Microsoft pulled the plug on default Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, and the clock is now ticking for millions of users still on the aging OS. The company has laid out three paths: upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11, pay for a temporary Extended Security Update (ESU) subscription, or buy a new PC. For anyone eyeing the next wave of on-device AI features—Windows Recall, Studio Effects, and the rest of the Copilot+ suite—replacement is often the only realistic choice. This guide breaks down the options, examines Engadget’s shortlist of replacement hardware, and offers a practical upgrade roadmap.

The End of Windows 10 Support: What It Actually Means

After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 ceased receiving free security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates from Microsoft. The operating system will continue to function, but any new vulnerability discovered after that date will remain unpatched, leaving systems increasingly exposed to malware, ransomware, and data theft. Microsoft’s support documentation spells this out plainly: “Once a Microsoft operating system reaches the end of support, customers will no longer receive security updates.” For businesses, continuing to run Windows 10 after the cutoff risks breaching compliance requirements in many industries.

The Consumer ESU program marks a first for Microsoft. Unlike previous end-of-life events, home users can now purchase a one-year extension. Priced at $30, the program delivers critical security updates through October 2026. It is a temporary lifeboat, not a permanent solution. The offer is limited—once the year elapses, the ESU cannot be renewed, and the device will be back in the same unsupported state. Some outlets have noted that certain users may be able to obtain the ESU for free through Microsoft’s enrollment process, but the official price stands at $30.

For anyone hoping to ride out Windows 10 a little longer, the ESU buys time. But it does nothing to address aging hardware. Batteries continue to degrade, fans get louder, and performance creeps slower. The only way to access new Windows 11 features—especially the Copilot+ AI toolset—is to move to newer silicon.

Copilot+ PCs: The AI Hardware Reset

Microsoft pitched Copilot+ PCs as the next-generation Windows experience, with features like Windows Recall (a local activity timeline you can search), Studio Effects for video calls (background blur, eye contact correction, automatic framing), and Paint Cocreator. These features are not cloud-dependent gimmicks; they run locally, leveraging neural processing units (NPUs) to keep data private and responsive.

The catch is the hardware baseline. Microsoft mandates a Copilot+ PC have an NPU capable of at least 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS), 16 GB of DDR5 or LPDDR5 RAM, and a minimum of 256 GB of SSD or UFS storage. On top of that, the machine must support TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. A typical Windows 10 laptop from 2019—even if it technically meets Windows 11’s CPU and TPM requirements—lacks the NPU and often the RAM headroom to qualify. Even many current Windows 11 PCs fall short of the 40 TOPS threshold.

This hardware reset matters because Copilot+ features are not optional extras for long. Microsoft is baking them into the OS, and developers will build on them. Recall, for example, requires not just an NPU but also modern device encryption (BitLocker or Device Encryption) and enough storage to cache snapshots. If you want to stay on the leading edge of Windows, a Copilot+ PC is no longer a luxury—it’s the platform’s future.

The first wave of Copilot+ PCs shipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series Arm chips, but Intel and AMD have since joined with their own NPU-equipped processors. Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 200-series) and Ryzen AI 300-series chips now power x86 Copilot+ models, giving buyers a choice between Arm battery life and legacy x86 compatibility.

Engadget’s Picks: A Buyer’s Guide for Windows 10 Refugees

Engadget compiled a shortlist of new computers suited to replace a tired Windows 10 machine. We cross-checked those picks against expert reviews and real-world performance data, adding critical caveats that buyers should know before clicking “purchase.”

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch

Why it’s on the list: The Snapdragon X-powered Surface Laptop epitomizes the Copilot+ vision. In Engadget’s video-streaming test, the 13.8-inch model lasted 17 hours and 38 minutes—a result that mirrors lab findings from PCMag and The Verge, which recorded class-leading endurance for the Arm-based Surface lineup. It’s featherlight, nearly silent, and wakes instantly.

Caveats: Windows on Arm still carries app-compatibility baggage. Emulation for x86 programs works, but performance and battery life take a hit. If you rely on specialized legacy software, confirm compatibility before buying. The 13.8-inch base model costs $700, while the 15-inch version starts at $1,200.

Dell 14 Premium (formerly XPS 14)

Why it’s on the list: Dell’s renamed flagship combines an impeccable OLED display, premium build materials, and strong overall performance. Engadget’s Editor’s Choice review praised the machine’s refinement and screen quality.

Caveats: The capacitive function row and hidden haptic trackpad divide opinion. Power users who rely on tactile function keys may find the adjustment frustrating. The laptop is still one of the best 14-inch Windows clamshells, but it’s not for everyone.

ASUS ZenBook S 14

Why it’s on the list: Powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake (Core Ultra) processors, the ZenBook S 14 delivers superb efficiency and a stunning 3K OLED panel. Engadget’s PCMark battery benchmark returned 16 hours and 8 minutes, putting it among the longest-lasting x86 ultraportables. ASUS constructs the chassis from a lightweight ceramic-aluminum composite it calls “Ceraluminum.”

Caveats: Synthetic battery benchmarks often outpace heavy mixed-use days. Real-world runtime depends heavily on screen brightness and refresh rate. Still, the ZenBook S 14 is a strong Copilot+ candidate in many SKUs.

Apple MacBook Air (M4)

Why it’s on the list: Apple’s M-series chips continue to dominate in power efficiency and single-threaded performance. Reviews from Tom’s Hardware and others report 14–18 hours of battery life, fanless silent operation, and seamless iPhone integration. For users open to switching platforms, the MacBook Air is hard to beat.

