The End Of The Windows 10 Era
Published on 15/10/2025
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10, marking the close of a 10-year chapter in personal and enterprise computing. Users of the operating system will no longer receive security updates, feature upgrades, or technical assistance, prompting urgent decisions about upgrading to Windows 11 or pursuing alternative solutions.
First released in July 2015, Windows 10 became one of Microsoft's most widely adopted operating systems, running on an estimated 63 percent of PCs worldwide as of late 2024. Despite the popularity, Microsoft has remained firm in its roadmap to transition users to Windows 11, its modern iteration featuring enhanced security, AI integration through Copilot, and newer hardware capabilities.
Microsoft recommends three main options for Windows 10 users:
Upgrade to Windows 11 if devices meet minimum system requirements.
Purchase a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed, particularly for older hardware that cannot upgrade.
Enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers consumers one additional year of paid security updates up to October 2026. While the ESU program provides a temporary safety net for those unready to transition, many consumer advocates warn that extended support comes with financial and practical limitations.
As millions still run Windows 10, some critics allege Microsoft’s strategy pressures users into upgrading or buying new devices. Lawrence Klein, a plaintiff in a recent lawsuit filed in San Diego, contends that Microsoft leveraged the end of Windows 10 support to drive sales of AI-enabled Windows 11 PCs. He argues that the company’s tactic could leave users who cannot or will not upgrade exposed to cybersecurity risks.
Also, there are broader concerns about the environmental and financial impact of obsoleting older PCs. The Public Interest Research Group warned that the end of support could lead to a surge in e-waste, as outdated machines are discarded in favor of Windows 11-compatible PCs. Critics suggest alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS for users unwilling to transition to Microsoft’s newer ecosystem.
While Windows 10 devices will continue to function post-October 14, they will become increasingly vulnerable to security threats. Many applications and Microsoft 365 services will eventually cease supporting Windows 10, reducing usability and compatibility. Users trying to avoid upgrading face limited options, and businesses may encounter operational and compliance risks without security coverage.
Microsoft continues to encourage users to migrate: upgrade alerts and notifications about the benefits of Windows 11—including AI features, security enhancements, and system performance improvements—will continue throughout the transition period.
The end of Windows 10 support represents a significant shift in computing for both individuals and enterprises. How quickly users will adopt Windows 11 remains uncertain, and adoption rates may be hampered by strict hardware requirements and user preferences for the older, familiar OS.
As the tech landscape moves toward AI-integrated computing, the retirement of Windows 10 underscores both the acceleration of innovation and the challenges of managing legacy technology in a fast-evolving ecosystem.
Sources:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-support-ends-on-october-14-2025-2ca8b313-1946-43d3-b55c-2b95b107f281
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/lawsuit-claims-microsoft-is-ending-windows-10-support-to-sell-ai-pcs-millions-of-users-will-not-buy-new-devices-or-pay-for-extended-support
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2583550/windows-10-will-hit-end-of-life-in-2025-heres-what-to-expect.html