In just over a month, Microsoft is set to discontinue support for Windows 10, a move that has stirred significant discontent among users. Many find themselves unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to stringent system requirements, while others express hesitation, citing design flaws in the new operating system. In response to this growing concern, a public interest group known as PIRG has submitted a petition urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision to phase out Windows 10. Despite the pushback, Microsoft remains firm on its October 14, 2025, cutoff date but has extended a 12-month lifeline to users through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
Users can sync their PC settings to the cloud via a Microsoft account or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points to enroll in this program at no cost. However, as the deadline approaches, anxiety among Windows 10 users is palpable. Many have taken to social media to voice their frustrations about difficulties in signing up for the ESU program. Microsoft has clarified that access to this program is being rolled out in phases, assuring users that it will be available to everyone before the operating system reaches its end-of-life.
Microsoft will make a killing from Windows 10’s ESU program
The Restart Project, which collaborated on the End of 10 Toolkit to assist users unable to transition to Windows 11, has criticized Microsoft’s ESU initiative. They argue that it serves merely as a temporary fix, likening it to a “last-minute snooze button” that fails to address the underlying issues faced by the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs that cannot upgrade.
Recent insights from HP and Dell reveal that approximately half of all PCs currently operate on Windows 10 and are expected to continue doing so past Microsoft’s deadline. These manufacturers anticipate a growing interest in the ESU program among users who plan to upgrade to Windows 11 by 2026. Meanwhile, some users have expressed concerns that the discontinuation of Windows 10 support feels like a calculated move to drive sales of Copilot+ PCs and encourage upgrades to Windows 11.
Businesses opting to remain on Windows 10 after the support deadline will incur a fee of per device for continued assistance through the ESU program, a cost that will double each subsequent year. A report by Nexthink suggests that Microsoft could potentially generate up to .3 billion from this program, particularly from enterprise users. This projection is based on the assumption that the number of Windows 10 customer endpoints will decrease by 33% by the cutoff date, following a similar trend observed earlier this year.
With over 1.4 billion PCs currently running Windows, Nexthink estimates that around 30% of these devices belong to public entities or enterprises, leading to the anticipated .3 billion in ESU revenue. Tim Flower, a digital employee experience strategist at Nexthink, emphasizes that upgrading to Windows 11 should not disrupt workflows but rather enhance daily operations. He notes the importance of understanding device and application performance prior to migration to ensure a smooth transition and minimize productivity interruptions.
As the deadline for Windows 10 support looms closer, users are left to weigh their options: will they enroll in the ESU program, risk potential security vulnerabilities by skipping it, or embrace the shift to Windows 11? The conversation continues as the tech community navigates this pivotal moment in the evolution of Microsoft’s operating systems.
