If you’re serious about constructing a Windows 10 PC operating Windows 10, you’d higher hurry — Microsoft will cease immediately promoting Windows 10 licenses by the tip of the month.

According to notices posted to the Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Workstation pages on Microsoft’s website, Microsoft will halt digital downloads of Windows 10 on Jan. 31, 2023. While Microsoft will help Windows 10 for just a few extra years, Microsoft’s resolution implies that you gained’t have the ability to purchase a Windows 10 license besides via current shops of licenses at third-party retailers.

“January 31, 2023 will be the last day this Windows 10 download is offered for sale. Windows 10 will remain supported with security updates that help protect your PC from viruses, spyware, and other malware until October 14, 2025,” Microsoft’s Windows 10 Home product page says. Windows 10 Pro’s product page says the identical.

Mark Hachman / IDG

The elimination of the Windows 10 license implies that Windows 11 is not going to solely be the working system that Microsoft needs you to purchase, it’s additionally the one working system that Microsoft will enable you you to purchase. Naturally, Microsoft will encourage you to purchase Windows 11 licenses as a substitute.

The various for these wishing to purchase a Windows 10 license can be to show as a substitute to third-party retailers. OEM copies of Windows 10 are nonetheless obtainable at Amazon, though the Windows 10 product listing lacks any indication that Microsoft itself will quickly cease promoting Windows 10 licenses. Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool for Windows 10 additionally stays in place, for now.

Deal alert: The PCWorld Software Store continuously sells Windows 10 editions at diminished costs. Make positive to test our Home and Pro listings earlier than settling for full value—on the time of publication, we have been promoting them for $50 and $70, respectively.

Otherwise, Microsoft’s resolution implies that you’ll have to purchase a Windows 10 license from a third-party retailer. Fortunately, PCWorld’s guide to buying Windows for cheap nonetheless holds legitimate — and can change into extra helpful as time runs out on Windows 10.

The backside line, although, is that is dangerous information for those who’re a system builder or fanatic, a fan of Windows 10 and somebody who doesn’t wish to improve to Windows 11. Soon, you’ll have even much less alternative about which working system you’ll use.