Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 10: Millions Urged to Upgrade
A major shift is on the horizon for millions of PC users. Today, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10, ending nearly a decade of updates for one of the world’s most widely used operating systems.
Once that happens, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security patches or bug fixes, leaving them increasingly exposed to cyber threats. Microsoft is urging users to make the jump to Windows 11, but not everyone can.
“The end of support for Windows 10 is shaping up to be a disaster for both consumers and the environment,” Nathan Proctor, senior director at U.S. consumer advocacy group PIRG, told the BBC. “We deserve tech that lasts,” Proctor, who also campaigns for the “right to repair” in the U.S, added.
Despite being nearly ten years old, Windows 10 remains a dominant player. Microsoft estimates that its software runs on more than 1.4 billion devices worldwide, and roughly 43% of them were still using Windows 10 as of mid-2025, according to Statcounter.
Inside the UK, consumer watchdog Which? Tech magazine believes as many as 21 million people could be affected by the change. Its September survey found one in four users planned to keep using Windows 10 past the deadline, while one in seven expected to buy a new computer.
Lisa Barber, the magazine’s editor, cautioned that criminals “are going to target people, they are going to exploit weaknesses and they are going to want to steal your data.” Proctor and other consumer advocates also believe the upgrade could fuel unnecessary waste as working devices get scrapped.
“People are tired of living in a world filled with short-lived devices we can’t fix, or lose software support, or are otherwise forced into the waste stream.”
Without updates, Windows 10 machines won’t get new protections against viruses, ransomware, or malicious software.
Microsoft is offering two paths forward. You can either upgrade to Windows 11, which is free for those with compatible hardware, or sign up for extended security updates. This temporary patch program extends vital security coverage until October 2026.
Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, cautioned that companies may “find it challenging to maintain regulatory compliance with unsupported software.”
“Looking ahead, 2025 marks an important milestone for Windows. We saw the spirit of innovation on full display at CES in January, as the Windows ecosystem came together to unveil breakthrough technologies and introduce new Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs. And that momentum is only growing, as new silicon technology, thoughtful hardware designs and on-device AI experiences give people more of a reason to upgrade their Windows PC. With AI becoming a more natural and helpful part of everyday life, 2025 continues to emerge as the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.”
Software developers are also likely to phase out compatibility over time, meaning older PCs could lose access to new features or apps.
“Many people will have to purchase new devices — despite the fact that their current computers work just fine.”
Windows 11, released in 2021, raised the bar for hardware requirements, especially around TPM 2.0 security chips, leaving many older PCs behind. It also prompts users to sign in with a Microsoft account, a change that some users find intrusive due to privacy concerns.
Even for those willing to upgrade, the process requires backing up data, verifying hardware compatibility, and potentially adjusting to a new interface.
Launched in 2015, Windows 10 was promoted as “the last version of Windows,” with rolling updates expected to keep it current indefinitely. For ten years, Microsoft issued regular updates that introduced new tools, accessibility improvements, and crucial security patches.
Now, as the curtain falls, millions face a decision whether to pay for short-term protection, buy a new device, or take their chances with an unpatched system.
Moumita Basuroychowdhury is a Contributing Reporter at The National Digest. After earning an economics degree at Cornell University, she moved to NYC to pursue her MFA in creative writing. She enjoys reporting on science, business and culture news. You can reach her at moumita.b@thenationaldigest.com.