Since its launch in 2015, Windows 10 has carved out a significant niche in the hearts of millions of PC users worldwide. Despite the introduction of Windows 11 in 2021, Windows 10 continues to dominate as the most widely used operating system globally. This enduring popularity has led to considerable dismay among its loyal users, especially with Microsoft announcing that support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer receive free security updates, prompting Microsoft to encourage users to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware that meets the updated software’s requirements.
Transitioning Away from Windows 10
In a recent blog post, Microsoft revealed another significant shift in its support for Windows 10: the closure of the Windows 10 Beta Channel. This program allowed users to access new features ahead of the general public, providing valuable feedback to Microsoft before broader releases. The last build for the Beta Channel was rolled out on November 14, marking the end of this testing phase for Windows 10. Users currently engaged in the Beta Channel will be migrated to the Release Preview Channel, where updates will continue to be available.
Microsoft’s message is clear: “We recommend customers prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today.” This guidance aligns with the company’s recent updates regarding unsupported versions of Windows, suggesting that users with older hardware should consider purchasing new PCs to access the latest operating system.
For those who wish to remain on Windows 10 and continue receiving updates, Microsoft has introduced a paid program priced at (£24) per year. However, the latest features available to Beta Channel users are rather modest, primarily consisting of Microsoft Store app suggestions appearing in the Start menu—essentially more advertisements within the operating system. Fortunately, users can disable this feature by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggling off the option for “Show suggestions occasionally in Start.”
For Insiders in the Beta Channel eager to stay ahead of the curve, there remains an option to enable a toggle for receiving the latest updates as they become available. This can be done through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Those who choose to keep the toggle off will still receive new features gradually, but only once they are fully prepared for rollout.
