Windows 10: One Year to Go -- & what we do next!

Windows 10 support ends on October 14th 2025. But what if your computer does not support Windows 11? Or you do not want to install Windows 11? This video outlines all of the possibilities -- from doing nothing, to extended security updates (ESUs), an unofficial Windows 11 install, migrating to Linux, and more . . .

Related videos what you may find helpful include:

Switching to Linux: A Beginner’s Guide:

Installing Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware:

ChromeOS Flex: Google’s New PC OS (no longer in beta!):

REFERENCES:

Statcounter Windows Desktop Market Share (updates monthly):

Microsoft “Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019”

More videos on computing and related topics can be found at:

Chapters:
00:00 Titles & Intro
01:28 Do Nothing
03:05 Go Offline
03:41 Extended Security Updates
06:06 Third-Party Patches
07:27 Windows 10 LTSC Versions
08:59 Unofficial Windows 11
11:50 Linux
13:15 A ChromiumOS
13:33 Something Else?
15:11 Stats & Wrap

#Windows10 #ESU #EndofSupport #Windows11 #Linux #ChromeOS #ExplainingComputers

[ExplainingComputers]

Microsoft has announced that "The ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option available for $30". There appears to be no more information available, save that "Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025". So whether this means one year only (with no possibility to buy consumer ESUs for up to 3 years, as available for education and commerical customers) I do not know. But I suspect that a lot of people will pay $30 to push the problem down the line for 12 months. Views?

[Cingku]

I still remember when Microsoft said Windows 10 would be the last version ever. It's so funny looking back now.

[scarabeo]

I'm 72 and with no qualifications my working life was totally as a labourer, but my home computer has run Ubuntu since 2005. And build my own computers as well. And I don't miss Windows one bit...

[pavaomrazek]

I remember seeing this exact video, only about Windows 7. Now it's time for Windows 10. How the time flies...

[DaveRhodes]

On the bright side that means in a year Windows 10 will no longer randomly restart itself to install updates in the middle of your work again!

[InturnetHaetMachine]

The breaches of privacy and lack of control in Windows now is egregious, . I remember seeing somewhere that Linux desktop market share rose close to 5% for the first time. I really hope this is a self-reinforcing trend where more usage leads to more developers supporting it and then more people feeling comfortable using it.
Microsoft was right that Windows 10 will be the last windows, if only just for me. Made a switch to Linux Mint years ago and have never looked back.

[I-LOG]

I began worrying about this at the start of this year. My computer by a means should be able to run W11, but Microsoft's artificial requirements meant officially upgrading wasn't an option. I decided to switch to Linux Mint. It's been working pretty well so far.

[cg]

Microsoft was right. Windows 10 will be my last version of windows.

[tubegor]

Very clever decision to keep the price for support secret until the end.
In the panic, many will pay a fee no matter how high the price is.

[MarkSadlier]

Clear, concise and thorough. One of the best channels on YouTube. Thank you.

[jorgvespermann]

I switched to Linux in May 2018 and I am quite happy with it.

[bowty_mcboatface]

I have 2 computers; both running Windows 7. One for the office, the other for home entertainment/streaming. I shop online all the time, and have never had any security issues. Using stock Windows security.

[ogarvin]

Switch to Linux Mint. I did it back on January 14, 2020, the last day of support for Windows 7, and I've never been sorry. I can remember the date easily- it was also my 78th birthday! Installed Mint on my desktop and both laptops. Most intuitive switch from Windows of the 6 OS that I sampled, and I highly recommend it!

[grayfox]

I am migrating to Linux Mint. Using a dual boot option I am currently running 50/50 or maybe as high as 75/25 Linux Mint to Windows 10. This slow start has provided a smooth transition into Linux and program selections. The more I use Linux the more I like it.

[RoboNuggie]

One of the benefits will be a glut of perfectly fine PC's on the second user market - all ready for the picking.... 🙂
A very concise video Chris and very illuminating...

[dgrm]

This is blatant extortion. Charging for security updates on THEIR software because Microsoft MADE their latest OS is incompatible with perfectly working PC hardware! Absolute extrotion!

[esra_erimez]

Watcing on Linux right now. No need to wait.

[technoWZ]

I just bought some old laptops, which cannot run Windows 11. I plan on running Linux Mint and Peppermint OS on these old laptops. I am so glad I can use Linux as an alternative!

[Onyxmoon]

'completely artificial requirements' - nail on head. So far, I've only got a copy of W10 on my iMac (for rare occasions I might need something), but one answer is to not buy into their game in the first place - hard to do for most consumers and Linux can only go so far at the moment (same with Macs). It won't be too long before most up-to-date machines will be incompatible with W12+ due to similar artificial requirements. If you don't like what the beast is doing, stop feeding it.

[danielcampbell]

Some time late 2019 I switched exclusively to Linux from Windows 7 just before end of support. For a few years before that I had my machine dual booted with Linux Mint, and only used windows for gaming. Windows games just either did not work back then or was just way to much hassle to get working. (for me). Things have really improved now though.
It was of no great hardship to me, as I had been repurposing other peoples through away (windows) laptops that could barely run windows and a web browser at the same time when new, nevermind after a few years of updates. I built a new 16 core amd machine for myself 2 years ago, I run Manjaro on it. No problems, no crashes, a reboot once a month after updates as and when I choose to install them. No corporate control over my pc anymore.
It does just about everything I was able to do in windows7. Most of my Game library in steam play as reliably as they did in windows. There are a few exceptions though. I have never got my logitech driving wheel and pedals to work as well, and some games not at at all. It has been well over a year from I tried last, that may or may not have been solved yet.

Linux can be is a steep learning curve, occasionally I have to look for instructions online, and I have been playing with it in the background alongside windows for 20+ years. Although I have had my hands on computers from the early '80s so may be somewhat more adaptable and have more of an interest than most everyday users?
There is however no shortage of information if you are willing to learn. Everyone had to learn how to use windows, mac OS or whatever OS that it is they are familiar with.

Is Linux for everyone? I doubt it, that would depend on each persons use case. You can only but try it, or one of the many other OS options available.

If you have an old pc or laptop you just stopped using or replaced because it was to slow, I highly recommend giving it a go, you will be surprised just how usable/quick in comparison that machine will be for internet browsing, or use as a media center etc etc.