{"id":1463,"date":"2026-02-19T17:17:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T08:17:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/?p=1463"},"modified":"2026-02-19T17:19:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T08:19:20","slug":"windows-10-end-of-support-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/windows-10-end-of-support-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Windows 10 End of Support: What To Do If Your PC Can&#8217;t Upgrade to Windows 11"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/windows-10-end-of-support.webp\" alt=\"Laptop displaying a Windows 10 end of support message on screen\" class=\"wp-image-1473\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/windows-10-end-of-support.webp 1024w, https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/windows-10-end-of-support-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/windows-10-end-of-support-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/windows-10-end-of-support-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/windows-10-end-of-support-12x12.webp 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Windows 10 end of support, leaving many older PCs without security updates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Microsoft is designating millions of perfectly usable PCs as &#8220;obsolete&#8221; \u2014 not because they&#8217;ve broken down, but because of new software requirements. If you&#8217;ve seen the warnings about Windows 10 end of support, you&#8217;re not alone. And if your PC can&#8217;t run Windows 11, you&#8217;re probably wondering what to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news: you don&#8217;t have to buy a new computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What &#8220;End of Support&#8221; Actually Means<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When Windows 10 reaches end of support, your computer doesn&#8217;t suddenly stop working. The real problem is that <strong>security updates stop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without those patches, newly discovered vulnerabilities go unfixed. Over time, risks increase &#8211; especially for online banking, passwords, and sensitive data. New software also becomes less compatible. The machine keeps running, but it becomes harder to justify using as your main internet-connected device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Confirm Your Situation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before doing anything, verify whether your PC can actually upgrade:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Windows Update<\/strong> \u2014 Check if Windows 11 is already being offered to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PC Health Check<\/strong> \u2014 Use Microsoft&#8217;s free tool to see exactly why your PC is blocked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The TPM 2.0 Problem<\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common blocker is a security chip requirement called <strong>TPM 2.0<\/strong>. Microsoft made this mandatory for Windows 11, and most computers built before 2018 don&#8217;t have it, or don&#8217;t have the right version. This doesn&#8217;t mean your PC is broken. It just means it doesn&#8217;t meet Microsoft&#8217;s new hardware requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your 4 Real Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Option<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Security<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>PC Lifespan<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Privacy<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Keep Windows 10<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Low (no patches)<\/td><td>Ends Oct 2025<\/td><td>High telemetry &amp; ads<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Buy a New PC<\/td><td>$1,000+<\/td><td>High<\/td><td>Long-term<\/td><td>High telemetry &amp; AI bloat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Force Windows 11<\/td><td>Free<\/td><td>Medium<\/td><td>Unpredictable<\/td><td>Still high telemetry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Linux Mint<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~$0 (optional SSD cost only)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>High<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Indefinite<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Zero telemetry \u2014 you own it<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Option A: Keep Using Windows 10<\/strong> This is the &#8220;do nothing&#8221; path. It works in the short term, but you&#8217;re using an OS that becomes less safe over time. Not recommended as a long-term solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Option B: Buy a New PC<\/strong> Simple, but often unnecessary if your machine still works fine &#8211; and expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Option C: Force Windows 11 onto Unsupported Hardware<\/strong> Possible, but risky. Future updates may break your system. Not recommended for people who want stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Option D: Switch to Linux<\/strong> If your PC still works, this is the cleanest long-term path. You keep your hardware, stay secure, and avoid forced upgrade cycles entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Linux Is the Practical Choice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Linux is a modern, lightweight operating system that typically uses fewer resources than Windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Speed<\/strong> \u2014 Most older PCs feel noticeably faster on Linux, because there&#8217;s less running in the background.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ongoing security<\/strong> \u2014 Linux continues receiving security updates long after Windows 10 stops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No forced tracking<\/strong> \u2014 No Microsoft account required. No &#8220;AI Recall.&#8221; No background telemetry. Your data stays on your machine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Which Linux should you use?<\/strong> For beginners, the goal is stability and familiarity. That&#8217;s why Jiritsu Lab recommends <strong>Linux Mint<\/strong>. It looks and feels like Windows, making the transition as smooth as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Safest Way to Switch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most guides make Linux feel like a high-stakes technical leap. Jiritsu Lab uses a <strong>safety-first flow<\/strong> built specifically for cautious beginners. This guide is designed to be reversible: you can stop after Mode 1 or Mode 2 and your PC remains unchanged.:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/create-linux-mint-bootable-usb\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"240\"><strong>[Mode 1: Preparation]<\/strong> \u2014 Create a USB installer.