support deadline

Winsage
January 1, 2026
Microsoft has concluded support for Windows 10, with over 44% of PC users still operating on the OS. This poses potential risks for users, particularly as the end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop issuing free updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering security patches until October 13, 2026, at a cost of £22 for individual users and starting at £45 for businesses, with prices doubling in subsequent years. Users can also access ESU benefits through Microsoft Rewards Points or by performing a Windows Backup via OneDrive, which has a 5GB free limit. Research suggests that around 5 million individuals in the UK could be at risk due to continued reliance on Windows 10. The ESU program is available for users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2.
Winsage
December 15, 2025
Hundreds of millions of computers are still using Windows 10, despite it reaching its end-of-support deadline. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription is available for free until October 2026, providing updates to help protect against security threats. By early 2021, around 100 million PCs were still running Windows 7, which had ceased receiving updates in January 2020, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks from groups like Digital Shadows, LockBit, Conti, and Vice Society. Notable incidents include the PrintNightmare flaw in July 2021, which led Microsoft to issue a patch for Windows 7, and the WannaCry attack in 2017, which targeted Windows XP machines. Microsoft releases monthly security fixes, and vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-62215, identified in November 2025, have been categorized as "Exploitation Detected." While current vulnerabilities require local access, history suggests that remote attacks may soon occur, posing severe risks to unpatched systems.
Winsage
December 2, 2025
The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that it upgraded its laptops from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as part of a £312 million investment to replace 31,500 outdated Windows 7 devices. The upgrade to Windows 11 was completed by March 2025, ahead of the Windows 10 support deadline on October 14, 2025. Defra acknowledged a factual inaccuracy in its previous communications regarding the IT modernization efforts.
Winsage
November 28, 2025
Dell's Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Clarke, reported a 10% to 12% lag in the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 compared to previous adoption rates. Approximately 500 million PCs are incompatible with Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. Dell has seen an increase in PC sales for 2025 but anticipates flat sales in 2026 due to rising component costs and supply chain issues. The slow uptake of Windows 11 may lead consumers to retain their Windows 10 machines or consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. Microsoft is providing extended support for Windows 10 until October 2026, allowing users more time to decide on upgrades. The future pace of migration to Windows 11 may be influenced by Microsoft's integration of AI functionalities.
Winsage
November 24, 2025
Microsoft has phased out Windows 10, with a deadline of October 14 now passed, leaving approximately 550 million users navigating the transition to Windows 11 amidst rising cyber threats. Windows 10 usage has declined from 880 million in January. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) option for users needing more time to migrate, which provides security updates until October 13, 2026, for enrolled users. Business users have a three-year extended support period, while consumers have a 12-month grace period post-October if enrolled in ESU. The November update addressing zero-day threats is only available to ESU enrollees. There are no contingency plans for users who remain on Windows 10, and uncertainty exists regarding how many users have enrolled in ESU or have eligible devices for Windows 11 upgrades. Users must act before next October to purchase new PCs if needed.
Winsage
November 4, 2025
Microsoft has concluded free support for most versions of Windows 10 as of October 14, while Windows 10 still holds a market share of 41.71 percent compared to Windows 11's 55.18 percent. The adoption of Windows 11 is increasing slowly, and many enterprises using Windows 10 should have enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Factors such as hardware replacement cycles, economic conditions, and tariffs are influencing the pace of migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Microsoft plans to integrate AI services into the Windows environment but has not indicated plans to impose similar hardware compatibility restrictions as seen with Windows 11.
Winsage
October 19, 2025
Microsoft claims that laptops and desktop PCs running Windows 11 are "up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs," based on benchmarking data from Geekbench 6. Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, leaving around 5 million users in the UK vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 11 for users with a legitimate copy of Windows 10, although not all existing devices may support it. The upcoming Windows 11 Version 25H2 update will provide a smoother installation experience and introduce features like a redesigned Start menu and CPU throttling for better power management. Microsoft will offer free security updates to Windows 10 users who subscribe to OneDrive, while others will need to pay a one-time fee of £22 for updates. Some users report that Windows 10 may have better gaming performance, which could affect their decision to upgrade.
Winsage
October 19, 2025
Windows 10 reached its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, concluding monthly security updates for over 1 billion PCs. Users with incompatible devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update and are advised to purchase new hardware. Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 on a subscription basis for three years post end-of-support, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users can also consider buying new PCs, renting a virtual PC through Windows 365, upgrading incompatible hardware to Windows 11 using specific methods, switching to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, or continuing to use Windows 10 without support, which poses security risks.
Winsage
October 18, 2025
Microsoft's end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 has led to an 8.2% increase in global PC shipments in Q3 2025, surpassing 69 million units. North America saw a modest growth of 1.6% year over year due to prior inventory stockpiling. Geopolitical challenges have tempered consumer demand, with many delaying purchases. The AI PC segment is expected to grow to 31% of total shipments in 2025, up from 15% in 2024. Only 39% of surveyed enterprises reported refreshing or upgrading their PCs, and 18% plan to continue using Windows 10 beyond the deadline. The top five PC vendors—Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and ASUS—reported increased shipments, with Lenovo achieving a 16.6% growth rate. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11 PCs with AI capabilities, while Apple launched a new MacBook Pro with the M5 chip for AI workflows.
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