Russ Harvey Consulting - Computer and Internet Services

Replacing Windows

Your options when support ends

Remaining with Windows | Going Permanently Offline
Leaving Windows | The Alternatives

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A transparent curved Windows logo sits on a blue background.

This page is about your options if you are running:

Windows Support is Ending. Now What?

Windows 10 support expires Oct. 14, 2025. Support for Windows 8.1 and earlier has already expired.

When Windows 10 hits its end-of-support date in 2025, hundreds of millions of PC owners will have four options, none of them good. When October 2025 rolls around, those devices will have no Microsoft-supported migration path to a newer version. The owners of those perfectly functional PCs, some less than five years old, will instead have the following options:
  • Continue running the unsupported operating system and hope for the best.
  • Retire or dispose of the unsupported hardware.
  • Install a non-Microsoft operating system, such as Linux.
  • Ignore Microsoft's warnings and upgrade to Windows 11 anyway.
— ZDNET

Microsoft has now added Extended Security Updates (ESU) to that list. It will be expensive and primarily aimed at businesses, but a $30 one-year consumer option will be available from Microsoft. Europe's 0patch provides an alternative.

Unsupported Versions of Windows Unsafe

You need to take computers running unsupported versions of Windows offline permanently if you intend to continue to use them. The end of support for a particular version of Windows (or any software) involves more than the lack of feature updates.

The end of security updates means that your software becomes more vulnerable to malicious attacks over time.

An unsupported version of Windows will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. These include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which can steal your personal information. Windows Update also installs the latest software updates to improve the reliability of Windows — new drivers for your hardware and more.
— Microsoft

Replacing old software can be pricey, but there's a serious risk of data loss if your system isn't kept up-to-date. The following example shows what can happen when running a long-retired version of Windows:

A Windows XP machine's life expectancy in 2024 seems to be about 10 minutes before even just an idle net connection renders it a trojan-riddled zombie PC.
— PC Gamer

Unless you require software available only for Windows alternatives like Linux become easier to accept.

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Remaining with Windows

To remain with Windows, your current options are

Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 is the best long-term option for most people. Windows 11 is a free upgrade from Windows 10 — if their hardware supports the upgrade.

Unfortunately, most Windows 10 era computers will not support the upgrade. While Windows 11 could easily run on the same hardware as Windows 10, this is thwarted by Microsoft's posted system requirements which include the need for a very recent processor plus TPM 2.0.

Continuing to run Windows 10 after 14 October could leave you vulnerable to data breaches and malware attacks. Using out-of-date software is a serious security risk, so it's recommended to upgrade to a supported operating system.

 

However, if you purchased your computer more than 3 years ago, there's a high chance it won't meet the system requirements for Windows 11. There are several reasons for this, but one of the most questionable is that many devices are being rejected for not having the latest security module built-in. From a technical standpoint, that's hard to justify.

 

Because of this, millions of computers that work perfectly well today will soon be subjected to planned obsolescence.
— Zorin Blog

Many Windows 10 computers, including some that were relatively new when Windows 11 was launched, are not eligible for upgrade.

Millions of PCs can't upgrade officially to Windows 11 due to more strict hardware requirements and Microsoft's security push with its latest OS. Windows 11 is only supported on CPUs released from 2018 onward and with devices that support TPM security chips.
— The Verge, April 2024

Purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESU)

I get the feeling that Microsoft is starting to feel the pinch a little here, as 62% of PCs are still running Windows 10, with Windows 11 currently stuck at 34%. So, it's no wonder that Microsoft is offering to extend Windows 10 support for an extra year (for a price).
— MakeUseOf

One-year ESUs for Consumers

Microsoft is offering ESU to small businesses and consumers for the first time — but only for one year. Essentially, you are purchasing security updates for an unsupported version of Windows.

[F]or the first time, an ESU option for consumers, available for a one-year option for $30.
— Microsoft

Three-year ESUs for Enterprise

Microsoft is offering ESU to enterprise businesses for up to three years.

