In less than a year, on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for most PCs running Windows 10. Organizations and individuals can still opt to pay for extended support for three more years, though the cost remains unknown—Microsoft has stated that pricing details will be revealed “closer to October 2025.”
While ending support for older operating systems is routine—Microsoft discontinued Windows 7 and 8 in January 2023 without major disruption—several unique factors make the situation with Windows 10 different.
Short Transition Between Windows Versions
One key distinction is the unusually short transition period between the release of Windows 11 and the end of Windows 10 support. Typically, users had about seven years to upgrade after a new OS release. For example, Windows 8, launched in 2012, was supported until 2020, and Windows 10 replaced it in late 2015, with support ending in January 2023.
In contrast, the gap between Windows 11’s launch and Windows 10’s retirement is only four years. This accelerated timeline leaves many users with less time to adjust or make necessary upgrades.
A Large Active User Base
Windows 10 still powers two-thirds of all Windows systems globally as of September 2024, compared to only one-third for Windows 11, according to StatCounter. In past OS transitions, the older systems had much smaller user bases by the time support ended. For example, Windows 8 accounted for just 3% of Windows PCs in early 2022, while Windows 7 remained active on 35% of devices in 2019. To accommodate these users, Microsoft offered extended support options.
It is uncertain whether Windows 11 can fully overtake Windows 10‘s share before the latter’s support ends. Many users may still rely on Windows 10 well into 2025, making it challenging for businesses and individuals to migrate on time.
System Requirements and Upgrade Challenges
Another significant hurdle is that many PCs currently running Windows 10 cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The new OS has strict system requirements, including the need for specific CPUs and security features like TPM 2.0, which many devices built before 2018 do not meet.
Unlike earlier OS transitions, this change is not tied to clear performance improvements. In the past, upgrading made sense as newer hardware offered faster speeds or more storage. Today, many older PCs remain fully functional, and users may hesitate to replace them.
If their PCs are left unsupported, users face several choices:
- Pay for extended support beyond October 2025.
- Purchase a new PC compatible with Windows 11.
- Switch to an alternative OS, such as a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex.
Some users may bypass upgrade restrictions using unofficial workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices. However, this approach carries risks, including limited support from Microsoft.
With so many factors in play, this transition could result in an unprecedented situation where a large number of active, internet-connected PCs are left without security updates, notes NIXSOLUTIONS. We’ll keep you updated on Microsoft’s plans and other developments to help you navigate these changes. Whether through upgrading, purchasing new devices, or exploring alternative operating systems, planning ahead will ensure a smoother transition beyond October 2025.