end of support for Windows 10 Archives

Winsage

July 2, 2026

Windows 11 surpasses 70% among PC gamers on Steam as Windows 10 starts fading away

Windows 11 has surpassed 70% market share among Steam users, reaching 70.44% with a 0.68% increase from the previous month. Windows 10's market share has declined by 0.43%. Linux's market share has decreased by 0.30% to 3.69%, down from 2.57% last year, while macOS has risen by 0.05% to 2.21% from 1.76% last year.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

An old PC's motherboard has recently marked a decade of service, and while it performs well for web browsing and media streaming, the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to a new Copilot+ PC. The user contemplates several options: continuing to use the PC after the end-of-life date, switching to a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows, or attempting to install Windows 11. The user expresses dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks essential features and customization options. They also find staying with Windows 10 impractical due to the eventual phasing out of support. The user identifies Linux Mint as a compelling alternative, having found it compatible and customizable, and expresses hope that other Windows 10 users will consider transitioning to Linux Mint as well.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

How to get free Windows 10 security patches until October 2027 – and avoid the $30 fee

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, but users can receive critical security updates until October 12, 2027, through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost. To qualify, users must have a Windows 10 PC running version 22H2 or later and sign in with a Microsoft account, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. In the European Economic Area, customers automatically qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be done through Settings > Windows Update, and users may need to back up their settings or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. Business customers must purchase ESU subscriptions at a higher cost. Users should be cautious of potential issues, such as cloud storage consumption during backup.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10 support for another year

Microsoft has extended the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program by one year, now ending on October 12, 2027, providing additional security updates for users who prefer Windows 10.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates

Microsoft has extended the support timeline for Windows 10 by initiating the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides an additional year of essential security updates until October 12, 2027. Users can enroll in the ESU program until it ends, and those already enrolled will have their coverage automatically continue through that date. The ESU program, previously a paid feature for businesses, is now available to regular consumers at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Google’s £3 upgrade for Windows is finally back in stock

Google, in collaboration with Back Market, is offering a USB memory stick that allows users to install the free ChromeOS Flex operating system on their existing PCs and Macs. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective alternative for Windows 10 users, especially after Microsoft ceased support for the operating system in October 2022. The USB kits, designed for easy installation, have sold out quickly since their launch. ChromeOS Flex offers essential security updates and is designed to run on hardware originally intended for Windows and macOS, although it does not support Android apps or Windows virtual machines. The initiative also emphasizes environmental benefits by extending the life of existing devices and reducing e-waste.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Live Webinar | Windows 10 End of Support in OT: Practical Strategies for Secure and Resilient Operations

Operational technology (OT) engineers and plant managers must decide between migrating to Windows 11, opting for Extended Security Updates, or implementing compensating controls as support for Windows 10 ends. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will stop receiving updates on January 12, 2027. A live webinar is available to help organizations develop a strategy for transitioning from Windows 10, addressing security and compliance challenges, key standards, and practical strategies for safeguarding systems. The webinar targets OT engineers, plant managers, OT security leaders, and operations teams in various sectors, aiming to assist them in maintaining operational integrity during the transition.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

“We are not ready to move” as HP’s Windows 10 holdouts highlight Microsoft’s upgrade struggle

30% of HP's installed user base is still operating on Windows 10, which leaves approximately 400 million PCs vulnerable as they do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. The proportion of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025. HP's revenue rose by 9% year-on-year, reaching .41 billion, with the transition to Windows 11 providing a financial advantage for the company. Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing enrollment for free or through Microsoft Reward points, with access later made free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet cloud backup requirements. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 forces functional PCs into premature retirement due to hardware requirements for Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group has raised concerns about the impact of discontinuing Windows 10 support on older devices and is promoting Linux as an alternative. Microsoft has been encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through ads highlighting performance advantages.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

HP’s Windows 10 holdouts show just how hard Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade push really is

HP reported that 30% of its installed user base is still using Windows 10, which will lose support on October 14, 2025, leaving around 400 million PCs vulnerable. Many of these PCs do not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. The percentage of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025, when nearly half of HP and Dell's PCs were still running the older system. Microsoft introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to enroll for free or through a payment option, but later made access free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet the cloud backup requirement. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 exemplifies programmed obsolescence, potentially forcing many functioning PCs into retirement. Initiatives like End of 10 are encouraging users to consider transitioning to Linux, highlighting its lack of advertisements and telemetry tracking. Microsoft has attempted to persuade users to upgrade to Windows 11 through ads and claims of improved performance. It is unclear if Windows 10 users have enrolled in the ESU program or are operating without security updates.

Winsage

May 9, 2026

‘Faster, Free’—Google Offers Windows Users A PC Upgrade

Microsoft's Secure Boot certificates, in use since 2011, will begin to expire in June, potentially leaving many Windows 10 users without essential updates. As Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October 2025, Microsoft is offering a complimentary year of extended support, which includes new Secure Boot certificates, but users must enroll to receive these updates. For those who do not enroll, Google offers a free upgrade option to ChromeOS Flex, which allows users to repurpose old laptops into efficient machines. ChromeOS Flex is lightweight, requires less hardware power, and provides regular security updates, making it a safer alternative to unsupported Windows systems. Google has made ChromeOS Flex available on a reusable USB stick, although it is often in short supply.