Microsoft is gearing up to pull the plug on Windows 10 support in 10 days, pushing millions to switch to something new.
If you need to upgrade to a new Windows 11 device to continue enjoying new features and vital security patches via regular software updates, Microsoft is offering the ability to trade-in an ageing laptop or desktop PC to unlock new discounts. Yes, the US-based retailer has a trade-in program, where it's offering cash back when you upgrade to a Windows 11-compatible tablet or laptop and trade in your old Windows 10 models. To do so, they've partnered with Recommerce, a company that specialises in electronics reuse and recycling.
@gbnews An important change is coming for Microsoft Windows users. Here's how to protect your security. #technology #microsoft #gbnews ♬ original sound - GB News
If you missed the memo, starting from October 14, 2025 onwards, Microsoft will no longer issue free software updates to fix vulnerabilities, bugs, and critical glitches within its desktop operating system. Without these, Microsoft has warned anyone who continues to use Windows 10 will be left "at greater risk for viruses and malware". Once a flaw in the operating system has been uncovered, hackers can continue to exploit the vulnerability in millions of PCs with no fear that Microsoft will issue a fix.
Beyond these troubling security concerns, compatibility issues will mount. Microsoft recently extended support for its own 365 applications, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but these apps are due to lose support next month, too. If you're reliant on a third-party developer to maintain support on a very specific Windows application, you might find resources are moved elsewhere.
Instead of letting your old device go to waste, Microsoft is supportive of giving it a new life as you upgrade to something new.
"When ready to purchase a new PC, we encourage customers to leverage trade-in and recycling programs from Microsoft and available at many of our Windows ecosystem partners, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and global retailers, to help ensure older devices are responsibly recycled or repurposed whenever possible," a Microsoft spokesperson told GB News.
When you trade in your old Windows 10 device, you can upgrade to a brand new Surface Pro with Windows 11 installed
| MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICEIf you're looking to take advantage of the trade-in program, then follow these steps:
- Access the trade-in program on Microsoft's UK website
- First up, check if your particular device is eligible for the program
- Assess its condition with Recommerce, and ship it to them with a pre-paid label — you must send the device within 15 days of receiving the label
- Once the device is received and Recommerce finalises the transaction, you'll receive the cash within 30 days via bank transfer
Note that the credit amount is dependent on the device's condition/age.
Back Market, the refurbished reseller, is offering an up-to-date, secure operating system for only £99 if you don't want to upgrade to a Windows 11 device
| MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICEMicrosoft isn't the only company offering these types of programs. If you'd rather keep your Windows 10 device, this company is taking on Microsoft over its decision to kill Windows 10.
Back Market, the popular marketplace for refurbished gadgets, is offering an up-to-date, secure operating system for only £99.
This allows your computer to stay updated and protected, so it won't go to waste. You'll have the option to update your computer to two different operating systems:
- ChromeOS Flex, a cloud-first operating system from Google that you can install on Windows PCs and Macs to give them a second life
- Linux, an open-source operating system (OS) kernel that powers a wide variety of operating systems
The company's partners will install it for you, or you have the ability to install it yourself with the help of this handy guide provided by Black Market.
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