- Microsoft officially ends Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025: After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide feature updates, security patches or technical assistance for the decade-old operating system[1]. PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function, but without new patches they will become increasingly vulnerable to malware, hackers and other threats[2].
- Hundreds of millions still use Windows 10: Over 40% of all Windows PCs worldwide – roughly 500 million machines – are still running Windows 10 despite the looming end-of-supportts2.tech. In the UK alone, an estimated 5 million people have PCs on Windows 10, and a recent survey found a quarter of those users plan to keep using it even after support ends[3]. This large remaining user base makes the transition a major challenge for Microsoft’s upgrade efforts.
- Experts warn of serious security risks: Cybersecurity professionals urge remaining Windows 10 users to act quickly. “Once Windows 10 reaches end-of-life, the absence of security updates will leave millions of machines exposed to future vulnerabilities that will never be patched,” warns Matt Balderstone, an advisor at cyber firm CyberArk[4]. Another expert, Luis Corrons of Avast, adds: “End of support is not the end of the world, but it is the end of free safety nets” for users who don’t upgrade[5]. In other words, continuing to run an unpatched Windows 10 PC is considered highly risky in today’s threat landscape.
- Upgrade or enroll in extended updates – your two options: Microsoft is urging all Windows 10 holdouts to upgrade to Windows 11 (a free update for compatible PCs) or to buy a new PC that comes with Windows 11 pre-installedts2.tech. For those who can’t or won’t upgrade immediately, Microsoft has a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to provide critical patches through October 2026. Personal users can enroll in ESU at no cost by signing in with a Microsoft account (and in Europe’s EEA, enrollment is free with no strings attached, due to local regulations)ts2.tech. Otherwise, ESU access may require a small fee (around $30 or equivalent in Microsoft Reward points) for the year of extra supportts2.tech. This grace period is meant to buy time, but no further extensions are expected beyond 2026.
- PC upgrade boom and new “AI PCs”: The Windows 10 EOL deadline has triggered a wave of PC upgrades. Industry analysts report that global PC shipments jumped about 9.4% in Q3 2025 (to 75.8 million units) as consumers and businesses rushed to replace aging Windows 10 machines ahead of the deadlinets2.tech. PC makers are seizing the moment with new hardware: major brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo have rolled out fresh Windows 11 models – including next-generation laptops with built-in AI co-processors (“AI PCs”) touted to enhance performance and smart featurests2.tech. Gartner forecasts that virtually all enterprise PCs purchased by late 2026 will include AI acceleration hardware, a trend accelerated by this forced refresh cyclets2.tech. TS2.Tech analysts even predict that over half of all PCs sold in 2025 (100+ million units) will be AI-equipped, and that almost every new PC could have on-device AI by 2030ts2.tech.
- Stay vigilant for scams and glitches: Users who remain on Windows 10 must be extra careful. Security firms are warning of scams targeting Windows 10 users around this transitionts2.tech. For example, you might encounter fake “upgrade” pop-ups or unsolicited calls pretending to be Microsoft support – tactics that cybercriminals use to exploit people worried about the end of updates[6]. It’s also wise to back up important files in case unpatched vulnerabilities lead to malware incidentsts2.tech. Even Microsoft’s own upgrade tools have hit snags – reports indicate the official Windows 11 installation media tool had bugs and crashes on some Windows 10 PCs, forcing tech-savvy upgraders to resort to third-party tools like Rufus to install Windows 11ts2.tech. In short, proceed with caution and use official channels when updating.
Windows 10 Reaches End-of-Life: What Does It Mean?
After a decade of service, Microsoft Windows 10 is reaching its official end-of-life. October 14, 2025 marks the final day that Microsoft will offer support for Windows 10. This milestone means that from now on, Microsoft will no longer issue free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for this operating system[7]. Windows 10 won’t suddenly stop working on existing computers; however, any new flaws or vulnerabilities discovered in the OS will remain unpatched, leaving lingering Windows 10 users increasingly exposed to cyber threats[8].
Microsoft’s own support bulletin bluntly advises users that Windows 10 is now an unsupported product. The company “recommends upgrading to Windows 11 – a more modern, secure, and efficient experience – or replacing [Windows 10 devices] with one that supports Windows 11”[9]. In cases where hardware cannot be upgraded, Microsoft suggests enrolling in the one-year Extended Security Updates program (more on that below) to temporarily stay protected[10]. In essence, Windows 10 has been retired after about 10 years on the market (the OS originally launched in 2015), as Microsoft shifts focus entirely to Windows 11 and beyond.
