What you need to know
- Windows 10’s support lifecycle will end on October 14, 2025.
- Users have just one year left of free support and security updates for Windows 10.
- Microsoft recommends that all Windows 10 users upgrade to Windows 11, or they will have to pay for security updates on Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support date.
As a seasoned tech enthusiast who’s been through several operating system transitions, I find myself in a position to offer some insights based on my personal experiences. If you’re considering a change from Windows 10, I’d like to share my two cents.
The end of free support and security updates for Windows 10 is drawing near, happening in October 2025. This means that all users currently running Windows 10 should start considering their post-October 14, 2025 plans, whether you’re a business dealing with multiple PCs or an individual with just one computer. It’s advisable to explore your alternatives for the future at this point.
As a tech enthusiast, I’ve been wondering: Why is Microsoft phasing out support for Windows 10, and are there any ways to keep using it past its end-of-support date? This article breaks down the ins and outs of the Windows 10 support lifecycle and offers various solutions for users like me who want to stay secure and updated beyond October 14, 2025.
Why is Microsoft ending support for Windows 10?
As far as Microsoft is concerned, Windows 10 has become an outdated operating system, having been launched in July 2015 and reaching its end-of-support phase more than a decade later. Although Microsoft maintained the core platform of Windows 10 for several years following its initial release in 2015, this support ended with the May 2020 Update – the final update to deliver essential platform updates before the introduction of Windows 11.
In simpler terms, if you’re using the current version of Windows 10, it’s essentially a five-year-old core operating system platform release from Microsoft. Since then, they have launched three new versions of Windows, all based on Windows 11. This means that there are under-the-hood advancements in security and performance that Windows 10 users aren’t experiencing at the moment.
What does end of support mean?
Discontinuing support implies that Microsoft will no longer provide assistance or security fixes to individuals using the Windows 10 operating system. As a result, the Windows Update service will stop receiving monthly patches aimed at resolving superficial issues and exposures in the Windows core system.
As technology advances and new applications, drivers, and hardware devices (commonly referred to as peripherals) are introduced, you’ll eventually observe that Windows 10 is no longer receiving official support. This won’t occur immediately, but gradually over time, you may find some of these items becoming incompatible or stopping to function.
What are my options?
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
As a researcher, I would like to highlight that upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 comes at no cost for you, provided your system meets the required hardware specifications. If your computer is recent enough to meet Windows 11’s stringent system requirements, you can enjoy a free upgrade with continuous security updates and new features in the future, without any additional charges.
To determine if your computer is compatible with Windows 11, simply run the Windows PC Health Check tool. This software will inform you whether your device can accommodate Windows 11. If it does, proceed with the installation process. However, if it doesn’t, there are alternative steps you can take.
In simpler terms, if you bought your computer before 2018, it probably can’t run Windows 11. If you got it between 2018 and 2021, chances are good that it qualifies for a free upgrade to Windows 11.
Option 2: Buy a new Windows 11 PC
In simpler terms, option 2 involves buying a brand new computer that runs Windows 11 since your current one is outdated and not compatible with the latest version of Windows 10. If you’re planning to upgrade from Windows 10, this would be your legitimate choice. There are many options available for Windows 11 computers in various sizes, shapes, and price ranges, so you can choose the best fit for your needs.
If you are looking to buy a new Windows 11 PC, I would recommend a new Copilot+ PC as they only launched this year and support new AI features and experiences that non Copilot+ PCs don’t. If you’re looking to buy a PC for longevity, get a Copilot+ PC.
Option 3: Pay for Windows 10 updates
Purchase extended support. They have declared that both business and personal users can pay for continued support on Windows 10 until October 14, 2028, which is three years beyond the standard end date of October 14, 2025.
Microsoft has not disclosed the cost for individual users as of now, but businesses should prepare to pay an annual fee for each device they wish to maintain on Windows 10 past 2025. This support service from Microsoft is only guaranteed for three years, which means that after 2028, users will be compelled to transition to a more recent version of Windows since the support will no longer be available.
Option 4: Move to Linux or Mac
It’s an extreme choice for sure, but if you simply can’t stomach Windows 11 or can’t afford to upgrade your PC, there are alternatives out there. You could move to Linux on your existing PC or buy a Mac.
Switching to Linux on your current computer is the most cost-effective choice among the two, and there are numerous Linux distributions available for selection. Linux can be intricate, so it might not be the best pick for an ordinary Windows user. But if you’re open to investing time in learning the process, it certainly is an option.
If you’re new to Linux and considering a switch, Ubuntu might be the ideal distribution to start with due to its user-friendly nature. It’s worth giving it a try, especially since you can test it out using a live install USB without actually installing it first. This way, if Windows 11 doesn’t suit your needs anymore, you can explore Ubuntu as an alternative.
As a fellow tech enthusiast who appreciates user-friendly interfaces and top-notch performance, I get it if Linux isn’t your cup of tea. If budget allows, you could opt for a Mac instead! Whether you’re drawn to the sleek design of a desktop Mac or the portability of a MacBook, the choice is yours. Rest assured that the newest Mac models will continue to receive macOS updates for quite some time, typically around 7-10 years, depending on the specific model you select. Apple’s consistent commitment to supporting its devices ensures a long and satisfying user experience!
Regardless of which one you pick, you’ll find it challenging if you’re not familiar with them as they both differ significantly from Windows. Linux and macOS have unique features that might require some getting used to, so be prepared for a learning experience when switching to a new operating system.
What if I stay on Windows 10?
Essentially, it’s your choice to act or not. If you’re up for a gamble, you can continue using Windows 10 even without further support. For a while after October 2025, things will remain largely the same. However, as time goes by, Windows 10 may grow increasingly insecure due to new kernel and security vulnerabilities that will be uncovered.
Antivirus programs offer a level of protection, but if a weakness in the fundamental Windows system is found and exploited by viruses or malware, antivirus can only shield you up to a point. There’s a possibility for cunning malicious software to evade detection by antivirus software, so it’s crucial to remain cautious when using Windows 10, especially after it’s no longer supported.
As an analyst, I’d like to share some insights about the evolution of your preferred Windows applications. Over time, developers may shift their focus towards newer versions of Windows, causing some of your favorite apps to become incompatible with Windows 10. This process won’t occur overnight; it took several years for apps to stop supporting older systems like Windows XP and Windows 7, and I anticipate a similar trend for Windows 10. However, it’s essential to be prepared for this transition to begin beyond the year 2025.
What about Windows 10 LTSC?
As a devoted tech enthusiast, I stumbled upon some exciting news about a unique version of Windows 10 that will continue to receive updates past October 2025. This special edition is called the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), and its support doesn’t end until 2029. But here’s the twist – unlike regular versions of Windows, you can’t just purchase and use LTSC. Instead, it’s a business-oriented product tailored for specialized devices like point-of-service machines, medical equipment, factory management systems, and many more applications requiring uninterrupted performance.
To legally operate Windows 10 LTSC, you must purchase licenses in large quantities from an accredited Microsoft vendor. However, it’s important to note that the license agreement does not permit its use on personal computers. Instead, Windows 10 LTSC is primarily suitable for businesses and commercial clients.
End of support is fast approaching
It appears that Microsoft is planning to discontinue free support for Windows 10 by the end of next year. If anything changes in the meantime, we’ll keep you informed. However, given the current situation, it seems unlikely that Microsoft will alter their plans. Therefore, it might be prudent to explore alternatives to Windows 10.
It happened with Windows XP, it happened with Windows 7, and it will happen with Windows 10.
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2024-10-14 14:39