This October marks a major milestone in the world of tech: the official End of Service for Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system

While that might sound like just another bit of tech jargon, the reality is much simpler: after October 14^th this year, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive important security updates or technical support. That means Australians who still use Windows 10 at home, school, or work will suddenly be running on outdated, more vulnerable machines.

Whether it’s protecting your kids’ online learning from security threats, keeping files safe when you’re working from home, or just making sure your family movie night doesn’t crash halfway through – the end of Windows 10 support will impact some everyday users.

For many households, this raises a big question: “Do I actually need to upgrade my computer – and how do I know if now’s the right time?”

To help your readers figure out if it’s time to consider a new device, Acer – one of the world’s top technology companies – is sharing the top five signs you might need to upgrade your laptop:

• Performance slowdowns – when starting up your computer takes long enough to make a cup of tea, or apps lag when multitasking – this means your hardware is having a hard time keeping up!
• Compatibility issues – newer apps, accessories, or features may stop working with Windows 10 EOS, older PCs are potentially unable to support some new programs which can lead to errors and may see your computer crashing
• Security risks – without ongoing updates, older devices may be more vulnerable and exposed to viruses and cyber threats as you will be unable to access the latest updates
• Wear and tear – short battery life, a noisy fan, or your PC heating up while only undertaking basic activities are key signs that your PC’s performance is potentially deteriorating
• Your PC won’t be able to run Windows 11 – whether it’s your kids doing their homework, a side hustle turning into a business, or streaming and gaming at home – your current PC will no longer receive updates across security and performance that help to see your device running at its best

For those that want to upgrade and are unsure of where to start, Acer offers a range of devices suited to different requirements and budgets – from durable laptops for students, to lightweight PCs for professionals, or powerful machines for creatives:

• For Students: Acer Aspire 14 AI – affordable and reliable for homework, online learning, and everyday use.
• For Professionals: Acer Swift Go 14  – portable, efficient, and built for work on the go.
• For Creatives: Acer Swift Edge 14 AI – sleek, powerful, and perfect for creative tasks and content creation.

Please head to Acer Laptops, Desktops, Monitors & Projectors | Acer Australia to find out more.