Notably, Windows 10 was one of Microsoft’s most widely used operating systems – which makes this EOL event especially significant. StatCounter data shows Windows 10 still held about 40% of the Windows market just days before the deadline[11]. By comparison, Windows 11 had about 49% share, meaning tens of millions have not yet migrated to the newer OS[12]. Microsoft’s challenge is that a very large installed base is effectively being cut off from support overnight. “Microsoft claims to put security above all else, yet [it is] deliberately leaving millions of customers without security protections” by ending Windows 10 updates now, notes The Register wryly. This dynamic – balancing security vs. the push to newer technology – has put both Microsoft and users in a tricky position.
Millions Still Using Windows 10 – Who Are They?
Despite four years of availability for Windows 11 (launched in 2021), a huge number of people have stuck with Windows 10 until the very end. Estimates suggest hundreds of millions of PCs worldwide are still running Windows 10 as of mid-October 2025ts2.tech. In fact, one analysis puts the figure around 500 million devices globally, roughly 40–45% of all Windows PCs in usets2.tech. These include both individual home computers and many business machines that never made the jump to Windows 11.
In the UK, for example, about 5 million users continue to use Windows 10 on their laptops and desktops[13]. Surveys by consumer groups (such as the UK’s Which? organization) found that roughly 25% of those Windows 10 users plan to keep using it even after support ends[14] – at least initially. Reasons for holding out vary. Some people have older hardware that doesn’t meet Windows 11’s requirements (Windows 11 has stricter demands for newer CPUs and security chips, leaving certain 5-10 year old PCs incompatible). Others simply preferred Windows 10’s interface or saw no urgent need to change. Businesses often delayed upgrading due to the cost and complexity of updating software across hundreds or thousands of PCs.
However, running an outdated OS without security patches is a precarious long-term plan. Cybersecurity experts stress that this large pool of remaining Windows 10 systems could become easy targets for attackers going forward. Matt Balderstone, a cyber advisor at CyberArk, warned that without updates, Windows 10 machines create “prime conditions for attackers to exploit legacy systems.” He said millions of PCs would be “exposed to future vulnerabilities that will never be patched” once support ceases[15]. In other words, any new Windows 10 security hole discovered by hackers next week, next month, or next year will remain open for exploitation, because Microsoft won’t be fixing it. That prospect has security professionals concerned, especially as cybercriminal groups are often quick to weaponize unpatched flaws.
Luis Corrons, a security expert with antivirus firm Avast, put it this way: “End of support is not the end of the world, but it is the end of free safety nets” for users[16]. Up to now, Windows 10 owners could rely on Microsoft’s free monthly security patches (those “Patch Tuesday” updates) to fix critical problems behind the scenes. After today, those safety nets are gone – meaning users who don’t upgrade will have to fend for themselves or hope third-party security software can fill the gap. “Attackers know that,” Corrons added, noting that unpatched Windows bugs can become “long-lived entry points” for malware until the machines are finally upgraded or retired[17]. Both experts also warned that scammers may take advantage of confusion during this transition – for example, by sending fake emails or tech support calls claiming to help upgrade your PC, but really trying to install malware or steal information[18].
How to Stay Secure: Upgrade to Windows 11 or Use Extended Updates
So, what should Windows 10 users do now? Microsoft’s advice is clear: if your PC is compatible, upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible – it’s free and relatively easy to do via Windows Update[19]ts2.tech. And if your current computer isn’t compatible with Windows 11, Microsoft recommends considering a new PC that can run the latest OS[20].
Upgrading to Windows 11 has been made straightforward for most individuals. Any PC purchased in the last 4-5 years likely meets the Windows 11 system requirements. Microsoft has been pushing notifications to eligible Windows 10 users about the free upgrade. You can manually check by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking “Check for updates” – if your hardware qualifies, you should see an option to install Windows 11[21]. The installation process preserves your files and programs in most cases. From a usability standpoint, Windows 11 brings a refreshed design and new features, though it’s fundamentally similar to Windows 10 (most apps and peripherals that worked on Windows 10 work on Windows 11 too). For those concerned about learning a new interface: the changes are not too dramatic, and many tech reviewers note Windows 11 has matured into a solid OS.
However, not everyone can upgrade immediately. Some PCs (especially older than 2017 or so) might fail to meet the strict requirements, and some users or organizations may not be ready to switch for various reasons. For those users, Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. This program will continue to deliver critical security patches for one additional year – until October 13, 2026 – but only to PCs that enroll in ESUts2.tech. In effect, ESU is like an extra year of life support for Windows 10, intended as a last resort for those who need a bit more time to transition.
