Windows 10 guides

Enroll in free Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Windows Update. Home PCs are covered until October 12, 2027.

Yes, if it's enrolled in ESU and keeps installing updates. Without ESU it gets riskier every month.

Usually the PC isn't on version 22H2, is missing updates, isn't signed in with an admin Microsoft account, or is linked to a work or school.

Upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC qualifies. If not, switch to Linux Mint or ChromeOS Flex, or replace it.

Keep Windows Update and Secure Boot on. Most PCs update on their own; older ones may need a BIOS update.

Open Task Manager and see which graph sits near 100%: Disk, Memory, or CPU. That tells you what to fix.

Windows is usually still finishing work in the background. Leave it plugged in for an hour or two, then restart it.

Install the free CrystalDiskInfo and read the Health Status. Caution or Bad means back up today.

Run powercfg /batteryreport and divide Full Charge Capacity by Design Capacity. Under 70% means it's time for a new battery.

Do the free fixes first, then swap a hard drive for an SSD and add memory if it's running short.

Boot a free tool like Rescuezilla from a USB stick, copy the old drive to the SSD, then swap the SSD in.

Copy your folders to an external drive, back up with Windows Backup, sign in with the same Microsoft account, and reinstall programs.

Back up, then Reset this PC with Remove everything and Clean data on. For an SSD, turn on encryption first.