<\/a> Nothing on your PC is changed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/try-linux-mint-without-installing\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"479\">[Mode 2: Try Linux Without Installing]<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 Run Linux directly from the USB to test your Wi-Fi, sound, and display before committing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/linux-mint-dual-boot-vs-external-ssd\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"481\">[Mode 3: Choose Your Method]<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 We recommend an <strong>External SSD install<\/strong>, which keeps Windows completely untouched and makes Linux physically removable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/install-linux-mint\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"483\">[Mode 4: Step-by-Step Install]<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 A slow, careful walkthrough of every screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/what-to-do-after-installing-linux-mint\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"485\">[Mode 5: Get Comfortable]<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 Learn how to manage updates and set up Japanese input (IME).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&#8220;Will My Stuff Still Work?&#8221;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the right question. Here are honest answers for most everyday users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Web browsing, YouTube, Netflix, email<\/strong> \u2014 Yes. Linux handles all of this without issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zoom and video calls<\/strong> \u2014 Usually yes. Most services work fine in the browser, and Zoom has an official Linux version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel)<\/strong> \u2014 You can use <strong>LibreOffice<\/strong> (free) to open most Word and Excel files. If your work depends on precise formatting, you might prefer Google Docs in the browser, or keep Windows available as a backup via dual boot. For normal home use, most people are completely fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Printers and peripherals<\/strong> \u2014 Usually yes, but printers are the most &#8220;it depends&#8221; category. That&#8217;s exactly why Mode 2 exists &#8211; you can test Linux on your specific machine before making any commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What To Do Right Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re feeling pressure or uncertainty, here&#8217;s the clean first move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/create-linux-mint-bootable-usb\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"240\">[Mode 1: Create the Linux Mint USB Installer]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That step does <strong>not<\/strong> install anything. It doesn&#8217;t touch Windows. It&#8217;s just preparation &#8211; and it takes about 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/try-linux-mint-without-installing\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"479\">[Mode 2: Try Linux Without Installing]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After Mode 2, you&#8217;ll <em>know<\/em> whether Linux works on your computer, instead of guessing. That alone removes most of the anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is Linux really free?<\/strong> Yes. Linux Mint is free to download, install, and use. Updates are free too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Will it make my old PC faster?<\/strong> Often, yes &#8211; especially if the machine already feels slow on Windows 10. Linux uses far less in the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I go back to Windows if I don&#8217;t like it?<\/strong> If you use the external SSD method, Windows stays completely untouched on your internal drive. Simply unplug the SSD or select Windows at startup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do I need to be technical?<\/strong> No. If you can follow step-by-step instructions and click carefully, you can do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is Linux safe after Windows 10 support ends?<\/strong> Yes. Linux continues receiving security updates independently of Microsoft, and that&#8217;s one of the main reasons it&#8217;s worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thought<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your computer didn&#8217;t break. Microsoft changed the rules. If you want to keep your hardware, avoid e-waste, and take back control of your own machine, Linux is the cleanest path forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Take the first step &#8211; it doesn&#8217;t change anything on your PC:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2192 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/create-linux-mint-bootable-usb\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"240\">[Start Mode 1: Create the Linux Mint USB Installer]<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Microsoft is designating millions of perfectly usable PCs as &#8220;obsolete&#8221; \u2014 not because they&#8217;ve broken down, but because of new software requirements. If you&#8217;ve seen the warnings about Windows 10 end of support, you&#8217;re not alone. And if your PC can&#8217;t run Windows 11, you&#8217;re probably wondering what to do next. The good news: you don&#8217;t have to buy a new computer. What &#8220;End of Support&#8221; Actually Means When Windows 10 reaches end of support, your computer doesn&#8217;t suddenly stop working. The real problem is that security updates stop. Without those patches, newly discovered vulnerabilities go unfixed. Over time, risks increase &#8211; especially for online banking, passwords, and sensitive data. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1474,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1463","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1463","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1463"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1463\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1476,"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1463\/revisions\/1476"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1463"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1463"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1463"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}