Microsoft’s extra year of Windows 10 security updates isn’t a “viable solution” for the 400 million PCs that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 — “It’s obvious users are frustrated and feel yanked around.”

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Windows 10 users find themselves in a predicament (to use a gentle term), as the expiration date for Microsoft’s support approaches, set for October 14, 2025.

The action has sparked criticism from users, leading the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) to launch a petition urging Microsoft to rethink its plan to discontinue support for Windows 10. The group warns that this decision could negatively impact Microsoft’s sustainability objectives and potentially cause “the largest increase in discarded computers ever,” as it will likely result in a significant number of computers becoming obsolete.

It appears that the major software company has taken notice of concerns expressed by Windows 10 users and prolonged the support period for the operating system past its initial end date. Therefore, Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates from Microsoft free of charge beyond October 14, 2025; however, there’s a stipulation to be aware of.

People using the extended support version should make sure to save their PC settings data on the cloud using their Microsoft Account. However, many Windows 10 users are hesitant about upgrading to Windows 11 due to Microsoft’s high hardware requirements.

As a researcher focusing on software development and security, I’m sharing some insights about Microsoft’s approach to Windows 10 security updates. Through their Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, they guarantee the provision of security updates for at least three years following the release of each version of Windows 10. It’s essential to clarify that this decision to offer these updates as a paid service rather than a free one is driven by business considerations, not technical limitations or capabilities.

Lucas Rockett Gutterman serves as the Campaign Manager for Designed to Last at the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).

Lucas Rockett Gutterman is the leader of the campaign “Designed to Last” at the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).

Microsoft’s extended support for Windows 10 offers a year of free security updates, but according to PIRG, this duration is still deemed insufficient. In an interview with The Register, Lucas Rockett Gutterman, head of the “Designed to Last” campaign at Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), expressed this view via TechRadar.

Microsoft’s recent changes fall short of what’s needed, as they are unlikely to address the issue of approximately 400 million Windows 10 computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.

In addition to saving your PC settings on Microsoft’s Azure cloud service, Windows 10 users have two options: they can exchange 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or spend $30 to access advanced security updates (Extended Security Updates – ESU).

According to Gutterman:

As an analyst, I can say that Microsoft has responded to public pressure by introducing some changes: offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) to individuals for the first time, setting affordable pricing for schools, and introducing a new OneDrive option. However, they have yet to promise extended support for Windows 10 or relax the hardware requirements for Windows 11.

Gutterman stated, “It’s clear that the users are feeling aggravated. They feel like they’re being pulled in different directions and aren’t convinced that the recent announcement offers a practical resolution.

Windows 11 is becoming synonymous with Copilot+ PCs, while Linux is now a real threat

Ever since Windows 11 hit the shelves, it’s been a while now, but I must admit, it hasn’t exactly taken off like a rocket. The main reason? Its tough hardware prerequisites, glitches in its fundamental features, and other niggling issues.

While Windows 10’s end approaches, Windows 11 appears to be growing in popularity. In fact, it held 47.73% of the global Windows market share in June, compared to Windows 10’s 48.92%. This suggests that it won’t be long before Windows 11 takes over the category.

Instead of staying with Windows 10 for ongoing security updates, Microsoft strongly encourages users to move to Windows 11. In fact, the approaching end of life for Windows 10 is being leveraged by Microsoft to promote Copilot+ PC sales, highlighting its AI-boosted functionalities and features such as Windows Recall, Click To Do, and enhanced Windows Search.

As a tech enthusiast, I must admit, the tech giant’s assertion that “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs” sounds impressive, but it seems a bit of an exaggeration when you consider the comparison is between older processors and contemporary hardware equipped with advanced technology.

It’s worth noting that a community known as End of 10 is advocating for Windows 10 users to migrate to Linux, given that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life soon. Their movement encourages users to abandon the Windows environment altogether and adopt Linux, even with older devices. The primary reasons they’re promoting this change are the absence of advertisements and reduced data tracking – aspects that are often seen as advantages for making the switch.

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2025-07-04 12:39