As the calendar turns to October 14, 2024, a significant milestone looms for users of Windows 10. With just one year remaining until Microsoft officially ends support for this venerable operating system, the urgency to make a decision is palpable. Microsoft has confirmed that “Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025,” marking a pivotal moment for millions of users worldwide.
The Current Landscape
Despite the impending deadline, Windows 10 maintains its dominance, boasting a remarkable 64.99 percent share of the global operating system market. While Windows 11 is gradually gaining traction, it still has a considerable distance to cover before it can rival the established presence of its predecessor. Microsoft acknowledges this trend, showing no signs of wavering from the October 2025 end-of-life timeline.
This situation presents users with a series of critical choices, especially for those whose devices may not meet the requirements for Windows 11. For those with newer machines, transitioning to the latest operating system could be a straightforward process, but for others, the options become more complex.
Choices Ahead
- Invest in a New Device: Microsoft now recommends that users consider purchasing a new PC equipped with Windows 11. This guidance reflects a shift in the company’s stance, emphasizing the importance of staying supported in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
- Extended Security Updates: For those who prefer not to invest in new hardware, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. This service, priced at per year (£48), provides critical security updates for Windows 10, although it is currently targeted primarily at business enterprises.
- Do Nothing: While Windows 10 will continue to function post-October 2025, this option carries significant risks. Without ongoing support, users may find themselves vulnerable to cyber threats and software malfunctions, as Microsoft will cease to provide essential updates and patches.
Microsoft has articulated the implications of this transition, stating, “End of life and end of support are terms that refer to the end of technical support and security updates for Windows 10.” After a decade of service, the OS will no longer receive free updates, leaving users to navigate a potentially perilous digital environment.
Preparing for Change
The countdown has begun, and for those still reliant on Windows 10, it is prudent to evaluate available options. While the operating system will not abruptly cease functioning next October, the absence of updates will likely lead to increased challenges, including susceptibility to bugs and cyber attacks.
Steve Haskew, Group Director of Sustainability and Growth at Circular Computing, highlights the potential environmental impact of this transition, noting, “There’s a risk of a surge in electronic waste in the next 12 months as those with hardware that cannot support Windows 11 decide to get rid of ageing computers.”
To facilitate a smoother transition, users are encouraged to utilize Microsoft’s PC health tool to assess their device’s compatibility with Windows 11. For those eligible, the upgrade process is relatively swift, typically taking about an hour to complete.
