Is Your Windows 10 PC Ready for Retirement? What You Need to Know.

If you are one of the thousands of Canberra residents still holding onto your trusty Windows 10 computer, you are facing a critical deadline. Microsoft has officially marked the End of Life (EOL) for Windows 10, meaning security updates and technical support are ceasing.

At Tech Fixer Canberra, we are seeing a surge in calls from Gungahlin and Belconnen locals asking: “Do I really need to buy a new computer?”

The answer isn’t always “Yes,” but doing nothing is dangerous. Here is everything you need to know about retiring your old OS and staying safe online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does Windows 10 support actually end?

Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If you are reading this after that date, your computer is no longer receiving critical security patches, leaving you vulnerable to new viruses and malware.

Is it safe to keep using Windows 10?

No. Without security updates, your PC acts like a house with the front door unlocked. Hackers actively target retired operating systems because they know Microsoft won’t fix new security holes. Using online banking or email on an unsupported Windows 10 machine is a high risk.

Can my old computer run Windows 11?

Maybe. Windows 11 requires a specific security chip called TPM 2.0, which is missing in most computers bought before 2018. If your PC is older than 5 years, it likely cannot officially run Windows 11.

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Your Options: Help for Canberra Locals

Don’t panic. You have three clear options, and Tech Fixer can help you with all of them right here in the ACT.

Option 1: The Windows 11 Upgrade (If Compatible)

If your hardware is new enough, we can perform a clean “in-place” upgrade. We will:

• Back up your data to ensure safety.
• Install Windows 11 and download all drivers.
• Optimize the settings for speed.

Option 2: The “White Glove” New PC Setup

If your computer is too old, it might be time to retire it. Buying a new laptop is exciting, but moving your data is stressful. Our New Device Setup Service includes:

• Unboxing and setting up your new machine at your home.
• Transferring all photos, documents, and emails from the old Windows 10 PC.
• Setting up your printer and WiFi.
• Securely wiping and recycling your old e-waste.

Option 3: Extend Life with SSD & Linux (For Basic Users)

If you only use your computer for web browsing and don’t want to spend money on a new one, we can install a lightweight, secure operating system (like Linux Mint) or upgrade your hard drive to an SSD to keep it running fast and safe for years to come.