The simplest one is to buy a new computer. If yours is several years old and starting to feel sluggish, this may be the best route. Black Friday deals are just around the corner, and you can expect discounts on laptops that come with Windows 11 already installed. When choosing a new computer, focus on essentials. Look for one with solid-state storage for speed, enough memory (at least eight gigabytes, though 16 is better), and a recent processor so you’ll get years of use. Make sure it’s certified for Windows 11, which guarantees the latest security and performance features. You’ll avoid compatibility headaches and won’t have to think about upgrading again for some time.

If you’re happy with your current laptop, check whether it can handle Windows 11. Microsoft offers a free PC Health Check app that tells you if your hardware qualifies. Most newer computers do, but if your processor is older or lacks TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, yours may not qualify. While there are workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported systems, they aren’t officially approved and can cause problems later. If your computer passes the test, back up your files and follow Microsoft’s upgrade instructions.

For those who can’t or don’t want to upgrade, you can stay on Windows 10 for now, but you’ll need to be extra careful about security. Your device will still work, but without updates, new vulnerabilities won’t be patched. That’s where Microsoft’s Extended Security Update program comes in. It offers an additional year of critical security updates through October 2026 for a small fee, around $30 per device. Some users can even get it for free by signing in with a Microsoft account and syncing settings through OneDrive. Enrolling is simple.

To enroll in the program, go to Settings, choose Update & Security, and look for the Windows Update section. You’ll need the latest version of Windows 10 (22H2) to qualify. The extended updates are meant to buy you time, not serve as a long-term fix. After the year ends, support will stop completely. Still, that’s an extra year to budget for a new computer.

Even if you enroll, you should take extra precautions. Make sure your system is fully up to date. Microsoft will continue to send virus-definition updates to Windows Defender through at least 2028, but that’s no substitute for full security patches. Use a reputable antivirus program, keep your browser current and delete any software you no longer use. Be cautious when banking or shopping online, and don’t use public Wi-Fi. Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage so you can recover them if something goes wrong.

Think of this period as a bridge. Windows 10 isn’t suddenly unsafe, but the longer you stay, the higher the risk becomes. Hackers know there will be holdouts, and will certainly take advantage of the situation if they can. The extended-support program gives you breathing room to plan your next move, whether that’s upgrading your computer and learning Windows 11, or exploring alternatives like ChromeOS Flex or Linux for older machines.

If you’re running Windows 10 today, don’t panic. But don’t ignore it either. Buying a new computer now should ensure at least five years of security. Upgrading to Windows 11 keeps you current at little or no cost. Staying on Windows 10 is still possible, but make sure you tighten your defenses, enroll in the extended updates and prepare for buying a new machine.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.