The countdown to the end of Windows 10 is officially on, with Microsoft set to cease support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. In response to this impending transition, the tech giant has introduced several avenues for users to continue receiving security updates through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Options include syncing PC settings to the cloud via a Microsoft account, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or opting for a fee for extended security updates, which now accommodates up to 10 devices.
While Microsoft touts that “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs,” this claim raises eyebrows, particularly as many modern devices still support full Windows 10 compatibility. This makes it challenging to draw direct comparisons between older hardware and the latest AI-driven PCs. Despite Windows 11 being the world’s leading desktop operating system, user feedback indicates a hesitance to upgrade, primarily due to perceived design flaws and stringent minimum system requirements.
Innovative Solutions for Windows 10 Users
Interestingly, a wave of software applications has emerged, enabling Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. One notable example is Tiny11, a tool developed by NTDEV that creates a lightweight version of Windows 11, tailored for older PCs that do not meet the new operating system’s rigorous requirements. The developer has been proactive in enhancing Tiny11’s functionality, releasing multiple updates that reduce its size by eliminating bloatware and pre-installed applications deemed unnecessary by some users.
Recently, NTDEV unveiled a new update for Tiny11, which removes a considerable list of applications from Windows 11, including:
- Alarms
- Mail and Calendar
- Feedback Hub
- Maps
- Sound Recorder
- Your Phone
- Media Player
- QuickAssist
- Tablet PC Math
- Edge
- OneDrive
- Copilot
- New Outlook Client
- Clipchamp
- News
- Weather
- Xbox (though the Xbox Identity provider remains available for reinstallation)
- GetHelp
- GetStarted
- Office Hub
- Solitaire
- PeopleApp
- PowerAutomate
- ToDo
Moreover, NTDEV has introduced a more robust version called Tiny11 Core Builder, which is already available alongside the anticipated September 2025 release of Windows 11 version 25H2. However, it is important to note that Tiny11 Core Builder is intended strictly for testing purposes, serving as a “quick and dirty development testbed” that can significantly reduce Windows 11 image sizes at the expense of some serviceability features.
Windows 11’s Position in the Market
As the end of Windows 10 approaches, the landscape of alternatives appears to be expanding, making Windows 11 less of a default upgrade choice. One of the latest contenders is WINUX, a Linux distribution inspired heavily by Windows design elements. While Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 users beyond the official end-of-support date, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has raised concerns about the potential for a surge in discarded computers, criticizing the ESU program as a mere “last-minute snooze button” on a failing system.
Echoing these sentiments, The Restart Project, co-developer of the End of 10 Toolkit aimed at supporting Windows 10 users post-support, has voiced similar apprehensions, suggesting that the ESU program is not a sustainable solution. “It’s obvious users are frustrated and feel yanked around,” the group remarked.
Another advocacy group, End of 10, is encouraging users to transition away from Microsoft’s ecosystem entirely, promoting Linux as a viable alternative, highlighting benefits such as the absence of ads and telemetry tracking. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Microsoft could generate up to billion from its ESU program by charging enterprise clients per device. This has led some users to perceive the end of Windows 10 support as a calculated move to drive sales of Copilot+ PCs and encourage upgrades to Windows 11. In light of these developments, the array of options available to users continues to grow, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
