Microsoft Faces Challenges as Windows 10 Support Nears End in October

With over 60% of PCs still running Windows 10, users face security risks, upgrade costs, and hardware compatibility issues as support ends this year.

Windows 10, still used on 62% of Windows PCs globally, will lose official support and free security updates on October 14, 2025.
Many users are unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware requirements, including mandatory TPM 2.0 security features.
Microsoft offers paid extended security updates for Windows 10 at $30 per year for individuals and $61 per device for businesses, with costs doubling in subsequent years.
Third-party provider 0patch has committed to unofficially patching Windows 10 security vulnerabilities through 2030, offering an alternative for users unable to upgrade.
Microsoft's efforts to encourage upgrades, including intrusive pop-ups, have faced backlash, with reports of the notifications freezing or crashing on some systems.