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- Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10, nearly a decade after the OS’s release date.
- Almost 40% of PC users are on Windows 10, now vulnerable to security threats due to a lack of updates.
- Microsoft has a program that offers security updates for a year, but it costs nearly $61.
Released almost a decade ago on July 29, 2015, Windows 10 officially ended its run today, on 14th October 2025.
According to StatCounter, 40.8% of PC users worldwide are still using Windows 10 as of 2025. With support ending today, Microsoft will no longer release security updates for millions of users, leaving them stranded and exposed to security threats.
Why it matters: With millions of users still using Windows 10, Microsoft shouldn’t have dropped security updates just yet. Furthermore, upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t possible for these users due to the hardware requirements.
There’s still a way for Windows 10 users to continue receiving security updates, but there’s a catch. By paying $61 per year, users can enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to continue their defense against security threats.
Still, $61 is a lot of money just for a year’s worth of updates. The European Economic Area has secured a year free of updates for Windows 10 users who aren’t part of a business.
For other options, Microsoft is essentially forcing users to upgrade to Windows 11, but that isn’t as easy as it seems.
Due to the TPM 2.0 requirement, nearly 200 million users are ineligible for a Windows 11 upgrade. Most motherboards aren’t compatible with TPM 2.0, so the only option for these users is a hardware upgrade, as Microsoft remains firm in its stance on the hardware requirements.
Due to this reason, users are downgrading to Windows 7 instead of upgrading. Currently, nearly 10% of PC users are on Windows 7.
Still, on the flip side, Windows 11 is a much better option and is finally in a stable condition. The features and performance increase are enough of a reason for users to upgrade, if they’re able to do so.
Are you still stuck on Windows 10? Will you upgrade/downgrade now that support for the OS has ended? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheerzahid03@gmail.com
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