Caveats: Switching to macOS involves a learning curve and software license checks. Virtualization tools like Parallels can run Windows applications, but they require a Windows license and disk space. Most major apps have native macOS versions, but niche tools may not.

Dell Slim Desktop

Why it’s on the list: This compact Inspiron-class desktop offers sensible configuration options, upgradeable RAM and storage, and a footprint far smaller than legacy towers. Entry-level specs handle office work, web browsing, and media playback without breaking a sweat.

Caveats: Engadget hasn’t reviewed this specific model, but similar Dell Slim configurations earn consistent praise for value. Check that the configuration you choose meets Windows 11 requirements and has enough ports for your peripherals.

Apple Mac mini (M4)

Why it’s on the list: The M4 Mac mini punches above its $599 starting price, often dropping another $100 during sales. It’s tiny, quiet, and outperforms comparably priced Intel or AMD desktops in single-threaded tasks and creative workflows. It works with standard monitors and peripherals.

Caveats: Again, the macOS platform switch applies. Data migration takes planning, and some Windows-only software simply won’t run. But for users ready to jump, the value is outstanding.

Geekom A6 Mini

Why it’s on the list: This budget mini-desktop packs an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H with Radeon 680M graphics, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Tom’s Guide and TechRadar reviews confirm it handles productivity and light gaming capably. At $400–$500, it’s a solid Windows desktop replacement when space is at a premium.

Caveats: The 6800H is an older chip, and the onboard graphics won’t satisfy serious gamers. Connectivity is good but not cutting-edge. For a basic desktop, however, it’s a bargain.

Practical Upgrade Pathways: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Before you buy anything, run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app on your current machine. It tells you instantly whether your hardware is eligible for the free Windows 11 upgrade and flags any missing requirements (usually TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot).

Next, decide how long you need to stay on Windows 10. If you must keep a machine operational for a few more months—perhaps while you save for a replacement or test application compatibility—enroll in the Consumer ESU. Remember: it’s a bridge, not a destination.

When choosing a replacement, determine whether you need Copilot+ features. If you want Recall, Studio Effects, or automatic super resolution, the PC must hit that 40+ TOPS NPU, 16 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD baseline. If you only need Windows 11 for security and everyday tasks, a certified refurbished machine or a less expensive new PC will suffice.

Plan your migration. Use Windows Backup to save files to OneDrive, or perform a full disk image. For enterprise or heavy-home use, test critical applications on the new hardware before switching completely. Microsoft provides tools to migrate settings and profiles.

Finally, consider recycling your old device. Many retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs that knock down the price of a new PC while responsibly disposing of e-waste. If the machine is still functional, repurposing it as a Chromebook or Linux box can extend its life outside the Microsoft ecosystem.

Security, Privacy, and Environmental Considerations

Running an unsupported OS is a security gamble. Unpatched vulnerabilities invite ransomware, credential theft, and botnet recruitment. Even with ESU, you’re buying time, not a permanent fix.

Windows Recall introduces a new privacy surface. It captures periodic snapshots of your screen activity and stores them locally, encrypted and opt-in by default. But the data is comprehensive. Security researchers and privacy advocates have raised concerns about its potential exposure if misconfigured. Before enabling Recall, review the storage allocation and ensure device encryption is active.

The upgrade wave also has environmental consequences. Discarding millions of functional but unsupported PCs contributes to e-waste. When possible, choose vendors with certified refurbishment programs, donate usable hardware to schools or nonprofits, or explore community repair initiatives. A repurposed Windows 10 machine running Linux can still serve as a capable web terminal, file server, or media center.

Who Should Replace Now, and Who Can Wait

Replace now if:
- Your PC shows signs of hardware failure: failing battery, constant fan noise, overheating.
- You need Copilot+ AI features for productivity or creativity immediately.
- Your work requires a supported OS for compliance or security policies.

Consider waiting or using ESU if:
- Your machine is recent enough to meet Windows 11 specs and you don’t need Copilot+ features yet.
- Budget constraints make immediate replacement impractical—ESU and careful network isolation can buy a few months.
- You plan to switch platforms (macOS or Linux) and need time to migrate data and learn the new environment.

Gaming and High-Performance Use Cases

Gamers face a different calculus. A desktop built for gaming likely already exceeds Windows 11 requirements, but may lack an NPU. For gaming performance, prioritize the GPU and CPU over AI capabilities. NVIDIA’s RTX 40-series or AMD’s Radeon RX 9000-series cards deliver the best frame rates, while Intel 13th-gen or AMD Ryzen 8000-series CPUs handle modern titles capably. Thirty-two gigabytes of RAM is the new sweet spot for memory-hungry games. High-end gaming laptops now rival desktops in performance, but thermal throttling and limited upgradeability are trade-offs. Check sustained boost clocks and cooling designs before buying.

Final Assessment: A Firm Pivot Point, Not a Cliff

Windows 10’s end of support is a firm pivot point, not a cliff you must immediately jump from. For users with old hardware, the decision to replace is often already made by symptoms: dying batteries, sluggish responsiveness, and the lure of modern security and AI features. ESU offers a temporary, paid reprieve, but it does nothing to unlock the Copilot+ experiences that will increasingly define Windows.

Engadget’s shortlist—Surface Laptop, Dell 14 Premium, ASUS ZenBook S 14, MacBook Air, Geekom A6 Mini, and others—provides a sensible starting point. The core priorities remain the same: security, compatibility, and a device that serves your workflow for years, not months. Confirm specs, test compatibility, and factor in trade-in or recycling options to reduce both cost and waste before you commit.