A Quiet Change Worth a Cup of Tea
You may have heard a little murmur in the news about Windows 10 "ending", and wondered whether it is something you need to worry about — or just more technology noise.
The honest answer: it is worth two minutes of your time, no more. Put the kettle on, and let's check together, calmly. There is nothing here you cannot do yourself.
What's Happened, in One Sentence
Microsoft, the company that makes Windows, has stopped sending the free monthly safety updates to Windows 10 — the quiet little fixes that keep the bad sorts out.
Your computer hasn't broken and won't suddenly stop. It simply isn't being looked after any more — a bit like a car that still drives beautifully but is now overdue its service. Safe for a gentle pootle; not ideal for a long motorway trip.
The "long motorway trip", in computer terms, is anything important online — your email, your banking, your shopping. So it is worth knowing where you stand.
Step One: What Do You Actually Have?
Many people are pleasantly surprised to find they're already on the newer Windows 11, with nothing to do at all. Here's how to look:
- Click the Start button — the Windows flag in the bottom-left corner
- Click Settings — it looks like a little cog or gear
- Click System, then scroll down and click About
- Read the line marked "Edition"
It will say either Windows 11 or Windows 10. That's the whole test.
Can't find the cog, or not quite sure what you're looking at? You don't have to guess. Take a photo of the screen on your phone and send it to our IT Man — he'll happily tell you exactly what you've got and what, if anything, to do.
Step Two: What Your Answer Means
Whichever it says, here is the calm next step — and only one of them needs any action at all.
- It says Windows 11 — wonderful. You are fully looked after. Enjoy your tea; there is nothing to do.
- It says Windows 10 — no need to rush, but it's worth thinking ahead. Your computer is still fine for now, just no longer being protected.
If you're on Windows 10, some computers can move up to Windows 11 free of charge — usually the newer ones. Others, especially those more than about seven years old, simply can't, through no fault of yours. Either way, you are not stuck, and you are not in any danger today.
The One Thing to Watch Out For
Whenever there's news like this, dishonest people try to take advantage of it. So please tuck these away:
- If a message pops up saying your computer is "at risk — click here", don't. Just close it.
- If anyone telephones claiming to be from "Microsoft", put the phone down. Microsoft never rings people.
- Never let a stranger "fix your Windows" over the phone or the internet.
Real help — from us, from your family, from a shop you trust — never frightens you and never rushes you.
If It's Time for a Change
If your trusty computer can't make the leap to Windows 11, you don't need to spend a small fortune on a brand-new one. A properly refurbished laptop from ithaven.uk arrives already on Windows 11, fully updated, and set up ready to use — with a real, friendly person in the UK to help you settle in.
It costs far less than new, it keeps a good machine out of the bin, and it lets you carry on emailing the grandchildren and doing your shopping with complete peace of mind. No jargon, no pressure — just a safe computer that's ready when you are.
In a Nutshell
- Windows 10 is no longer being given safety updates — it still works, but isn't protected
- Check yours in two minutes: Start → Settings → System → About
- Says Windows 11? You're fine. Says Windows 10? No panic — just plan ahead
- Ignore scary pop-ups and cold-callers — and if in doubt, just ask us
