Security updates

For a normal Windows 10 Home or Pro installation, install all currently offered updates and then upgrade the ThinkPad to Windows 11 if compatible, because free Windows 10 security updates ended on October 14, 2025.^1^

1. Identify the installed edition and build

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter winver, then select OK.
3. Note the version, OS build, and whether the edition is Home, Pro, Enterprise, or LTSC.

This matters because LTSC editions have separate support lifecycles. The following steps assume a typical personal Windows 10 Home or Pro installation.

2. Complete any updates still available

The green status in Windows Security reports antivirus and device-security health; update availability is shown separately in Windows Update.

1. Connect the laptop to power and the internet.
2. Open Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. Install everything offered, including any pending cumulative or quality update.
5. Select Restart now if shown.
6. Return to Windows Update and check again until nothing further is offered.
7. Open View update history to see whether an update is failing and record its KB number or error code.^2^

Because standard Windows 10 Home and Pro are now out of support, “no updates available” does not necessarily mean the device is receiving current security protection.

3. Move to a supported Windows version

Check Windows Update for a Windows 11 upgrade offer. If the ThinkPad qualifies, install that upgrade. Microsoft recommends Windows 11 for Windows 10 devices and recommends replacing an incompatible device or considering ESU where available.^1^

Consumer Extended Security Updates were introduced as a limited post-support option, but the available documentation here does not establish current enrollment eligibility or coverage beyond the original period. Only use that route if Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update currently offers ESU enrollment and displays terms that cover the present date.

If Windows Update should offer an update but does not

Run Microsoft’s automated repair first:

1. Open Start, search for Get Help, and open it.
2. Search for Windows Update troubleshooter.
3. Run the diagnostics and apply the recommended repair.
4. Restart and check for updates again.^3^

If that does not help, rebuild the update download cache:

1. Press Windows key + R, enter services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
3. Open File Explorer and browse to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
4. Delete the contents of that folder.
5. Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
6. Restart the PC and select Check for updates again.^3^

This removes cached update downloads, not personal documents. If an error remains, its exact code and the winver edition/build are needed to select the next repair rather than applying an unrelated fix.

References

1. Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025 | Microsoft Support
2. Windows 10
3. Windows 10