Importantly, Microsoft has made ESU free of charge for personal and small-business users, with a few caveats. Initially, the company had planned to require users to either back up their PC to OneDrive (using a Windows Backup feature) or pay ~$30 or redeem reward points to get the ESU updatests2.tech. But after some backlash – including pressure from European consumer rights organizations – Microsoft changed course. In Europe (EU/EEA markets), enrolling in ESU is now completely free and doesn’t require any cloud backup or reward points[22][23]. Users just need to authenticate with a Microsoft account once every 60 days to verify eligibility, and then they’ll receive Windows 10 security updates for the next 12 months without paying[24]. Outside of Europe, Microsoft is also effectively letting most consumers get ESU for free: if you sign in to your Windows 10 PC with a Microsoft account (enabling certain sync features), you become eligible for the free ESU yearts2.tech. Those who don’t want to use a Microsoft account login might have the option to pay approximately $30 for the ESU license, which covers a year of updatests2.tech.
Bottom line: If you absolutely must keep using Windows 10 beyond today, make sure to enroll in the ESU program via Windows Update settings. This will ensure you continue getting critical patches through late 2026. Keep in mind that this is a one-time extension – after October 2026, even the paid extended updates will cease. Microsoft 365 apps (Office software) will still receive support on Windows 10 for a while longer, but the operating system itself will not get any security fixes after that date[25]. That sets a hard deadline for moving off Windows 10 for good.
Surge in PC Upgrades and New Hardware Options
Many individuals and companies aren’t waiting around – they’ve been proactively replacing their Windows 10 machines ahead of the deadline. PC sales have seen a notable uptick in 2025 after a slump in recent years. Market research firm IDC reported that worldwide PC shipments grew by about +9.4% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025, reaching roughly 75.8 million units sold in Q3ts2.tech. This is a striking reversal after a period of declining PC sales. The Windows 10 EOL appears to be a major factor “lifting” the market: IDC analysts said the impending Windows 11 transition has led to “millions of consumers… replacing their aging machines” this yearts2.tech. Businesses, too, have been upgrading en masse to ensure their employees are on supported systems.
PC manufacturers are leaning into this opportunity. Major OEMs have launched new lineups of Windows 11 PCs in recent months, hoping to entice Windows 10 holdouts to upgrade their hardware. A key trend in these new models is the inclusion of AI-powered chips and features. For instance, companies like Dell, HP, and Lenovo have unveiled laptops and desktops with built-in AI co-processors (sometimes branded as “neural engines”) that enable advanced capabilities like enhanced security, intelligent camera effects, voice dictation improvements, and other machine-learning featurests2.tech. These “AI PCs” are being marketed as future-proof devices that will handle upcoming AI-driven software better.
The timing isn’t coincidental: Microsoft itself has been pushing AI integration in Windows 11 (with features like Windows Copilot, an AI assistant, and other AI enhancements in Office). By refreshing hardware now, PC makers are not only capitalizing on the Windows 10 EOL bump, but also preparing users for a more AI-centric computing experience. Industry forecasts suggest this is just the beginning. Tech research firm Gartner expects that by the end of 2026, virtually all enterprise PCs purchased will include some form of AI acceleration hardwarets2.tech. And analysts at TechStock² (TS2) predict that AI-enabled PCs will rapidly become mainstream – accounting for roughly half of all PCs sold in 2025 and nearly 100% of new PCs by 2030ts2.tech.
This wave of new hardware comes with other benefits too. Buyers will find that today’s best Windows 11 laptops are significantly faster, more power-efficient, and longer-lasting than the average 5-7 year old Windows 10 machine. Components like solid-state drives, modern processors, and improved batteries mean a new PC can be a worthwhile upgrade in performance and user experience – not just a security necessity.
Planning Your Upgrade: Tips and Top Picks
If you decide the time is right to move on from Windows 10, you have a couple of paths: upgrade your current PC to Windows 11 (if capable), or purchase a new PC. Many users with relatively recent computers (Intel 8th-gen or newer CPUs, for example) will find upgrading to Windows 11 to be the quickest solution. It’s a free download and installation through Windows Update. Just double-check that your system meets the requirements – Microsoft’s PC Health Check app can tell you, or you can consult the list of needed features (like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a compatible processor).
