Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10 as of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, bringing to a close all free updates, security patches, and technical assistance for the widely used operating system.
The move affects millions of users globally, raising cybersecurity concerns for those who continue using the outdated software. After the end-of-support date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive protection against emerging threats, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Microsoft has urged users to migrate to Windows 11, which it says “meets the current demands for heightened security by default.” According to data from Statcounter, 43% of the world’s 1.4 billion Windows devices were still running Windows 10 as of July 2025. In the U.K., consumer group Which? estimates that 21 million people are still using the operating system.
A Which? survey conducted in September found that one in four users plans to continue using Windows 10, while one in seven expects to buy a new device. Consumer rights groups have criticised Microsoft’s decision, arguing that it will force unnecessary spending and worsen electronic waste.
Nathan Proctor, senior director at the U.S.-based Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), said:
“The end of support for Windows 10 is shaping up to be a disaster for both consumers and the environment. People are tired of short-lived devices we can’t fix or lose software support for. We deserve tech that lasts.”
To remain protected, users have two main options: upgrade to Windows 11 or enrol in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which provides essential protection for one year beyond the end date. The ESU programme, available until October 2026, excludes technical support and feature enhancements.
Personal users in the European Economic Area can access ESU at no cost, while others may pay $30 or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. Businesses will be charged from $61 per device, depending on location and licensing.
Microsoft Consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi warned that organisations running unsupported systems may struggle to remain compliant with data protection regulations. Security experts have also warned that Windows 10 systems will increasingly become targets for cybercriminals exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities.
Minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. Users whose devices are ineligible for the upgrade are advised to subscribe to ESU or switch to alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, both of which offer free security updates.
Some consumers may opt for new PCs, but manufacturers and retailers such as Dell, Currys, and Back Market are offering refurbished and trade-in programs to reduce electronic waste.
Microsoft maintains that the move reflects its broader shift toward more secure, modern systems with enhanced encryption, secure boot, and cloud-based protections, as cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication.