Extended Security Updates will be available to consumers for one year only (until October 2026) for the price of $30. Educational organizations will have it cheap — just $7 for three years — , while commercial organizations are looking at spending some serious money: $61 for the first year, $122 for the second year and $244 for the third year of security updates, totaling in $427 for every Windows 10 computer in three years.
— 0patch blog

0patch Updates: An ESU Alternative

0patch (pronounced 'zero patch' as in zero-day vulnerabilities) is a platform for instantly distributing, applying and removing microscopic binary patches to/from running processes without having to restart these processes (much less reboot the entire computer).

With October 2025, 0patch will "security-adopt" Windows 10 v22H2, and provide critical security patches for it for at least 5 more years - even longer if there's demand on the market.

 

With 0patch, you will be receiving security "micropatches" for critical, likely-to-be-exploited vulnerabilities that get discovered after October 14, 2025. These patches will be really small, typically just a couple of CPU instructions (hence the name), and will get applied to running processes in memory without modifying a single byte of original Microsoft's binary files. (See how 0patch works.)

 

There will be no rebooting the computer after a patch is downloaded, because applying the patch in memory can be done by briefly stopping the application, patching it, and then letting it continue. Users won't even notice that their computer was patched while they were writing a document, just like servers with 0patch get patched without any downtime at all.

 

Just as easily and quickly, our micropatches can be un-applied if they're suspected of causing problems. Again, no rebooting or application re-launching.
— 0patch blog June 27, 2024

Free zero-day and other post-ESU patches are available for personal and non-profit educational use but Pro (personal or professional use) offers more for €24.95 + tax per agent per year (see CAD equivalent).

0patch isn't just a less expensive, drop-in alternative to Windows Update. And it's not a magic bullet that will protect against all problems. Heck, even official Windows patches aren't a magic bullet: That's why organizations often use endpoint security software and home users install antivirus tools. But its promise to protect your system against the most dangerous exploits appears to check out. And that makes it potentially useful for more than just end-of-life systems.
— PCMag

Ignoring Recommended Requirements

You can bypass the TPM 2.0 requirements if your hardware has TPM 1.2. Microsoft advises against doing so when assessed for Windows 11:

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty.
— Microsoft

Not only is this unsupported by Microsoft, but the need to emulate a TPM is likely to be a strain on the system resources (the reason for the TPM 2.0 requirement). You are unlikely to get decent performance and risk damaging your hardware.

Purchase a New Computer

Sure, Microsoft needs to issue advice to Windows users, and it has backed itself into a corner here by ending support for Windows 10 while weighing Windows 11 down with some strict system requirements. But the cold-hearted advice to just buy a new PC when the company could just extend support for Windows 10 is annoying.
— MakeUseOf

A new computer preloaded with Windows 11 is the best solution. While more expensive, it will provide the modern hardware that supports the newest features in Windows 11.

It will also provide a fresh start, getting rid of old or unused apps. There are differences from Windows 10 that will take getting used to, but it is still Windows — the operating system you're familiar with.

Be sure not to waste your money on an entry level computer. You get what you pay for.

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Going Permanently Offline

If you continue to use an unsupported version of Windows (or any operating system), you'll need to take it permanently offline. Be sure to unplug network cables and disable wireless connectivity. More recent versions of Windows are more connected, so remaining offline may affect some functionality you don't associate with the Internet.

CVE-2024-30078, a Windows Wi-Fi vulnerability requiring only proximity to the target computer, is unpatched in legacy Windows versions no longer receiving updates. It was patched as part of the June 2024 Patch Tuesday update.

While you can block access using software settings, this is not secure enough if your operating system is obsolete. You need to disable network access.

Disadvantages

Being offline has some disadvantages. The wonderful world of the Internet is no longer available to you.

