Microsoft’s plan to stop updating Windows 10 this October has triggered concern among consumer advocates and left millions of users weighing costly decisions about upgrading or replacing their computers.
What changes on October 14?
From October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end all updates for Windows 10, the operating system first launched in 2015. These updates have been vital in addressing vulnerabilities and shielding users from cyberattacks, according to security expert Martin Kraemer of KnowBe4.
What does this mean for users?
Microsoft is urging users to move to Windows 11, released in 2021. For those whose devices do not meet the requirements, the company will offer a $30 one-year security update extension.
Consumer watchdogs, however, have criticised the move. US group Consumer Reports said many users are being pushed into unnecessary expenses, especially those who bought Windows 10 computers only a few years ago. In Europe, France’s HOP (End Planned Obsolescence) petitioned for free security updates until 2030, while Germany’s Verbraucherzentrale consumer federation warned that the policy reduces consumer choice and worsens environmental problems by driving up e-waste.
How many people will be affected?
Microsoft has not disclosed exact figures, but Consumer Reports estimated around 650 million Windows 10 users worldwide as of August. Another US group, PIRG, suggested as many as 400 million computers may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11.
What are the risks?
Without updates, Windows 10 users face a greater risk of cyberattacks. Kraemer explained that unsupported systems will not receive patches against emerging threats, making them attractive targets for hackers.
Beyond security, functionality could also suffer. According to Paddy Harrington of Forrester Consulting, newer third-party applications may stop working properly on an outdated operating system:
“Application vendors rely on the OS to provide features and functions. Without updates, apps may fail to operate as intended,” Harrington said.
What alternatives exist?
While antivirus software may offer some temporary protection, experts stress it is not a long-term solution. Users unwilling to replace their hardware could consider switching to Linux, an open-source operating system widely used in servers and powering Google’s Android OS.
“As long as your apps, management systems, and security tools support it, Linux is a strong alternative,” Harrington noted.
For millions of Windows 10 users, the countdown to October 14 now means deciding between paying for extended support, upgrading devices, or migrating to a new operating system.
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