Microsoft has announced that it will be terminating support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Following this date, the tech giant from Redmond will no longer provide updates aimed at fixing bugs, glitches, or vulnerabilities within the operating system. Microsoft cautions users that while they may continue to use their PCs, the absence of ongoing software and security updates will significantly increase the risk of viruses and malware infiltrating their systems.
As it stands, nearly 62% of PCs are currently operating on Windows 10, according to data from Statcounter. This statistic raises an important question: should users promptly upgrade to Windows 11, the latest iteration of the operating system? However, Microsoft advises a more cautious approach.
Microsoft warns 400 million users not to update to the latest version
It turns out that approximately 400 million devices do not meet the minimum system requirements necessary to run Windows 11. For these devices, Microsoft strongly discourages the installation of the new operating system. The company emphasizes that “if Windows 11 is installed on ineligible hardware, your device won’t receive support from Microsoft, and you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues.” Furthermore, devices that fail to meet the system requirements may experience malfunctions due to various compatibility challenges.
To determine whether a PC is compatible with Windows 11, users can download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. For those whose computers do not meet the criteria for the new operating system, there are a couple of alternatives available:
- Install Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) to maintain Windows 10 for an additional year. This option is free for users with a Microsoft 365 subscription, while others will incur a fee of . Enrollment for this program will be accessible as the end of support approaches in 2025.
- Upgrade hardware by purchasing a device that is compatible with Windows 11, which has been the standard for modern PC hardware since its launch in October 2021.
With these options in mind, users are encouraged to carefully evaluate their current systems and make informed decisions as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches.
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