Windows 10 End of Support

On 14 October 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. That means no more security updates, bug fixes, or feature updates. Over time, unsupported systems become an easier target for malware.

Your options

Windows 11 needs newer hardware than a lot of older PCs have. If your computer can’t be upgraded, Microsoft’s official options are to buy new hardware or pay for extended support, which is expensive and only buys you more time.

An alternative is installing Linux Mint, a free operating system that runs well on older hardware and keeps receiving security updates. It has a similar layout to Windows, with a desktop, start menu, and taskbar, so it’s not a big jump to learn.

Before installing anything, back up your files, photos, documents, and emails. Installing Linux Mint wipes the drive. Computerbank Victoria can help with the installation if you’d rather not do it yourself.

Two ways to make the switch

Full switch to Linux Mint. This works well if you mainly use a browser, email, and office documents. Firefox and Chrome run normally, and LibreOffice opens Word and Excel files. Windows programs (.exe files) won’t run directly, though free Linux alternatives cover most common tasks.

Keep some Windows access. Use Microsoft 365 through a browser, or run Windows 10 in a virtual machine inside Linux Mint (needs at least 8 GB RAM and a valid Windows licence).

You don’t have to switch everything at once. Plenty of people run Linux Mint day to day and only dip into Windows, via browser or virtual machine, for the odd program that needs it. As a bonus, moving to Linux Mint keeps a working computer in use rather than sending it to landfill.

Visit linuxmint.com or contact Computerbank Victoria for help making the switch.