Windows 10 Support Is Ending It’s Time To Upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 10 Support Is Ending

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of service on October 14, 2025. This means that after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, feature updates, or security updates for Windows 10. While your Windows 10 PC will continue to function it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware due to the lack of security updates.

The end of service for Windows 10 marks the end of an era for one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems. Launched in July 2015, Windows 10 brought many new features and improvements over its predecessors, including the return of the Start Menu, the introduction of the Edge browser, and the integration of Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant. Over the years, Windows 10 has received numerous updates and enhancements, making it a robust and versatile operating system for both personal and professional use.

Why Upgrade Now?

As the end of service date approaches, Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, which offers a more modern and secure experience. Windows 11 comes with a redesigned user interface, improved performance, and enhanced security features. However, not all Windows 10 devices are compatible with Windows 11 due to its hardware requirements. For those with incompatible hardware, options include continuing to use Windows 10 with increased caution, upgrading the hardware to meet Windows 11 requirements, or purchasing a new PC or tablet that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed

For businesses and organizations, the end of service for Windows 10 means planning and executing a migration strategy to ensure continued security and support. This may involve upgrading existing hardware, deploying new devices, or exploring alternative operating systems. Microsoft offers various tools and resources to assist with this transition, including detailed guides and support for migrating to Windows 11. End of Support Checklist.

Data from Statcounter and Lansweeper indicated a modest rise in Windows 11 adoption during 2024. Statcounter reports that Windows 11 holds half the market share of Windows 10, while Lansweeper attributes growth to enterprises finally upgrading rather than purchasing new hardware.

However, as we run up to Windows 10 end of support overall PC shipments have yet to see the anticipated surge, with analysts divided on whether they are increasing or decreasing. Tariff’s are likely to do little to encourage overall consumption.

In the meantime Microsoft has been actively promoting the benefits of AI-powered devices running on Intel and Qualcomm silicon. They have expanded their Copilot+ features, which were initially exclusive to Qualcomm devices, to now include Intel and AMD-powered PCs. This expansion brings advanced AI capabilities like Live Captions, Cocreator in Paint, and AI-enhanced image editing to a broader range of users.

It’s Really About The Hardware

Microsoft’s launch of Windows 11 came with hardware requirements that rendered many Windows 10 machines obsolete. For many the issue was that Windows 11 did not offer enough to justify new hardware purchases especially if they were using browser based apps in frontline worker situations.

Windows 10 support is ending which requires users to take action to ensure their systems remain secure and up-to-date. Whether upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring other options such as turning your Windows 10 device into a Linux machine, it is essential to plan ahead and make informed decisions to navigate this transition smoothly.