On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ceased support for Windows 10, a decision that affects an estimated 400 million PCs worldwide. This move has prompted the tech giant to encourage users to transition to Windows 11, a shift it has underscored through prominent full-screen pop-up notifications.
For those still using Windows 10, there is a silver lining. Users can opt into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers an additional year of support at no cost. To enroll, users simply need to synchronize their PC settings with a Microsoft Account or pay a nominal fee of or 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, with the latter being free for regions within the European Economic Area.
However, not everyone is pleased with this arrangement. Advocacy groups such as the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and The Restart Project have criticized the ESU program, labeling it a mere “snooze button” that fails to address the underlying issues of a system in decline. Users have expressed their frustrations on social media, alleging that Microsoft’s decision to discontinue Windows 10 is a clear case of planned obsolescence.
In light of these developments, a notable trend has emerged: a growing number of users are contemplating a switch from Windows to Linux, drawn by the promise of fewer advertisements and less intrusive telemetry tracking. Additionally, third-party tools have gained traction, easing the transition to Windows 11 for those with older hardware. For instance, Flyoobe (formerly known as Flyby11) allows users to bypass Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements, such as the need for 4GB of RAM and TPM 2.0 chips. Similarly, NTDEV’s Tiny11 streamlines the operating system by removing unnecessary applications, making it more accessible for users who may not require all the features of the full version.
Challenges in the Transition
Despite these alternatives, YouTube has taken a firm stance against certain practices. Recently, the platform removed a video from CyberCPU Tech’s channel that demonstrated how to set up Windows 11 using only a local account. Microsoft has also intensified its efforts to enforce the requirement of a Microsoft account during the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) for new installations of Windows 11, making it increasingly difficult for users to circumvent this stipulation.
The creator behind CyberCPU Tech, Rich, initially believed that the removal of his video was a mistake made by YouTube’s AI algorithms. However, after posting a follow-up video that also faced removal, he received a vague explanation from YouTube regarding a violation of community guidelines. Rich expressed his frustration, stating, “Ultimately, like I stated before, I understand that this is YouTube’s playground. If they don’t want these types of videos on their platform, then we won’t make those types of videos on their platform.”
Interestingly, Rich does not attribute the takedown of his videos to Microsoft, despite speculation from his audience. He suggested that the issue lies with YouTube’s over-reliance on AI, which flagged his content without proper context. He lamented the challenges of dealing with automated customer support, remarking, “When computers hold the keys to the kingdom, there’s simply no reasoning with a calculator.”