Perhaps you're happy using your smartphone to view such content, but your computer will be severely limited in what it can safely do.

Exchanging files, even with a secure computer, via a USB-based thumb drive or hard drive is risky. There is always the possibility that you'll transfer malware or viruses that the newer computer is protected from, but which the legacy offline computer is not.

Obtaining New Drivers

If you install new hardware (such as a video card) you'll need to have the drivers to make it work.

Hardware is no longer accompanied by drivers on CDs, DVDs or other media. Being offline, you'll no longer have access to Microsoft's online driver library.

While you may be able to download and copy the driver from a supported Internet-connected computer — if a version exists for your legacy operating system.

This practice can be risky since the legacy computer is no longer receiving security updates.

You can reduce the risk by ensuring that you download only from legitimate sources on another trusted computer.

  1. Download drivers only from the vendor's site (not third-party “driver support” sites).
  2. Be sure the driver is the right one for your system (e.g., 32- or 64-bit and supports your version of Windows) as well as the version of the hardware you're installing.
  3. Run a scan on the download with an updated, currently-supported security suite before copying it to a thumb drive for transfer to the offline device.

If there is no driver for your system, you'll either have to find a device that supports your legacy system or you many need to try Linux (after backing up your data) because it can run better on legacy computers than current versions of Windows.

Security Concerns

Scammers and hackers continue to test old systems for vulnerabilities that were fixed in newer (supported) Windows versions.

Because your computer is no longer receiving security updates or fixes, importing an infected file from another system may cause data loss or your computer to become unusable. Repairs may not be economical.

Repurposing Your Devices

You may be able to repurpose devices for less demanding tasks.

If you still have a couple of outdated smartphones, an ancient laptop, or any other digital devices that are obsolete but still work, then it's time to put them back to work.
— Kaspersky 2020
If you have an old PC lying around, you may wonder what to do with it. You could turn it into a stream PC, give it to a family or friend... or turn it into a NAS. NAS stands for Network Attached Storage, but it's a little misnomer for devices like these. It's not just storage and can do a whole lot more as well. I turned my old gaming PC into a NAS, and it was surprisingly easy to do.

 

For a NAS, you'll want to pick up specialized NAS drives, but that's all I need to buy.
— XDA 2020

Is it Worth It?

Only you can determine if the risks are worth the value you obtain from an offline computer.

Replacing the obsolete computer with a new computer or installing an alternative operating system are options you should consider.

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Leaving Windows

While Microsoft may not support your hardware any longer, other operating systems are much more frugal in how they use system resources.

Will the Alternatives Work for You?

Many folks have run Windows for many years. Not only are they familiar with Windows, they have invested in software and hardware that supports Windows. However, there have been significant changes in Windows 11 that also will take some getting used to.

I would argue that Microsoft does not want to cater to the older customer or business. The new business model is subscriptions, not the packaged product that so many of us cut our teeth on. That means all of us are faced with a decision related to Windows 11: do we want to participate in that cloud-based Microsoft ecosystem?
— Susan Bradley
The good news? You don't have to follow Microsoft's upgrade path. There is a better option that puts control back in the hands of users, institutions, and public bodies: Linux and LibreOffice. Together, these two programmes offer a powerful, privacy-friendly and future-proof alternative to the Windows + Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

 

The move to Windows 11 isn't just about security updates. It increases dependence on Microsoft through aggressive cloud integration, forcing users to adopt Microsoft accounts and services. It also leads to higher costs due to subscription and licensing models, and reduces control over how your computer works and how your data is managed. Furthermore, new hardware requirements will render millions of perfectly good PCs obsolete

 

This is a turning point. It is not just a milestone in a product's life cycle. It is a crossroads.

 

The end of Windows 10 does not mark the end of choice, but the beginning of a new era. If you are tired of mandatory updates, invasive changes, and being bound by the commercial choices of a single supplier, it is time for a change. Linux and LibreOffice are ready — 2025 is the right year to choose digital freedom!
— LibreOffice Blog

I recommend reading the full article:

Critical Hardware or Software?

