What should I do with Windows 10 PC if it can’t upgrade to Windows 11?

Is Microsoft really asking me to recycle Windows 10 computer after 2025?

As support for Windows 10 ends, Microsoft is guiding users on what to do with computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The company suggests that you either trade in your old PC for a new one or recycle it responsibly. This recommendation is for users who choose not to pay for continued security updates after the official end-of-support date.

The End of Windows 10 Support

Microsoft has set a final date for Windows 10 support, which is October 14, 2025. After this day, computers running Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support. Your computer will still turn on and work. However, without regular security patches, it will become more vulnerable to viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. This risk grows every time you connect to the internet.

To prepare users for this change, Microsoft is updating the Windows Update page on Windows 10. You may see new options appear, guiding you toward your next steps. One of these new additions is a link that says, “Learn about options to trade-in or recycle your PC.”

Understanding Your Options

If your computer is not compatible with Windows 11, you have a few paths you can take. It is important to understand each choice so you can decide what is best for you and your computer.

Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU)

This is a temporary solution for those who want to keep using their Windows 10 PC securely. For a yearly fee, you can receive security updates for up to three years after the 2025 deadline. A new “Enroll now” button is being added to the Windows Update settings page to sign up for this program. This option requires you to link your PC to a Microsoft account. While it keeps your computer safe, it is an added cost and only delays the need to eventually move to a new system.

Trade-In Your PC

Microsoft is encouraging users to trade in their old devices. The new link on the Windows Update page takes you to the Microsoft Store Online Trade-in Program. Here, you can see if your PC has any trade-in value. The amount you get depends on the model, age, and condition of your computer. This value can then be used toward the purchase of a new device, such as a modern Windows 11 PC.

Recycle Your PC

If your trade-in request is not approved or your device has no monetary value, Microsoft suggests recycling it. The trade-in program website offers a “recycle for good” option. This ensures that your old computer is disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing problem, and recycling prevents old devices from ending up in landfills where they can harm the environment. If the trade-in program is not available in your country, Microsoft advises finding a local recycling service.

Continue Using Windows 10 Without Updates

You can choose to do nothing and keep using your Windows 10 computer as is. This is not recommended. Without security updates, your personal information, including passwords and financial details, could be at risk. It becomes much easier for hackers to attack your system.

How the Trade-In and Recycling Program Works

Microsoft has partnered with other companies to manage its trade-in and recycling efforts. In the United States, the program is handled by a company called Teladvance. The partner may be different in other countries. The appearance of the trade-in link is rolling out globally, but the service itself may not be available everywhere. If you click the link in a country without a partner program, it may not work.

The primary goal of this initiative is to move users onto the Windows 11 platform. By offering a trade-in value, Microsoft incentivizes the purchase of new hardware, especially the latest Copilot+ PCs, which are designed for artificial intelligence features. This helps ensure that users have a modern, secure, and fully supported operating system.

The Environmental Perspective

Encouraging recycling is a positive step toward managing e-waste. Old electronics contain materials that can be reused, and they also contain hazardous substances that need to be handled properly. By directing users to recycling programs, Microsoft is promoting a more sustainable way to retire old technology.

However, it is also useful to look at the bigger picture. Large technology companies have a significant environmental footprint. Building and running the massive data centers required for AI and cloud services consume a great deal of energy. For example, Microsoft’s own emissions have recently increased as it expands its data center infrastructure. While recycling individual PCs is helpful, it is a small part of a much larger global environmental challenge. The impact of manufacturing millions of new PCs to replace old ones also contributes to the overall environmental equation.

What Should You Do Next?

With the deadline approaching, it is wise to start planning. Here is a simple plan to help you decide.

Check Your PC’s Compatibility

First, find out if your current computer can run Windows 11. You can do this by downloading and running Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. This tool will tell you if your hardware meets the necessary requirements.

Evaluate Your Needs and Budget

If your PC cannot be upgraded, think about your options. Is your computer old and slow? A new PC might be a good investment for better performance and security. If your computer still works well, consider the cost of the Extended Security Updates. Compare the three-year cost of ESU to the price of a new, entry-level Windows 11 computer.

Explore Trade-In Value

If you are considering a new PC, check the potential trade-in value of your old one. Even a small amount can help reduce the cost of a new device.

Make a Plan

Do not wait until October 2025. Making a decision early gives you time to research new computers, save money, or sign up for ESU without rushing. Using an unprotected computer, even for a short time, can be risky. Your personal data is valuable, and keeping it secure should be a top priority.