Microsoft will officially eliminate support for its Windows 10 operating system in this October. While users can expand the support for a year by paying microsoft, or longer, if they resort to hack, many need to take an important decision about the future of their PC this year.
Microsoft Published a checklist For those users. According to Microsoft, the support checklist’s Windows 10 and support helps customers to get ready.
The problem is that, the main intent of Microsoft makes the checklist less useable. This is originally a revaluation of the end of the support email that was sent by Microsoft last month.
First of all, let’s take a look at what Microsoft is suggests.
Windows 10 end of support checklist
There are four items in the list of Microsoft:
- Check for Windows updates.
- Back up your data.
- Erase your data safely.
- Recycle your PC responsibly.
The first suggestion of Microsoft is to ensure that Windows 10 is updated. It does not refer to the upgrade option in Windows 11 here, which looks like a missed opportunity.
While many Windows 10 PCs cannot be upgraded, some can do and ensure that they get security updates after October 2025, although on Windows 11.
In addition, the check for updates only helps by October 2025, after which the update delivery will officially end.
Backup
Second suggestion It makes more understanding at first glance. Backup of important data should be regularly on each user’s agenda, but especially when migrating into a new system.
Microsoft suggests manually copying files on an external hard drive. This is a time consuming process. Most users may want to use backup software such as paragon backup and recovery free instead.
The second suggestion that gives microsoft is to transfer files to ONEDRIVE. Here, Microsoft fails to note that Onedrive has a storage range and is upgraded cost money. In addition, transferring some files to Onedrive can be flagged by automatic scanning system.
Recycling or erase data before giving away
Microsoft recommends that users erase data on their PCs before recycle the device or remove it. This data prevents leaks and unauthorized access.
According to Microsoft, how to do this, settings> updates and safety> go to recovery and reset this PC option on the page. Users should then remove everything, and to remove all data, the files should be removed and the drive should be cleaned.
Recycling
Last but at least, Microsoft says that users should consider recycling PCs or trading for a new device (with Windows 11).
What is missing here
The main goal of Microsoft with Czechlist and Email is to achieve customers to buy new Windows 11 PCs. This took a strategic decision to give up some information to pursue that goal.
First, Microsoft only mentions that there may be a possibility upgrade in Windows 11. While the email included an alternative to check whether an upgrade is available, Microsoft’s checklist mentioned it only one later.
Second, no one mentions the Microsoft Extended Safety Update Program. This allows home users to support up to one year and expand businesses up to three years. Home users pay $ 39 for him. Another year can expand the life of PC and give some users enough time to prepare for a new PC or migration.
Although it is understandable that Microsoft does not refer to third party options, it is important to feel that they exist. Here are the three main options:
- Micro-Patching Service 0Patch promised to provide significant security updates for Windows 10 by at least 2030. It comes at a cost of approximately $ 30 per year and includes only important or exploited issues. Nevertheless, it takes care of great weaknesses for the coming years.
- Linux is an option to expand the life of a computer. While some tests are required in the user side, this is an option and will expand the life of the PC for the coming years.
- Upgrade an inconsistent PC in Windows 11.
Closing word
You have there. You can choose to follow Microsoft by accepting your Windows 10 PC, if it is not compatible with Windows 11, or consider one of other options to expand the life of the hardware.
Now it’s your turn. Do you still run Windows 10 on your equipment (some)? If yes, what are your plans moving forward? Feel free to leave a comment below to join the discussion.
Thanks for reading..