Probably the most important aspects to consider are your software and hardware requirements.

If you have critical hardware or software that cannot run on anything but Windows, you might not be able to move away from Windows until those issues are resolved. This is more likely with specific games and specialized commercial software.

Hardware

Hardware is less flexible than software:

Software

Software can often be replaced with versions compatible with other operating systems, especially with Internet and similar software. Subscription-based or cloud services such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365 offer cross-platform support. These can be moved from one computer or operating system to another with few problems (you may need to contact the vendor's support for help).

Can't live without your Microsoft Office programs? You don't need to leave them behind on Linux. Maybe you should, but that's another column. Instead, all you need to do — read closely now — is 1) Open a web browser on your Linux system; 2) Go to https://www.office.com; 3) Sign in with your Microsoft account; and 4) Start running the web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps. That's it. That's all.
— The Register

Consider what software you're running and how necessary it is.

If you have a significant investment in Windows software or hardware that is impossible to replace, you may need to move to Windows 11 even if it means investing in a new computer and updating your software.

Email

Moving to another email program may cause some issues, particularly if your old programs is either obsolete or not supported by the new operating system. This will be less of an issue if you meet one of these conditions:

Webmail will continue to work on the new computer via your browser, provided the mail you need remains on the server. This is why IMAP is commonly used. IMAP will generally leave all your mail on your ISP's server (e.g., Shaw/Rogers or Telus) unless you've manually removed it from the server (or used email settings that do so).

Email Stored Only On Your Computer

If you have a significant amount of important email stored on your computer that is NOT currently on the email server, the transition could be more challenging and you may need to use an import/export utility to convert the mail format. Moving to another operating system may mean exporting your email from the old email program then importing it into the new one. This works better for some programs than others, so your mileage may vary.

Gaming

One of the main reasons folks have stuck with Windows (other than habit) has been because of games. For a long time many games were only available on Windows. More are available for macOS now, but consider this:

Some people say you can't game on Linux. Wrong! So, so wrong! Many Steam games are available on Linux via the Steam Store. For that matter, with the Chrome web browser and the Xbox Game Pass, you can run streaming Xbox games on Linux.
— The Register

CAD/Adobe/Accounting

CAD programs, Adobe Suite, accounting programs or other significant software that currently works for you may not be supported on another operating system or require you to purchase the correct version for the new operating system. Cross-platform discounts are seldom available.

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Alternatives to Windows

Mac | Linux | ChromeBooks | Tablet or Smartphone

If you aren't committed to the Windows environment but still need a computer, the best options include either moving to a Mac or to Linux. Both will require some adjustments, but so does moving to a new version of Windows.

Users with limited requirements may consider ChromeBooks and ChromeOS.

Linux and ChromeOS may be supported on your old Windows hardware but moving to a Mac will require purchasing new hardware.

Consider doing away with a computer altogether and moving to a tablet or smartphone. Combined with a wireless printer, most basic requirements can be met.

Mac

Switching to a Mac will require you to purchase new hardware. Unlike Windows, Apple provides free software with the purchase of its hardware.

This means embracing Apple's computing model and significant investments in hardware and possibly software. Since Macs can last up to twice as long the extra expense can be justified.

Major software like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office does not recognize a Windows licence when installed on a Mac (Adobe Cloud and Office 365 subscriptions do). However, the Mac comes with an office suit pre-installed as well as a host of other decent software. It can also run LibreOffice.

If you already use an iPad or iPhone, familiarity with iOS will make the transition to macOS easier.

Learn more about Mac.

Linux

You already have a computer that is perfectly capable of running Windows 10. If that machine runs Windows just fine, imagine what it would do with Linux. But we're not talking power now; we're talking price, and Linux is free. You can download a single ISO to install Linux on as many computers as you like.
— ZDNET

Switching to Linux offers a free but workable option, particularly if your hardware is too old to run Windows 11. Not only home users have embraced Linux. The governments of South Korea and Munich, Germany are among those that have embraced Linux.

