If your computer is still running Windows 10, there is no need to panic — but there are some important changes you should know about.
Microsoft officially ended standard support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. However, eligible Windows 10 computers enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can continue receiving critical and important security updates until 12 October 2027.
That gives Windows 10 users more time to decide whether to upgrade their existing computer, repair it, or eventually replace it with a Windows 11 system.
At GeekLabs Canberra, we can help you work out which option makes the most sense for your computer and your budget.
Is Windows 10 Still Safe to Use?
Windows 10 computers will continue to work. The important difference is that normal Windows 10 support has ended.
Without Extended Security Updates, Windows 10 no longer receives the regular operating-system security and reliability updates that were previously supplied as part of standard support.
For eligible home users, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program provides additional critical and important security updates through October 2027.
ESU does not turn Windows 10 back into a fully supported operating system. It does not provide new Windows features, general improvements or the full technical support normally associated with a supported Windows version. It is best thought of as extra time to plan your move away from Windows 10.
How Do I Get Windows 10 Security Updates Until 2027?
Eligible Windows 10 computers need to be enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program.
Microsoft currently provides several enrolment options for Australian home users, including an option with no additional charge when PC settings are synced through a Microsoft account, using Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-time paid option.
Once enrolled, the computer can continue receiving eligible critical and important Windows 10 security updates until 12 October 2027.
If you are unsure whether your computer is enrolled, GeekLabs can check it for you.
Does This Mean I Can Keep Windows 10 Forever?
You can continue using Windows 10, but the ESU program should be considered a temporary extension rather than a permanent solution.
After the Extended Security Updates period ends, continuing to use an unsupported operating system becomes increasingly risky as new security vulnerabilities are discovered.
The extra time gives users an opportunity to plan rather than rushing out and purchasing a new computer immediately.
Can My Current Computer Run Windows 11?
Many Windows 10 computers can be upgraded directly to Windows 11.
Windows 11 has additional hardware requirements, including a compatible processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot capability, at least 4GB RAM and at least 64GB of storage.
GeekLabs can check whether your computer officially supports Windows 11 and advise you on the available options.
What If My Computer Does Not Support Windows 11?
A computer can still be fast, reliable and perfectly usable while failing Microsoft’s official Windows 11 compatibility requirements. You therefore have several choices.
Continue Using Windows 10 With ESU
If the computer is working well and meets the requirements for Extended Security Updates, continuing to use Windows 10 temporarily may be the most economical option. This can give you more time before replacing the machine.
Upgrade the Computer
Sometimes an older computer simply needs a hardware upgrade. Replacing an old mechanical hard drive with an SSD can make an enormous difference to startup times, program loading and overall responsiveness.
Additional RAM can also help computers that struggle when several programs or browser tabs are open.
GeekLabs provides SSD and NVMe upgrades from $245, depending on the computer and the storage required.
Repair the Existing Computer
A computer that appears old and slow may actually have a repairable problem.
- Failing hard drives
- Overheating
- Malware
- Damaged Windows installations
- Low memory
- Excessive startup programs
- Hardware faults
Repairing or upgrading an otherwise good computer can often extend its useful life considerably.
Replace the Computer
There eventually comes a point where replacing the computer makes more sense than continuing to upgrade it.
GeekLabs also offers refurbished Windows 11 computers from $395, providing a lower-cost alternative to buying a brand-new PC.
Do You Need to Rush Out and Buy a New Computer?
For most people, no.
The extension of Windows 10 security updates gives eligible users additional time to make a sensible decision.
A well-maintained Windows 10 computer with Extended Security Updates can still be useful while you plan your eventual move to Windows 11.
It is worth checking whether your computer is enrolled in Windows 10 ESU, whether it supports Windows 11, whether an SSD or RAM upgrade would improve it, and whether repair or replacement offers better value.
GeekLabs Can Check Your Windows 10 Computer
If you’re unsure what to do with your Windows 10 computer, GeekLabs can help from our workshop in Flynn, Canberra.
- Windows 10 ESU checks
- Windows 11 compatibility checks
- Windows 11 upgrades
- SSD and NVMe upgrades
- RAM upgrades
- Computer and laptop repairs
- Slow computer diagnosis
- Virus and malware removal
- Data recovery
- Refurbished Windows 11 computers
- E-waste recycling
Rather than replacing a computer unnecessarily, we can check what you have and help determine the most practical and economical option.
Windows 10, Windows 11 and Computer Repairs in Canberra
Technology changes quickly, but that does not mean perfectly usable computers should automatically be thrown away.
With Windows 10 Extended Security Updates continuing until October 2027 for enrolled eligible systems, many Canberra users now have more time to decide what comes next.
If you would like your Windows 10 computer checked, upgraded or repaired, contact GeekLabs Canberra.
GeekLabs – Canberra’s Tech Repairer
Fast, Reliable, Affordable
Flynn, Canberra
Source: Microsoft Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates information, current as of October 2026.