On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially concluded support for Windows 10, a decision that left millions of users concerned about the future of their operating systems. With nearly 400 million PCs potentially facing obsolescence, the company faced significant backlash. In response to user demands, Microsoft extended the life of Windows 10 through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users continued access to essential patches beyond the initial end-of-support date.
The Restart Project, a group instrumental in developing the “End of 10” toolkit for users unable to upgrade to Windows 11, described Microsoft’s late intervention as akin to a “last-minute snooze button.” They argue that while the security updates provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issues of an aging system.
Microsoft has been actively encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, but rising RAM prices have led to increased hardware costs, complicating the upgrade process. The stringent hardware requirements and criticisms regarding design flaws have further fueled resistance to the new operating system. In France, some critics even staged a symbolic “funeral” for Windows 10, protesting against what they perceive as planned obsolescence by Microsoft. However, recent developments indicate that the company may be reconsidering its approach.
In a surprising move, Microsoft has quietly extended the ESU program for Windows 10 by an additional year, allowing users enrolled in the program to receive support until October 14, 2027. This extension is available at no cost for those who log in with a Microsoft account, ensuring that critical updates remain accessible beyond the original cutoff.
What does the community think about Windows 10’s extended lifeline?
Community reactions to this extension have been mixed. One reader from Windows Central noted, “People might start switching to Linux and using open source software for replacements if this RAM/storage issue doesn’t get resolved in the next year.” Groups like End of 10 have been advocating for users to transition to Linux, promoting it as a viable alternative for those with outdated devices, emphasizing its lack of ads and telemetry tracking as appealing features.
Another reader expressed skepticism about Microsoft’s intentions, stating, “I said a year ago that this was going to happen, and I’ll say it again, it’s going to happen next year too. Windows 10 will be supported till October 2028. This has nothing to do with prices. This was planned since the beginning.”
Some users have drawn parallels between the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and the frustration of needing new running shoes when the preferred model has been discontinued. One user articulated this sentiment on Reddit, saying, “So you’re like, ‘f*** it, I’ll just wear these until they fall apart.’”
According to a recent HP survey, 30% of HP PCs are still running Windows 10, a decrease from September 2025 when HP and Dell reported that up to 50% of PCs were still on the operating system. This trend suggests that users are not likely to upgrade to Windows 11 overnight, with the transition potentially extending into 2026.
Some observers have interpreted Microsoft’s decision to extend Windows 10’s support as an implicit acknowledgment that Windows 11 may not yet meet user expectations. “So are they finally admitting that Windows 11 isn’t good enough almost 5 years later?” one user questioned.
As the landscape continues to evolve, the impact of Microsoft’s extended support for Windows 10 on Windows 11’s market share remains uncertain. Windows 11 had recently begun to gain traction, surpassing Windows 10 as the leading desktop operating system globally in July 2025.
For those looking to take advantage of Microsoft’s extended support for Windows 11, enrollment in the ESU program is available for free with a Microsoft account or can be accessed through 1,000 Microsoft reward points or a fee.
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