This guide reflects Microsoft’s current Windows 10 end-of-support and Extended Security Update (ESU) policies as of June 2026.
Windows 10 End of Support: Quick Summary
- -Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025
- -Unsupported PCs no longer receive security patches from Microsoft
- -Most PCs from 2018 onward can upgrade to Windows 11 for free
- -Many older PCs only need TPM 2.0 enabled in BIOS — not a new computer
- -Businesses face compliance and cyber insurance risks by staying on Windows 10
- -According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), cybercrime reports from Australian businesses continue to rise year on year — unpatched systems are a primary entry point
- -Core Computers offers free Windows 11 compatibility checks in Albany Creek, Brisbane
Your PC Still Turns On. That Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe.
If your computer is still running Windows 10 in June 2026, it is no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft. That means any new vulnerability discovered today will remain permanently unpatched — and cybercriminals know it.
Windows 10 officially reached end of support on 14 October 2025. Since that date, Microsoft has stopped issuing security patches, bug fixes, and technical support for the operating system. Over 20% of devices globally were still running Windows 10 as of late 2025 — including a significant share of small Australian businesses.
The good news? You don’t need to panic, and you probably don’t need to buy a new computer tomorrow. In many cases, a Windows 11 upgrade Brisbane residents need is completely straightforward, and it costs far less than most people expect.
Core Computers has been helping Brisbane PC owners since 1979 and has upgraded thousands of Windows systems across the Northside. This guide explains what end of support means, what your real risks are, and what your three options are — whether you’re a home user in Albany Creek, a small business owner in Chermside, or a tradie in Brendale who just needs their PC to stay secure.
What Does Windows 10 End of Support Actually Mean?
Quick Answer: When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it permanently stops providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Your PC will still work, but it will no longer be protected against newly discovered security threats — leaving it increasingly vulnerable over time.
When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it means three things stop — permanently:
- Security updates — the patches that protect your PC from newly discovered threats
- Bug fixes — corrections for software errors that affect how your computer performs
- Technical support — any help from Microsoft if problems arise
Here is the key point: your computer will keep working. Windows 10 won’t switch off or refuse to start. What changes is your protection.
Before October 2025, whenever a new security vulnerability was discovered in Windows 10, Microsoft would push out a fix within days or weeks. After end of support, those vulnerabilities stay open — indefinitely. Every day that passes adds to the exposure.
Your 3 Options After Windows 10 Support Has Ended
Once you know Windows 10 support has ended, you have three clear paths forward. Here they are upfront, because this is what most readers want to know first.
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 (Recommended)
For most computers manufactured from around 2018 onwards, this is the best option. Upgrading gives you:
- The latest Microsoft security updates from day one
- Improved performance on compatible hardware
- Continued access to all current and future software
- Ongoing technical support from Microsoft
If your PC meets the requirements — even if the Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) simply needs to be enabled in BIOS — upgrading to Windows 11 is the most practical and cost-effective path. Our Computer Upgrades Brisbane team handles this regularly for home users and businesses across the Northside.
Option 2: Use Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If upgrading isn’t immediately practical, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme as a short-term bridge.
For individual consumers, ESU is available until October 2026. For businesses and schools, coverage extends until October 2028.
The cost starts at approximately $91.55 AUD per device for Year 1 — and the price doubles each subsequent year.
Key limitations to understand:
- ESU only delivers security updates — no new features, no compatibility improvements
- For businesses running multiple computers, the cumulative cost grows quickly
- It does not solve the underlying problem of an ageing, unsupported system
Think of ESU as buying yourself some extra time — not as a permanent fix.
Option 3: Replace Your Computer
Sometimes the most sensible path is a new machine. This makes sense when:
- Your CPU predates 2016 and has no TPM 2.0 support or upgrade pathway
- Multiple hardware issues already exist — failing storage, battery problems, persistent slowness
- The combined cost of hardware upgrades plus Windows 11 installation approaches the price of a refurbished or entry-level new PC
- You’ve been meaning to replace it for a while anyway
Our team will always give you an honest comparison between upgrading and replacing. We won’t recommend a new computer if you don’t need one. For business replacement options, visit our Business Computers Brisbane page.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11 After End of Support
| Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Security Updates | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
| Microsoft Support | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
| New Features | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
| Software Compatibility | Declining | Full Support |
| Cyber Risk Level | Higher | Lower |
| Insurance Compliance | At Risk | Covered |
| Long-Term Viability | Limited | Supported until 2031 |
What Are the Risks of Staying on Windows 10?
Cybersecurity Risks
Unsupported operating systems are among the most popular targets for cybercriminals — because the attack routes are known, public, and will never be patched.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) — Australia’s national cybersecurity authority — reports that cybercrime against Australian businesses is rising each year, and that unpatched, unsupported software is one of the most common entry points for attackers. You can find the latest threat data at cyber.gov.au.
If a vulnerability is found in Windows 10 today, hackers can exploit it across millions of unprotected computers globally. They actively scan the internet looking for them.