Modern Linux automatically installs most of the software that casual users require such as Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, etc. You can also install other software.

Linux comes in various “flavours” or distributions as well as options for your desktop environment.

Ubuntu and Mint

Linux Mint is recommended for home users and new Linux users. It closely resembles Windows in how it looks and feels. Linux Mint is based upon the popular Ubuntu.

Ubuntu and Linux Mint are now the third and fourth most popular home operating systems on computers (after Windows and Mac).

Zorin OS

Zorin OS 17.3 is built to be the ideal replacement for Windows 10. It gives these computers a new lease on life with a fast, user-friendly, and secure experience. Switch your PC to Zorin OS 17.3 today and avoid spending hundreds or thousands on a new computer.
— Zorin Blog

Zorin OS is probably the most user-friendly options for folks moving from Windows or macOS. Based upon Ubuntu, Zorin OS provides for a lot of customization to look and feel more like macOS, Windows 11 and more. The Core version is free.

Zorin OS Pro is recommended for more demanding users including businesses. It provides more flexibility and is bundled with alternatives to over $5,000 of professional software for US$47.99.

[W]hen you launch the Windows installer for an app like Obsidian, Zorin OS displays a dialog that directs you to the app's native Linux version in the Software store. It also suggests the closest native alternatives to other Windows-only apps, like the built-in Document Viewer instead of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
— Zorin Blog

Learn more about Linux including Linux Mint, Ubuntu and Zorin OS.

Chromebook®

Chromebooks are less expensive than Windows computers and may be suitable for light users. More demanding users should look at Linux or continue investing in supported Windows hardware.

Essentially a cloud-based operating system, recent versions can work offline for short periods of time, syncing content once reconnected to the Internet. There is no option for going off-line permanently.

ChromeBook has considerable privacy issues (Google never forgets) but it will run Android apps, which can appeal to those with Android devices.

ChromeOS

ChromeOS is the operating system running on Chromebooks. Google has provided options to install this onto existing hardware. While primarily aimed at corporate users, it may be an option for others.

Try installing web-based ChromeOS Flex on your Windows 10 computer to see if that works for you. ChromeOS Flex runs on most computers with Intel or AMD processors but does not support ARM architecture.

Learn more about ChromeOS and ChromeOS Flex.

Tablets & Smartphones

If you're a light user and you don't create a lot of original content (i.e., you mostly surf the Web, read email and view social media) you might consider moving to an iPad or Android tablet. Combined with a suitable wireless printer you may be able to do away with computers altogether.

Tablets for Business

While businesses may find it useful to move to a suitable tablet for travel or other portable use, most businesses will continue to require computers for some of their work — at least for now.

Newer versions of Apple iPad Pro are as powerful as computers. When combined with the latest Apple pen they provide a powerful incentive for some business uses. More software aimed at business is becoming available for tablets (e.g., Affinity Designer for iPad). Such software requires newer, more capable devices running the newest technology.

In one 2018 review, the 9.7 inch iPad Pro fared well against the Microsoft Surface Go for Business when a Logitech Slim Folio for iPad keyboard case was added. Hardware has improved significantly since then.

Be sure to consider the disadvantages of moving from a traditional computer and tactile keyboard when making your decision. External BlueTooth keyboards are available, but may not suit your requirements and can hamper portability.

Smartphones

Smartphones are excellent for communications tasks but the limited screen size may affect your productivity when using apps that benefit from a larger viewport. They are also much less secure than traditionally computers.

While smartphones are available in quite large sizes, I find the convenience of a smaller phone for portability combined with the larger-format tablet a useful compromise. Neither threatens my need for computers at this time. New technologies like folding phones may change that.

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Updated: June 26, 2025

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