As the countdown to the end of support for Windows 10 continues, Microsoft has taken significant steps to inform users about the impending retirement of the operating system. With less than 11 months remaining until the official cutoff date of October 14, 2025, the tech giant has updated its support documentation to reflect this change. A recent discovery by Windows Latest revealed a prominent banner on a support page addressing Surface update issues, clearly stating, “Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025.”
This announcement underscores that while Windows 10 will continue to function post-retirement, users will no longer receive free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes from Microsoft. The message is clear: the time to transition to Windows 11 is now, especially as the company emphasizes the benefits and features of its latest operating system.
In addition to the banner, Microsoft has revised hundreds of support documents related to Windows 10, aiming to raise awareness and facilitate the migration to Windows 11. This proactive approach is designed to guide users through the upgrade process, highlighting the advantages of the newer operating system.
Windows 11 Forces Capable PCs into Retirement
However, the transition to Windows 11 is not without its challenges. The new operating system introduces stringent hardware requirements, including the necessity for TPM 2.0, which may render many capable PCs obsolete. For instance, a laptop equipped with 16GB of RAM and a robust CPU may still fall short of the upgrade criteria if it lacks the required TPM module. While desktop users have the option to add an external TPM 2.0 module, older laptops may face significant hurdles.
Although there are methods to bypass these requirements, even those officially sanctioned by Microsoft, the rationale behind enforcing such standards remains unclear. For users who prefer to remain on Windows 10 due to its stability or other reasons, Microsoft offers an Extended Support Update program. For an annual fee of , users can continue to receive security updates, though no new features will be introduced after the official retirement date.
For those interested in the specifics, a detailed end-of-support table for Windows 10 has been compiled:
| Version | Start Date | Mainstream End Date | Extended End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 Home and Pro | Jul 29, 2015 | Oct 14, 2025 | N/A |
| Windows 10 2015 LTSB | Jul 29, 2015 | Oct 13, 2020 | Oct 14, 2025 |
| Windows 10 2016 LTSB | Aug 2, 2016 | Oct 12, 2021 | Oct 13, 2026 |
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 | Nov 13, 2018 | Jan 9, 2024 | Jan 9, 2029 |
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 | Nov 16, 2021 | Jan 12, 2027 | N/A |
Recently, users have also noticed an increase in promotional banners for Windows 11 24H2 within the Windows 11 Settings app, further indicating Microsoft’s intent to encourage the transition. The company is unlikely to maintain two separate operating systems indefinitely, especially considering that users are entitled to free upgrades with their Windows licenses.
Moreover, Microsoft’s strategy includes integrating more users into the Copilot+ ecosystem, aligning with its vision for the future of computing. While users can continue utilizing Windows 10 until the end of support, the eventual upgrade to Windows 11—or potentially Windows 12—will be necessary. As time progresses, it is anticipated that Windows 11 will evolve to match the stability and reliability that users have come to expect from its predecessor.