For those leaning towards buying a new Windows 11 PC, the good news is there’s a wide array of excellent options on the market in late 2025 – and plenty of year-end deals. Tech reviewers have been publishing guides to help people choose. WIRED, for instance, ran a piece titled “Windows 10 Is Dead. Upgrade to One of These Great Windows 11 Laptops,” highlighting some of the top-rated machines available[26]. Their recommendations included Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop (7th Edition, 2024) as the “best overall” pick, Dell’s XPS 14 Plus as a strong mid-range choice, and Asus’s Zenbook A14 as a particularly portable model, among others[27][28]. Notably, WIRED’s review praised the new Surface Laptop 7’s Qualcomm ARM-based processor as being “every bit as efficient and long-lasting as a MacBook” in terms of battery life and performance[29]. In other words, Windows laptops have come a long way – the latest models can offer all-day battery life and sleek designs that rival their Apple counterpartsts2.tech.
When shopping for a new PC, consider your use case and budget. Ultraportables like the Dell XPS or Asus Zenbook are great for students and professionals on the go. If you need power for gaming or creative work, look at well-reviewed gaming laptops or content-creator oriented models (there are plenty of guides for those as well). And if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be glad to know there are decent Windows 11 laptops well under $700 – just make sure they at least meet the minimum specs so they aren’t outdated out of the box. Retailers are actively running promotions knowing that many consumers are upgrading now; even Microsoft’s store and PC makers have “Windows 10 EOL” deals, so it pays to shop around.
User Reactions and Microsoft’s Response
The end of Windows 10 support hasn’t come without controversy. Some users and consumer rights groups have criticized Microsoft’s decision to enforce the upgrade timeline, arguing it contributes to electronic waste and “forced obsolescence” of otherwise-working devices[30]. In fact, on the eve of the support cutoff, protesters in Brussels gathered outside Microsoft’s European office with chants like “What do we want? Windows 10 support! When do we want it? Until 2030!”[31]. Their point was that Microsoft should extend free updates for Windows 10 further, especially for people who can’t afford new computers. Microsoft did partially concede in Europe – likely influenced by EU regulatory pressure – by making the one-year ESU free in the EEA region[32]. But the company has shown no sign it will continue free support as far out as 2030. (For context, a 10-year support life is actually standard for Windows versions; Windows 7, for example, was supported from 2009 to 2020. Microsoft’s stance is that Windows 11 is the intended path forward for its customers.)
Some tech observers note that Microsoft’s aggressive push to get everyone on Windows 11 has had mixed success. Hundreds of organizations and even government agencies had petitioned Microsoft to extend Windows 10’s life, pointing out that not everyone could upgrade in time[33]. While Microsoft didn’t budge on the overall deadline, it has tried to soften the blow with the free ESU program and by continuing to support Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 a bit longer. Nevertheless, by dropping support now, Microsoft risks some goodwill. Users who felt forced to buy new hardware may harbor frustration. On the flip side, many in the tech community acknowledge that running an outdated, un-patchable operating system is dangerous, and that Microsoft supporting an OS indefinitely isn’t realistic from a business standpoint.
From Microsoft’s perspective, moving users to Windows 11 (and soon, perhaps Windows 12 which is rumored on the horizon) also allows it to deliver a more secure ecosystem. Windows 11 has stronger built-in security, in part due to those hardware requirements like TPM 2.0. It is also better positioned to integrate new features (like AI enhancements) that Microsoft views as the future of computing. The company’s messaging has been that upgrading will ultimately benefit users with a more modern experience.
Final Advice: Don’t Wait Too Long
If you’re among the millions still on Windows 10, the takeaway from experts and industry watchers is clear: make a plan now. Either upgrade your existing PC to Windows 11 or start looking into a new machine, or at the very least get into the Extended Security Updates program if you need a short-term buffer. The risks of staying on an unprotected Windows 10 will only grow over time. “In an era of unprecedented cyber risk, with new cyberattacks targeting businesses every day, one Windows 10 machine is now too many,” warned CyberArk’s Balderstone, emphasizing that both consumers and businesses should update their systems promptly[34]. It might not be convenient to change your OS or computer, but the cost of a malware incident or data breach could be far worse.
Back up your data before making any big changes, and then take the leap. Upgrading an OS or moving to a new PC can seem daunting, but resources are available to help (Microsoft’s website, tech news guides, and local tech support services if needed). Within a few days of adjusting to Windows 11, most people find it quite familiar and easy to use – and you’ll have peace of mind that your device is secure and supported. Meanwhile, Windows 10 will join Windows 7, XP and others in the hall of fame of retired Microsoft operating systems. It had a good run, but its time is now truly up.
Sources: Bloomberg Tech In Depth newsletter[35]; BBC News[36]; The Independent (UK)[37][38][39]; Microsoft Support advisory[40]; Tom’s Guide[41]; Wired[42]; TS2 Tech (TechStock²) analysists2.techts2.tech; IDC/TechSpot market datats2.tech.
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