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John,

A big deadline is fast approaching for the one in seven people on the planet who use a device that's powered by Windows 10.[1]

Microsoft will end free support and security updates for Windows 10 on Oct. 14.[2] While owners of some PCs will be able to upgrade to Windows 11, many won't because their devices don't meet the new minimum hardware requirements.

Are you one such unlucky Windows 10 user? Here's what you need to know before Oct. 14:

If you want to install Windows 11, your device must meet its minimum security requirements. You'll need a processor with at least one Ghz and four GB RAM, among other must-haves.[3]

If you're unsure whether your device has what you need, use the PC Health Check app to assess your machine's compatibility with Windows 11.

Unfortunately, the owners of many devices won't be able to upgrade. Estimates suggest that, as of 2022, some 40% of PCs in use can't upgrade to Windows 11.[4]

After Oct. 14, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance or security fixes for Windows 10.[] Without critical security updates and patches from Microsoft, your operating system will be exposed to threats such as cyberattacks, malware and data breaches.[5]

If you can't upgrade to Windows 11, you'll want to consider paying for Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The annual subscription costs $30 per device for an individual or $61 for a business. Be aware, though, that ESU only includes critical and important security updates. It doesn't include technical support, nor does it include new features, and the cost will double next year.[6]

If you're one of the hundreds of millions of users who can't install Windows 11, Microsoft suggests that you consider purchasing a new device.[7]

But what should we do with our current -- and otherwise working -- PCs? Unfortunately, many users will have no better option than to junk these devices. And given that less than a quarter of e-waste was recycled in 2022, millions of PCs could be sent to landfills or incinerators.[8]

The best way to slow the rise of e-waste is to keep our electronics in use as long as possible. That's why we're urging Microsoft and other tech leaders to continue supporting their products.

We can't afford to stay on this disposability treadmill that forces us to replace devices before their time. With supporters like you on our side, we're urging Microsoft to change course -- and help prevent the single-largest surge in electronic waste in human history.

Thank you,

Faye Park
President

P.S. We're working to reduce electronic waste. Will you power our advocacy with a donation?
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1. Yusuf Mehdi, "Windows 10: Powering the world with 1 billion monthly active devices," Windows Blogs, March 16, 2020.
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2. "End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7," Microsoft Windows, last accessed September 17, 2025.
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3. "Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements," Microsoft Windows, last accessed September 17, 2025.
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4. Paul Kunart, "More than 4 in 10 PCs still can't upgrade to Windows 11," The Register, October 10, 2022.
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5. "End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7," Microsoft Windows, last accessed September 17, 2025.
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6. "Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10," Microsoft Windows, last accessed September 17, 2025.
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7. "Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements," Microsoft Windows, last accessed September 17, 2025.
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8. "Electronic waste (e-waste))," World Health Organization, October 1, 2024.
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