that lets users choose from a variety of layout options with a single click.
  • Teams Ingtegrated into OS — With hybrid work becoming normal globe-wide, Microsoft upgraded its Teams application. For example, Teams now integrates into the operating system, which allegedly makes it easier to communicate with family, friends, and colleagues.
  • Improved Gaming Support — The Xbox app in Windows 11 supports Xbox Game pass and Cloud gaming.
  • Android Apps on Your PC — Microsoft has integrated Android apps on Windows 11 computers with a catch … we’re not yet sure if these Android apps will work optimally on a PC.

As always, these upgrades will create conflicts with existing applications and hardware. So, if you need to buy a new computer make sure your existing applications and peripherals will work with Windows 11. For an existing computer, we recommend waiting a couple of months for the bugs to reveal themselves before upgrading.

Tomorrow’s Question — Can My Computer Handle Windows 11?