Real-world consequences for Brisbane PC owners include:
- Malware infections — software designed to damage, steal from, or take over your computer
- Ransomware attacks — where your files are encrypted and a ransom demanded to get them back
- Phishing and identity theft — using your compromised machine to steal banking details or personal information
- Silent remote access — where hackers operate in the background without you ever knowing
Software Compatibility Problems
Software developers gradually stop building for operating systems that Microsoft no longer supports. You may already be seeing signs — apps that won’t update properly, websites that don’t display correctly, or features that simply stop working.
Looking ahead, Brisbane PC users on Windows 10 can expect:
- New software versions that require Windows 11 or later to install
- Printer and peripheral drivers that no longer receive updates
- Banking, accounting, and government portals that stop functioning correctly on Windows 10
- New hardware — printers, scanners, webcams — that won’t connect at all
If your computer is essential to your work, these compatibility gaps will cost you real time and real money as 2026 continues.
Business Compliance Risks
For Brisbane business owners — especially those in healthcare, legal services, or finance — running an unsupported operating system is not just a technical problem. It creates legal exposure.
The Australian Privacy Act 1988, administered by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), requires businesses to take reasonable steps to protect personal information. Using software with known, unpatched security vulnerabilities could be considered a failure to meet that standard.
For medical practices, law firms, and accounting offices handling sensitive client data, a breach traced back to preventable negligence could result in regulatory action, significant fines, and lasting reputational damage.
Small businesses across North Brisbane — trades, retail, professional services — are not exempt if they hold any customer data at all.
Cyber Insurance Concerns
Many business owners are surprised to learn this: running unsupported software can affect your cyber insurance coverage.
A growing number of insurers now include clauses requiring businesses to maintain supported, up-to-date operating systems as a condition of their policy. If a cyber incident occurs on a Windows 10 machine after end of support, your insurer may argue that you failed to take reasonable precautions — and potentially deny your claim.
If you hold cyber insurance for your Brisbane business, it’s worth reviewing your policy terms or speaking directly with your broker before your next renewal.
How Do I Check If My PC Is Compatible With Windows 11?
free PC Health Check tool from the official Microsoft website.
Step 2: Run the tool on your Windows 10 PC. The scan completes in about 60 seconds.
Step 3: Review the results. The tool will either confirm you’re ready to upgrade or list the specific reasons your computer doesn’t currently meet requirements.
If you’re not confident running this yourself, the team at Core Computers can do it for you during a free 10-minute assessment at our Albany Creek store. We’ll explain the results plainly and walk you through what comes next.
What Is TPM 2.0 and Why Does Windows 11 Require It?
Quick Answer: TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) is a security chip or firmware feature built into most modern computers. Windows 11 requires it to be active. Many PCs from 2016 onwards already have TPM 2.0 installed but switched off — enabling it in BIOS is often all that’s needed to unlock Windows 11 compatibility.
TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. It’s a small security component — either a physical chip or a firmware feature — built into most modern computers. It handles encryption keys and helps protect your data and login credentials.
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 to be active. The catch? Many computers from 2016 onwards already have TPM 2.0 built in, but it’s switched off by default in the BIOS settings.
This is especially common in popular brands like:
- Dell
- HP
- Lenovo
- ASUS
In these cases, enabling TPM is a simple change in the BIOS settings — it takes minutes, not hours, and it doesn’t require new hardware.
If Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool tells you that your computer doesn’t meet TPM 2.0 requirements, don’t assume you need a new PC. It’s one of the first things our team checks during a compatibility assessment. What looks like an insurmountable blocker is often a five-minute fix.
How to Upgrade an Older PC to Windows 11 Safely
A Windows 11 upgrade done properly follows a clear, step-by-step process. Rushing it — or skipping the preparation — is where things go wrong.
Step 1 — Confirm Compatibility Run the PC Health Check tool, or bring your computer to Core Computers for a free assessment. We’ll check TPM status, CPU generation, storage, and RAM against Windows 11 requirements.
Step 2 — Back Up Your Files Before anything else happens, all important data gets backed up to an external drive or cloud storage. At Core Computers, backing up your data before upgrade work begins is non-negotiable.
Step 3 — Review Software Compatibility Some older applications may need updating or replacing after the move to Windows 11. We flag likely issues before we start, so there are no surprises afterwards.
Step 4 — Perform the Upgrade The Windows 11 installation is performed cleanly, TPM is enabled where required, and the system is configured correctly from the ground up.
Step 5 — Verify Everything Works After installation, we confirm your files are intact, your software runs correctly, your printers and peripherals still connect, and your internet and email are functioning as expected.
Important Backup Checklist Before Any Upgrade
Before any upgrade — whether you’re doing it yourself or bringing your computer to us — make sure the following is covered:
At Core Computers, we back up all your important data before performing any upgrade work. Your files are protected before we touch anything.
If you’re unsure what to back up or how to do it, bring your computer in and we’ll take care of it for you.
