As the clock ticks down to October 14, 2025, the impending end of support for Windows 10 looms large on the horizon. Microsoft finds itself at a crossroads, with its hardware compatibility strategy still in question. For many users, the prospect of losing support is not just a minor inconvenience; it poses significant security risks as updates will cease, leaving systems vulnerable to potential threats.
The Support Landscape
While some users may opt to pay for continued security updates, others utilizing Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions can breathe a little easier, as their support extends well beyond the looming deadline. Specifically, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC will receive extended support until January 13, 2032, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC until January 9, 2029. However, for the majority of users, the countdown has begun, with just a year remaining before updates come to a halt.
Steve Haskew, Group Director of Sustainability and Growth at Circular Computing, aptly described this situation as “The biggest Ctrl-Alt-Delete in history.” Advocacy groups like the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) have voiced concerns, urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision and extend support for Windows 10. The fear is that millions of devices could be rendered obsolete overnight, contributing to a growing e-waste crisis.
Market Dynamics
Despite the impending deadline, Windows 10 will not cease functioning immediately for its users. However, the cessation of security updates will inevitably increase vulnerability to cyber threats. Recent data from Statcounter and Lansweeper indicates a modest uptick in Windows 11’s market share, with Statcounter reporting that it has captured approximately half of Windows 10’s market presence. Yet, Lansweeper suggests that this increase may be more reflective of enterprises finally committing to upgrades rather than a surge in new hardware purchases.
The anticipated wave of PC shipments has yet to materialize, leaving analysts divided on whether the market is experiencing growth or decline. When Microsoft introduced Windows 11, it came with stringent hardware requirements that rendered many existing Windows 10 machines obsolete. However, the lack of compelling features in Windows 11 has led many users to question the necessity of new hardware. Workarounds have also allowed some users of older devices to run Windows 11 without issues, further undermining Microsoft’s hardware requirements.
Future Considerations
Microsoft’s strategy to drive customers towards new devices through Windows 11 may have unintended consequences. Users faced with the need to purchase new hardware might consider alternatives such as a sleek new Mac or even desktop Linux, which has become increasingly user-friendly and capable of repurposing older machines that run Windows 10 effectively.
The introduction of Copilot+ PCs represents Microsoft’s final push to entice users to transition to Windows 11. While the hardware is undeniably impressive, it may not be enough to prompt customers to break free from their usual hardware refresh cycles. With just a year of support left for Windows 10, Microsoft faces a critical challenge: to accelerate the adoption of Windows 11 among legacy customers before they are left exposed to security risks, all while ensuring that the upgrade is seen as a worthwhile investment rather than a mere obligation.
