How to Update to Windows 11 Before Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Support | Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft will stop sending over-the-air security updates for devices running Windows 10 on 14th October 2025. After this, you will either need to upgrade your laptop or PC to Windows 11 or continue using older Windows 10 versions, which might contain some undiscover security vulnerabilities.

In 2024, Microsoft announce the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.

Users who enrol for the same will continue to receive security updates until 2026.

But there is still a chance for users to update their devices (if eligible) to the latest version of Windows 11.

As said, Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, a decade after the operating system (OS) was first introduced to the public.

Means, Systems that are running the OS will not receive any new updates once the declare end-of-life period is reach.

As your PC will continue to function normally, it will not be eligible for any new security updates, leaving it susceptible to newly discover cyberthreats.

Microsoft has been actively pushing individuals, as well as businesses, to upgrade to Windows 11 and enjoy all of the latest features.

But before Windows 10 goes off, here are five things you need to know about what’s next for your PC:

1. Basic Features Will Continue to Work : As Microsoft is pulling software support for Windows 10, your PC will not come to a grinding halt immediately after. It will continue to retain the same functionality, albeit without any monthly security updates. Means you’ll still be able to work, watch, and play on your machine even after, until the applications stop supporting the OS.
2. Risk of Threat Increases : As the PC will function, it will be more susceptible to cyber threats, especially the new ones that could wreak havoc, in the absence of the latest security patches. There can also be instances where new vulnerabilities are found in the existing Windows 10 code, but they will remain unpatched. The very basic thing to do here is to ensure that you have good anti-malware and anti-virus software install as a layer of extra security.
3. Windows 11 Upgrade is Free : A good thing here is that the upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 is completely free of charge, if your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements and is running the latest version of Windows 10. There are good chances that a majority of the software and accessories that worked with Windows 10 will continue to function on Windows 11. The latest OS will also add new productivity features and functionality with a host of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
4. What If You Can’t Upgrade : For those for whom migration isn’t possible due to older or incompatible hardware, there are two options to go for, buy a new Windows 11 PC or enrol in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. The former is a more expensive affair, but it will also result in you owning the latest hardware, which will receive support for years to come. While, the latter can incur small charges or can even be free of cost, depending on the upgrade option you choose.
5. Microsoft 365 Apps Will Continue to Receive Updates : Microsoft says its 365 suite of apps will continue to receive updates even after the company drops support for the older version of its desktop operating system. These will be available via the company’s standard update channels and end on 10th October 2028, which is three years from now. The Microsoft says that this extension is to help maintain security while users transition to Windows 11.

How to Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11?

There are many ways in which users can upgrade their devices to Windows 11.

Microsoft recommends users wait until Windows Update notifies users that the upgrade is ready for installation.

But, you can also manually check whether their devices can be upgraded(Recommended).

Follow These Steps :

• Select Start.
• Go to Settings.
• Tap Update & Security.
• Then go to Windows Update.
• Also, you can also tap on the Windows Update shortcut.
• Click on the Check for updates button.

NOTE : If there are updates available for the current Windows version, then users might have to install the update for it first. For example, if there is a newer firmware update available for Windows 10, people might have to install that before upgrading to Windows 11. After this, they will have to restart the process.

• When the PC or Laptop is ready, Windows 11 will be ready for installation.
• Tap on the Download and install button to initiate the process.
• A Software Licence Terms prompt will be display.
• You will have to click on the Accept and install button.
• The Windows Update page will refresh automatically, and the status will be updated to show the Windows 11 upgrade progress.
• When the Windows 11 download is complete, the device will prompt users to restart their device.
• Tap the Restart Now button.
• The PC or Laptop will restart a few times before the Windows 11 installation process is complete.
• Your laptop or PC should boot up automatically with Windows 11 installed.
• You can then sign in to the device and continue using it as usual.

How to Install Windows 11 Update Using Installation Assistant?

Follow These Steps :

1. The Windows 11 Installation Assistant is an app that helps users update their devices to Windows 11
2. Run Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
3. Tap on Install Windows 11.
4. Click Accept and install, and the process should start automatically.
5. Other steps are the same as updating the device from Settings, as detail above.

How to Get Windows 11 With Installation Media?

Follow These Steps :

1. Another way to download and install the Windows 11 update for your Windows 10 device is via a pen drive.
2. You need a bootable flash drive with Windows 11 install.
3. When the flash drive is ready, plug it into the device you wish to upgrade to Windows 11.
4. The device will prompt you.
5. Click Run setup.exe.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to reach the Ready to Install page.
7. You can either choose to keep the existing personal files and apps or delete them.
8. When you’ve selected the desire option, your device will start following the same process as other methods.
9. After the machine restarts, sign in to the device.

The Windows 10 ESU programme began rolling out earlier this year and should be visible on all PCs running Windows 10. And you can also check out how to sign up for the Windows 10 ESU programme here.

The easiest option is to purchase a new PC altogether. If this is something on your wishlist, then it is a great time to do so if you’re in India, keeping in mind the ongoing festive sales.