How Core Computers Helps Brisbane PC Owners Upgrade to Windows 11
Core Computers has been looking after Brisbane computers since 1979 — well before Windows existed. We’re a family-owned business based in Albany Creek, and we operate on a transparent, fixed-price labour model — no surprise bills, no confusing hourly rates.
Here’s what a Windows 11 upgrade service with us includes:
Compatibility Assessment We check your computer against all Windows 11 requirements, including TPM 2.0 status and CPU generation. You’ll know exactly where you stand before spending a dollar. This assessment is free and takes around 10 minutes.
Data Backup All important files are backed up before we begin. If anything unexpected happens during the upgrade, your data is protected.
Windows 11 Installation We handle the full installation, configuration, and setup — including enabling TPM where required, reconnecting peripherals, and verifying your software functions correctly.
Performance Improvements Many older computers benefit significantly from an SSD upgrade at the same time as a Windows 11 install. We’ll quote this separately so you can decide — no pressure. See our Computer Upgrades Brisbane page for more.
Business Upgrade Support Running multiple computers in a Brisbane office? We can help plan and stage a migration for small businesses across North Brisbane, minimising disruption to your day-to-day operations. More detail is on our Business Computers Brisbane page.
Pricing Windows 11 upgrade services are priced on a fixed-rate labour basis — you’ll receive a clear quote before any work begins. Contact us for a no-obligation price based on your specific computer and requirements.
Why Brisbane Locals Trust Core Computers
We’ve been servicing Brisbane PCs since 1979 — that’s over 45 years of local IT support. Here’s what makes us different:
- Family-owned and operated — you’re talking to the people who actually do the work
- Fixed-price labour model — you know what the job costs before we start
- Albany Creek location — convenient for residents across Brendale, Eatons Hill, Chermside, and the wider Northside
- Home and business clients — we support individual PC owners and small business fleets alike
- Fast turnaround — most upgrades completed within one to three business days
- Priority service available — for urgent situations, we can fast-track your job
- In-store and onsite support — we come to you across Albany Creek, Brendale, Eatons Hill, and surrounds
Need a repair alongside your upgrade? Our Computer Repair Brisbane page covers the full range of services we offer.
When Should You Upgrade?
The longer a computer stays on Windows 10, the greater the exposure to security risks. The risks don’t sit still — they grow as new vulnerabilities are discovered and circulated across the web.
That said, there’s no benefit in rushing into a poor decision. If you’re weighing up whether to upgrade or replace, or if you’re simply not sure whether your computer is compatible, a free 10-minute conversation with our team will give you a clear, honest answer. We’re not here to upsell you on anything you don’t need.
The worst outcome is waiting until something goes wrong — a virus infection, a ransomware hit, or a hardware failure — and then trying to recover from it. Proactive action is always cheaper than dealing with the fallout. Contact us today to find out where you stand.
Key Takeaways
- Running Windows 10 in 2026 leaves your PC exposed to unpatched security vulnerabilities
- Your computer will still work — but it will no longer be protected against new threats
- Most PCs from 2018 onwards can qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11
- TPM 2.0 issues are frequently fixable without buying a new computer
- Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) are a temporary bridge, not a long-term solution
- Brisbane businesses in healthcare, legal, and finance face real compliance risks under the Australian Privacy Act
- A free compatibility assessment at Core Computers will identify the most cost-effective option for your specific PC
Book a Free Windows 11 Compatibility Assessment
Still running Windows 10? You don’t have to work this out on your own.
Visit Core Computers in Albany Creek for a free 10-minute Windows 11 compatibility assessment. We’ll check whether your PC can be upgraded, explain your options in plain English, and help you choose the most cost-effective path — whether that’s an upgrade, a hardware improvement, or a replacement.
Call: (07) 3264 5406 Email: [email protected] Location: Shop 4, 720 Albany Creek Road, Albany Creek QLD 4035 (next to Terry White Chemist) Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Windows 10 after support ends?
Yes. Your computer will continue to work normally after end of support. However, Microsoft no longer provides security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. Any new vulnerabilities discovered will remain permanently unpatched, making your system increasingly vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and data theft over time.
Is my PC compatible with Windows 11?
Most computers manufactured from around 2018 onwards have a strong chance of being compatible. The simplest way to check is with Microsoft’s free PC Health Check tool. Many older computers also have the required TPM 2.0 chip already installed but switched off — often a quick BIOS setting change is all that’s needed.
Can Core Computers upgrade my old PC to Windows 11?
Yes. Core Computers can assess compatibility, back up your data, enable TPM 2.0 where required, install Windows 11, and verify everything works correctly afterwards. We support home users and businesses across Albany Creek, Brendale, Eatons Hill, Chermside, and wider North Brisbane.
What if my computer isn’t compatible with Windows 11?
If your PC cannot run Windows 11, Core Computers can recommend suitable hardware upgrades or replacement systems that match your budget and requirements. We’ll give you an honest comparison so you can make the best decision for your situation.
How long does a Windows 11 upgrade take?
Most upgrades are completed within one to three business days, depending on your computer’s compatibility, the size of your data backup, and whether any additional hardware upgrades are required. Priority service is available for urgent cases.