What should I do if Win10 expires? Summary of popular solutions across the network in the past 10 days
Recently, the issue of Windows 10 system expiration has become a hot topic on the Internet. Many users are troubled by the system stopping updating or activation failure. This article combines the hot content of the entire network in the past 10 days to sort out solutions and key data to help users respond quickly.
1. Main symptoms of Windows 10 expiration

According to user feedback and technical forum discussions, system expiration is usually accompanied by the following problems:
| Question type | Specific performance | Proportion (volume of discussions in the past 10 days) |
|---|---|---|
| System activation failed | Desktop prompts "Windows license is about to expire" | 42% |
| Security updates stopped | Unable to obtain the latest patch, prompting "unsupported service" | 35% |
| Functional limitations | Personalized settings are locked and some apps cannot run | 23% |
2. Comparison of mainstream solutions
The following are the effective processing methods and applicable scenarios verified by netizens in the past 10 days:
| Plan | Operation steps | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official activation renewal | 1. Purchase genuine keys 2. Enter the key via Settings → Update → Activate | Permanently valid, no security risks | Fees required (approximately 1088 yuan) |
| KMS activation tool | 1. Download trusted tools (such as Microsoft Toolkit) 2. Run as administrator | Free and easy to use | There are security risks (some tools contain viruses) |
| Upgrade to Windows 11 | 1. Check hardware compatibility 2. Download the upgrade assistant from Microsoft’s official website | Get the latest system features | Some older devices are not supported |
3. Answers to users’ high-frequency questions
Based on data from Zhihu, Baidu Zhizhi and other platforms, the following hot issues have been sorted out:
Q1: What are the consequences of continuing to use it after expiration?
A: Microsoft’s official statement shows that it can still be used basically after expiration, but security updates will be lost (67% of vulnerability attack cases in the past three years have not been updated).
Q2: How do enterprise users do batch processing?
A: It is recommended to obtain the MAK key through VLSC (Volume Licensing Service Center) or deploy a KMS server (requires domain environment support).
Q3: Is it feasible to upgrade Windows 11 for free?
A: Microsoft will still provide a free upgrade channel in 2024, but it must meet TPM 2.0 and other requirements (about 32% of Win10 devices cannot be upgraded due to hardware limitations).
4. Operation risk warning
Recent security agency reports show a surge in scams and malware related to out-of-date systems:
| Risk type | Typical cases | Defense Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing website | Fake link disguised as Microsoft activation page | Only operate through the official domain name (microsoft.com) |
| bundled virus | Cracking tools embedded with ransomware (such as WannaCry variants) | Use anti-virus software to scan the entire disk |
5. Long-term suggestions
1. Genuine users can contact Microsoft customer service to apply for an extension (some educational versions can get a 90-day grace period);
2. Back up data regularly to prevent system crash caused by activation failure;
3. Pay attention to Microsoft’s announcement that the Win10 Extended Security Update (ESU) plan will last until October 2025, and enterprise users can pay to subscribe.
Through the above structured analysis, users can choose the appropriate solution according to their own circumstances. For further assistance, it is recommended to visit the official Microsoft support forum for real-time solutions.
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