Don’t Panic: Your Computer Won’t Suddenly Stop Working in October 2025
You may have seen some messages from Microsoft lately warning you that your computer will become “insecure” after October 2025. Sounds dramatic, right?
Here’s the truth: those messages are designed to make you think you have to upgrade your computer soon — but in most cases, you don’t. Your computer won’t suddenly stop working in October 2025. It will still turn on, go online, run your favourite programs and let you do your usual browsing, banking and email.
This isn’t a doomsday situation. It’s more of a long, slow fade. Keep reading and I’ll help you understand what’s actually going on — and what (if anything) you need to do about it..
So what is actually happening?
Microsoft has announced they will stop providing updates for Windows 10 after 14th October 2025. This means:
- No more automatic security or bug fixes from Microsoft after that date.
- Microsoft 365 will stop updating.
- Email apps (such as Outlook and Thunderbird) eventually may not run properly on Windows 10 — but not immediately.
- Some programs and websites will eventually stop working — but not immediately.
But if your computer has a good security program installed — like Trend Micro Internet Security — and you’re not pushing the boundaries of risky online behaviour, your Windows 10 system will likely remain safe for a few years yet.
What usually stops working first?
Based on past experience (like when support ended for Windows 7), here’s what tends to go first:
- Web browsers – Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge will eventually stop releasing updates for Windows 10. This may take 2–3 years. After that, some websites (especially banking or government ones) might stop working properly on older browsers.
- Outlook email – If you’re using a very old version of Microsoft Outlook (especially from Office 2007, 2010, or even 2013), you may already have trouble connecting to your email. This will only get worse over time as email providers tighten security.
- Office programs – Microsoft 365 (the subscription version of Office) will eventually stop getting updates on Windows 10. But if you use Office 2016, 2019, 2021 or 2024 — or don’t need new features — you’re probably fine for now.
What if I want to upgrade?
If your computer is new enough, it may be eligible to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This upgrade is:
- Safe
- Very similar to Windows 10 in appearance and use
- Still free (at least until October 2025)
How can you tell if your computer is eligible? Generally, computers bought in 2019 or later can probably be upgraded — though it’s not guaranteed. If you’re not sure, I can help guide you how to find out.
What if I need a new computer?
If you’ve been thinking about getting a new computer soon, it’s not a bad idea to do it before the September/October 2025 rush. There’s always plenty of people who will wait until the last minute for this sort of thing, so it is likely we may see delays, stock shortages and even price jumps closer to the end date.
At Geeks to the Rescue, we can help you with working out what you need to buy. We can even supply computers, too. Here’s a quick guide to help decide what sort of PC you should look for:
- Desktop PCs – many people mistakenly think desktop computers are “old fashioned” computers and that laptops are “modern” computers. However, this would be like calling a car an “old fashioned” vehicle and a motorbike a “modern” vehicle – obviously the real distinction is that they’re for different purposes!
Desktop computers are still the most reliable, cost-effective and highest performing option. They’re easy to maintain, repair and expand, they’re also ergonomic and provide the best performance for their price.
The cases for desktop PCs come in a wide range of sizes now – some are small enough that they could be hidden behind the computer screen!
Geeks to the Rescue custom builds desktop PCs so we can make one that is perfect for your purposes. - Laptops – The real purpose of laptops is when portability is a priority. Their downside is their relatively small screens, lack of ergonomics, high cost of repairs and unreliable power source.
- All-in-One PCs – These are intended for small spaces but repairs are costly and, because they are compact, it costs more for the same performance as a normal desktop PC. Accordingly, the majority of models are in the very low-performance budget category. Mid-range models are available, though, but are rare and high performance models are expensive.
Once you have obtained your new computer, we can also help with a safe and complete transfer of your files, emails and programs from the old computer to the new one.
Bottom line?
There’s no need to panic about Windows 10 updates ending. You probably have at least 2 to 4 years before you really have to make a move — unless you want to upgrade now.
Remember, Microsoft’s “your PC is insecure!” warnings are more about marketing than emergency. I’ll continue to keep you updated as things evolve and I’m always happy to check your system or help plan your next steps — whether that means upgrading, replacing or simply waiting it out.