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March 26, 2025

Your Windows 10 end of support checklist

As Windows 10 approaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, you’re probably thinking about what’s next. Good news: buying a brand-new device isn’t your only option. If your current PC meets the Windows 11 specs and system requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 without replacing your hardware.

This checklist covers both paths—upgrading your existing device or purchasing a new one—so you can move forward with confidence. From checking for updates to recycling your PC before bringing home a new one, we’ll guide you through it all. Ready to dive in? Let’s get going.

Understanding Windows 10 end of support

Microsoft has announced the end of support for Windows 10, which means there will be no more updates or security patches for the operating system after October 14, 2025. This can leave your device vulnerable to security risks if not addressed. Here are three steps you can take to prepare:

1. Check for Windows updates

Before anything else, make sure your Windows 10 is up to date. This ensures you have the latest features and security patches available:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

2. Backup your data

Protect your personal files by creating a backup. You can use an external hard drive or a cloud storage service, like OneDrive¹, to save your important documents, photos, and other data. Here’s how to do it:

Using an external hard drive:

Connect your external hard drive to your PC.
Open File Explorer and locate the files you want to back up.
Drag and drop the files into your external hard drive’s folder.

Using OneDrive:

Sign in to OneDrive with your Microsoft account.
Open File Explorer and locate the files you want to back up.
Drag and drop the files into your OneDrive folder.

3. Safely erase your data

If you’re planning to recycle or donate your PC, it’s essential to securely erase your data to prevent unauthorized access:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
Choose Remove everything and then Remove files and clean the drive.

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Recycle your PC responsibly

When it’s time to say goodbye to your old device, make sure to recycle it responsibly. Lower the environmental impact at the end of your device’s lifecycle by mailing in your old PC to be responsibly recycled² or trade it in³ for money you can use toward a faster, more secure, new Windows 11 PC.

More is possible with Windows 11

If your current device meets the requirements, you can upgrade the software now and start experiencing:

Enhanced security: Get built-in protection against modern threats with the latest security features.
New tools: Take advantage of updated features that streamline productivity and improve usability.
Performance improvements:Enjoy faster, more efficient performance with Windows 11.⁴
Compatibility: Stay current with software and hardware that’s optimized for Windows 11.
Ongoing Support: Get regular updates and support from Microsoft for years to come.

Next steps: from Windows 10 to Windows 11

By following this checklist, you can ensure your data is safe, your device is ready for recycling, and you’re prepared for the future. Remember, upgrading to Windows 11 is a great way to stay secure and enjoy the latest features. Try Windows 11 today and experience the difference.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
[1] Requires Microsoft account. Up to 5 GB of Microsoft Storage is included. Data transfers exceeding 5 GB require an active Microsoft subscription or trial.
[2] Available in select countries for Surface devices only and for other brands in the District of Columbia and New York State. See site for details.
[3] Available in select countries only. See site for details.
[4] Compared to Windows 10.