Everything you need to know about Windows 10 — from the end of life transition to upgrading to Windows 11 and everything in between. Use the guides below to find the answer you need.
Windows 10 End of Life
Windows 10 reached its end of life on 14 October 2025. Microsoft stopped releasing security patches, bug fixes and technical support for the operating system after this date. This section covers everything you need to know about what that means and what to do about it.
- Windows 10 End of Life: What It Means for You — the essential overview
- Windows 10 End of Life: What Businesses Need to Do — compliance, ESU and migration planning
- Windows 10 Extended Security Updates — paid patches until 2028
Upgrading to Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 is free if your PC meets the requirements. These guides walk you through checking compatibility and completing the upgrade.
- Can My PC Run Windows 11? — hardware check, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
- How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 — step-by-step
- What to Do If Your PC Cannot Run Windows 11 — ESU, new hardware, Linux
Windows 10 vs Windows 11
- Windows 10 vs Windows 11: What Is the Difference? — interface, performance, features
Related: Windows 11 Guides
Already on Windows 11 or just upgraded? These guides help you get the most out of it.
- How to Speed Up Windows 11
- Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working — How to Fix It
- Windows 11 Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting — How to Fix
- Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working — How to Fix
Considering Linux?
If your PC cannot run Windows 11, Linux is a free alternative that runs well on older hardware.
- What is Linux? A Plain-English Guide
- Linux vs Windows: Which Should You Use?
- Best Linux Distros for Beginners
Preparing to Leave Windows 10: Backup and Data Migration
Whether you’re upgrading to Windows 11, paying for Extended Security Updates, or switching to Linux, preparing your PC now prevents data loss and eases the transition. Taking time to prepare before your migration makes the process smoother and protects what matters most.
Create a complete system image
The most reliable safety net is a full system image — a complete copy of your entire drive. Use Windows 10’s built-in backup tool (Settings > System > Backup > Backup and restore) or a third-party tool like AOMEI Backupper or Macrium Reflect to create a bootable image on an external drive. Store this somewhere safe and easily accessible; you can restore your entire system from it if something goes wrong during migration or if you need to revert.
Back up your personal files
Beyond a system image, back up your documents, photos, music and videos. Use OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox or a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) for cloud backups, or copy everything to an external hard drive. This gives you multiple copies in different locations and makes it simple to access your files on whatever system comes next.
Document your current setup
Before you leave Windows 10, write down or take screenshots of:
- List of installed programmes you actually use regularly
- Network printer and connected device configurations
- Email accounts, calendar and contact settings
- VPN, antivirus, and security software licences and configurations
- Customised settings (display, keyboard shortcuts, accessibility options)
This reference guide makes setting up your new system considerably faster and ensures you don’t forget important details.
Check software compatibility
Before upgrading to Windows 11 or switching to another operating system, verify that your essential programmes work on the new OS. Manufacturer websites and user forums usually list compatibility information. If key software doesn’t support Windows 11, you’ll know in advance whether to upgrade hardware, stay on Extended Security Updates, or consider Linux alternatives instead.
Taking these steps now removes uncertainty and protects your data — essential when leaving an operating system that’s been supporting you for years.
Software Compatibility and Licence Management
When you move to a new Windows version or operating system, your existing software may not transfer automatically — and some applications might not run at all. Understanding your software’s compatibility and managing your licences now prevents frustration later.
Check software compatibility before migration
Verify that your essential programmes run on Windows 11 or your chosen new OS. Check the publisher’s system requirements on their official website; some older or specialised software designed exclusively for Windows 10 may fail or behave unpredictably on newer versions. For business-critical applications, contact the developer directly or check their knowledge base.
Microsoft’s App Assure programme offers free assistance for organisations migrating business applications — worth exploring if you use proprietary or line-of-business software that’s critical to your workflow.
Gather and document your licences
Before migration, collect all your software licence keys, product codes and activation details. Create a simple document with:
- Software name and version
- Product key or licence code
- Publisher and official download link
- Licence type (perpetual, subscription, free, trial)
- Expiry date or renewal schedule
Many software licences allow reactivation on new hardware, but some are tied to your current machine. Check the terms before migration — you may need to contact the publisher to transfer or reactivate a licence on your new system.
Plan your software reinstallation strategically
Rather than reinstall everything on day one, create a prioritised list: must-have tools first, then productivity software, then optional utilities. Install only from official sources — third-party download sites often bundle malware. This phased approach lets you test each application before moving forward, rather than troubleshooting dozens of installations simultaneously.
For software that won’t run on your new OS, identify alternatives early or consider whether you genuinely need it. Keeping the old PC solely for one legacy application is rarely worth the cost and security risk.
