As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of Battlefield 6, a significant shift in the tech landscape looms on the horizon. Microsoft has announced that it will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This impending deadline has sparked a wave of inquiries among gamers regarding the viability of their current systems for running the new title. With the convergence of EA’s anti-cheat protocols and Microsoft’s support cutoff, the urgency for PC gamers to evaluate their hardware has never been more pronounced.
Windows 10 End-of-Life doesn’t mean your PC will stop working normally
The countdown to Microsoft’s discontinuation of free security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates for Windows 10 is underway. This transition has understandably caused confusion for users still relying on the decade-old operating system. However, it’s essential to clarify that while official support will end, your PC will not abruptly cease to function as expected post-October 14. The last Patch Tuesday update will remain effective for a considerable period, allowing users to continue their gaming experiences without immediate disruption.
Nevertheless, the absence of ongoing updates will gradually expose Windows 10 users to potential security vulnerabilities. For those who wish to maintain a secure environment, upgrading to a new Windows 11 machine is advisable. Alternatively, there are several strategies to continue using Windows 10 safely:
- Enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program: This free program provides an additional year of security updates, giving users more time to consider an upgrade.
- Check hardware compatibility for Windows 11: If your current PC meets the requirements, transitioning to Windows 11 can effectively address future security concerns.
- Force the Windows 11 update: Although not recommended, some users may opt to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. However, this route comes with the caveat of lacking official support from Microsoft.
As players prepare for Battlefield 6, the game’s requirements, including TPM and Secure Boot features, could present challenges for those on Windows 10. While newer systems equipped with Windows 11 should navigate these requirements with ease, gamers on older machines may need to undertake additional steps to ensure compatibility. A detailed guide is available for those looking to enable Secure Boot on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
In the broader gaming ecosystem, platforms like Steam have indicated plans to phase out support for 32-bit Windows 10 by January 1, 2026. However, the vast majority of gamers operate on 64-bit systems, alleviating immediate concerns about support discontinuation. Furthermore, EA has not announced any intentions to withdraw support for its EA app on Windows 10, providing some reassurance for users.
While the transition to Battlefield 6 may not signal an immediate end for Windows 10, the absence of security updates will necessitate caution for those who choose to remain on the older operating system. As the gaming landscape evolves, the call to action is clear: staying prepared for the future of PC gaming involves more than just hardware upgrades; it requires a proactive approach to system security and compatibility.
