Many laptops and computers in Belgium still run on Windows 10. According to Statcounter, in September 2025, 38.4% of Belgian Windows PCs were still running on Windows 10. That's millions of devices in households, businesses and organisations.
On 14 October 2025, Microsoft stopped providing regular security updates, putting many users at risk. Your computer will continue to work, but it will be more vulnerable to viruses and hackers.
To stay safe, you must take action. There are four options:
- Check whether you can switch to Windows 11. If so, do so immediately.
- Can't switch to Windows 11? Microsoft is offering an extra year of security updates through its Extended Security Updates programme. Read below to find out how you can take advantage of this.
- You are not obliged to continue working with Windows. There are alternative operating systems, such as Linux, ReactOS or BDS.
- If none of the above solutions are possible, consider purchasing a new computer.
1. Switch to Windows 11 now
- Can you switch to Windows 11? That depends on your computer. Check this via: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Do you see a notification that you can upgrade? Then your device is compatible. Perform the update immediately.
- Don't see anything? Then your computer is probably too old.
2. Activate Extended Security Updates
If you cannot switch to Windows 11 but still want to use Windows 10 securely, you must now activate Extended Security Updates. There are two ways to do this:
Free via your Microsoft account (MSA): Sign in to your computer with a Microsoft account. As long as you remain signed in, you will receive free updates.
One-time purchase: Would you rather not remain permanently signed in? Then you can purchase Extended Security Updates.
3. Alternative: switch to another operating system
In addition to Windows, there are other operating systems such as Linux, Chrome OS (for Chromebooks), macOS for Apple computers, ReactOS or BDS for advanced users or IT professionals. Linux is the best known and most accessible for the average user.
Linux is an operating system like Windows or macOS, but:
- It is free
- It receives regular security updates
- It is less susceptible to viruses
- You can use it to surf the web, send emails, create documents and view photos
- Choose a Linux version (also called a “distribution”). Ubuntu or Linux Mint are the easiest for beginners.
- Download the installation onto a USB stick from the official website.
- Start your computer from the USB stick and follow the installation instructions.
Tip: Ask someone with some computer experience for help, or find a local organisation that can guide you.
4. Do I need to buy a new computer?
If you cannot or do not want to consider the above options, then there is no other option but to purchase a new computer.
In short: how do you continue to work safely?
- Check your Windows version
- Update to Windows 11 if possible
- Sign up for ESU if you continue to use Windows 10
- Consider Linux as an alternative
- Use antivirus software
- Update programmes and apps regularly
- Install the Safeonweb app to receive regular alerts and security information
Beware of scammers
Be careful with emails or websites that claim to offer Windows 11. The upgrade always takes place via your computer's settings. You never need to download a separate programme or pay anyone.
