Microsoft's Windows is the world's most popular computer operating system, used on more than 1.4 billion devices worldwide. One of them, Windows 10, will have a huge impact on both consumers and the environment if it is discontinued...
Big changes are coming for Windows computer users. Microsoft has officially announced that it will end support for Windows 10 on October 14. That is, after that date, the operating system will no longer receive any security updates or security patches. As a result, older computers will be at risk of cyber attacks and malware infections. Microsoft is now encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. However, not all computers are suitable for the new version, as Windows 11 requires specific hardware, including modern processors and a TPM 2.0 chip. Nathan Proctor, senior director of US consumer group PIRG, said, “The end of support for Windows 10 is a big blow to both consumers and the environment.” According to him, this decision will increase unnecessary e-waste and force Windows users to buy new devices unnecessarily.
Who will be affected?
Microsoft says that more than 1.4 billion devices worldwide are using Windows, of which about 43 percent still run Windows 10 (StatCounter, July 2025). UK consumer guide Wich estimates that about 21 million people are still using Windows 10. A quarter of them said they would continue to use it even after support ends; and nearly one in seven are planning to buy a new computer. Many consumer groups have criticized the decision. “We want technology that is long-lasting and sustainable,” says Proctor. “People are tired of devices that break or lose support quickly.”
What are the options?
Microsoft has given users two main options –
♦ Upgrade to Windows 11, or
♦ Join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
These options can be done from the ‘Settings > Privacy and Security’ menu. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if they have a compatible PC. However, many older devices do not support the new system. Those who don't want to upgrade now can sign up for the ESU program to receive important security updates until October 2026. However, it won't include new features or technical support. Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will get ESU for free upon registration. For others, it will be available for free or for a fee, depending on conditions. To be eligible, your PC must be running the latest version of Windows 10, have a Microsoft account, and have a backup. Otherwise, you'll need to pay a $30 (about £22) fee or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. For business users, the cost is about $61 per device, which can vary by region.
What's changing?
Windows 10, released in 2015, was updated with regular software updates. These updates were used to patch security flaws, fix bugs, and add new features. However, Microsoft is now advising users to move to Windows 11, which has become more difficult to use without a Microsoft account. As a result, many users are hesitant about the change due to privacy concerns.
What are the risks?
Windows 10 PCs will no longer receive security updates once support ends. This will increase the risk of viruses, malware and ransomware attacks. In recent months, retailers, car manufacturers and even educational institutions have been the victims of major cyberattacks, which shows the level of risk. Microsoft's consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi said that using unsupported software can create problems not only in terms of security, but also in terms of legality and regulatory compliance. In addition, you will notice that the functionality of other software may decrease, as developers will stop shipping their latest features to older operating systems. As a result, these systems will become practically obsolete over time. That is, an era of Windows 10 is coming to an end, and users will now have to decide - upgrade, security extensions, or remain at risk.
Source: BBC
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