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Microsoft is today officially pulling the plug on Windows 10 - its 10-year-old operating system that still runs hundreds of thousands of computers in New Zealand, and hundreds of millions around the world.

The tech giant will no longer provide security updates for the software, meaning it will become more exposed to hackers over time.

Microsoft says software first released in 2015 just can’t be endlessly tweaked around the edges to keep up with modern security threats, many of which simply didn’t exist 10 years ago. At some point, you have to upgrade to a fundamentally redesigned system.

Is this really the end?

Nope. There’s essentially been a stay of execution. On the heels of lobbying by groups like Consumer NZ, Microsoft created an Extended Security Updates program (known as ESU) that will keep updating Windows 10 PCs until October 13, 2026.

And you can enrol in the extended upgrade programme for free - if you’re using Windows 10 for personal use.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update then click “Enrol now”. All you have to do is choose the option to back up your PC’s settings to a OneDrive account (Microsoft’s cloud or online storage). You’re not backing up your whole computer, just a few lines of settings, so a basic free OneDrive account is fine.

You also have the option to redeem Microsoft rewards points - which you’ll likely have accumulated if you’re an Xbox player - but simply backing up should be fine for most people. Microsoft has instructions here.

What if I’m using Windows 10 for business?

Then you’ve got to pay $50.40 (per computer) to join the extended update program.

Can I just fib and say my work PC is for home?

No. Not if Microsoft detects it has Active Directory Services or Entra ID enabled, indicating it’s on a business network.

But I still want to get off the creaky Windows 10 at some point, right? What will it cost to upgrade my computer to Windows 11?

Nothing. Microsoft is offering free upgrades.

What’s the catch?

Your computer has to have enough horsepower to run Windows 11. There’s probably a better chance than you’d think, going by some coverage. Windows 11 - released four years ago - has relatively modest hardware requirements, such as 4GB of RAM. Microsoft has a free app that will tell you if your PC can handle Windows 11. Download it here.

What if my PC’s not powerful enough to run Windows 11 - or it will, but it’s just too sluggish with my 4GB of RAM and other bare-minimum specs?

You have to buy a new computer.

Can’t I just install a free operating system like Linux to run my PC instead? My mate knows how.

Not if you want to use all the apps you’re using today, in the same way. For most people, it’s not a viable option.

Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald’s business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.