Microsoft to End Windows 10 Support, Urging Users to Upgrade or Secure Devices

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting over 1.4 billion devices worldwide, with approximately 43% running this operating system as of July 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats like viruses and malware. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but not all devices meet the hardware requirements, potentially forcing users to buy new computers. This has raised concerns about environmental waste and unnecessary costs, with consumer groups like PIRG criticizing the move for contributing to short-lived tech. Users can opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2026, which provides critical security patches but no technical support or feature updates. ESU is free for those with the latest Windows 10 version and a Microsoft account, or costs $30 for individuals and $61 per device for businesses. A survey by Which? found that 25% of UK users plan to continue using Windows 10 post-support, while one in seven intend to purchase new devices. Without updates, users risk reduced software functionality and regulatory compliance issues, especially for businesses.