Windows 10 End of Life: What You Need to Know
Microsoft is pushing hard to phase out Windows 10, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh. Here's what this means for you and your PC.
Microsoft's Push for Windows 11
Microsoft is using both incentives and pressure to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. The company is promoting new PCs with extended battery life and AI features while also ending updates for Windows 10 PCs.
Upgrade Alerts
If you're using Windows 10, you've likely seen prompts encouraging you to upgrade to Windows 11. These prompts will become more frequent as the October 14, 2025 deadline approaches. Even if your PC isn't eligible for the upgrade, you'll still see pop-ups encouraging you to buy a new PC.
End of Free Security Updates
The most significant deadline is October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop providing free security updates for Windows 10 PCs. After this date, using a Windows 10 PC will be like using a Windows 7 PC today—it will still work, but it will become increasingly vulnerable to security threats.
Paid Security Updates
You can continue to receive security updates for your Windows 10 PC until October 2026, but you'll have to pay for them. Microsoft will charge $30 per device for one year of extended security updates (ESU). Businesses can pay for up to three extra years of security updates, but individuals are limited to one year.
Windows 10 Will Still Work
Even after October 14, 2025, your Windows 10 PC will continue to function. You'll be able to boot it up, use it, and run your apps. However, it's not recommended to use a device that's no longer receiving security updates due to the increased risk of vulnerabilities.
Windows 10's Popularity
Despite Microsoft's efforts to phase out Windows 10, it remains incredibly popular. As of December 2024, Windows 10 was running on about 63% of all PCs worldwide, compared to Windows 11's 34%. This unprecedented situation raises questions about whether Microsoft will extend support for Windows 10 or find other ways to accommodate its large user base.
Alternatives to Windows 10
If you're not ready to upgrade to Windows 11, there are other options. You could consider installing a Windows-like version of Linux, just check it out, it looks and works better than you might expact. In fact we believe it looks and works better than Windows. Which is not strange if you know that Linux has around a million developers, comparing to the 2500 of Windows 11.
How OS-SCi Can Help
At OS-SCi, we understand that transitioning to a new operating system can be challenging. Our educational programs can help you and your organization navigate this change smoothly. We offer courses on Linux to ensure you're up-to-date with the latest technology. Additionally, our cybersecurity courses can help you understand the importance of security updates and how to protect your devices. Let OS-SCi be your partner in this transition.