Uncertainty for 650 Million Users as Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Support in October

Less than four weeks are left before Microsoft ends Windows 10 support in October, and this is causing a lot of worry for 650 million users around the world who still use the system. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop sending security updates and fixes for Windows 10. This means any new problems or security holes will not be patched, making computers more open to hackers.

This news has made many people nervous. Consumer groups, security experts, and environmental activists are all concerned. They say millions of people could either face serious security risks or have to buy new computers even when their old ones still work fine. Consumer Reports called Microsoft ends Windows 10 support “a blow to consumers’ pocketbooks,” because replacing several computers at home can be very expensive.

Environmental groups are worried too. In France, a group named Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (HOP) started a petition asking Microsoft to offer free updates until 2030. They say throwing away working devices causes a lot of waste and harms the environment. In Germany, Verbraucherzentrale also said this will reduce people’s choices and create more unwanted electronic trash.

Uncertainty for 650 Million Users as Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Support

Microsoft wants users to switch to Windows 11, which they say is better and safer. But the catch is many computers cannot run Windows 11 because of higher hardware requirements. Things like newer processors and special security features are needed. Experts think up to 400 million PCs won’t be able to upgrade. This means a lot of people might have to buy new computers if they want to stay supported.

For those who can’t afford to upgrade right now, Microsoft offers a paid option. You can pay $30 to get security updates for one more year on each device. Large businesses can buy longer plans but they cost more. Still, experts warn that skipping updates is risky. Without protection, these Windows 10 computers will become easy targets for hackers. The weeks after October 14 could see more virus and malware attacks on these machines.

Microsoft suggests that people check their PCs using its free tool, PC Health Check, to see if they can upgrade to Windows 11. If their computer doesn’t qualify, they have two main choices: buy a new Windows 11-ready PC or switch to another operating system like Linux. Linux is free and also receives regular updates.

This change is one of the biggest shifts in computer history. With around 650 million people still on Windows 10, the impact will be huge. It means many people and companies will have to upgrade software or buy new computers soon. Analysts say PC sales will likely rise as people get ready for this change.

However, the costs might hit poorer communities hard. In many developing countries where people use older computers and earn less money, this could make digital access even harder. Students, small businesses, and families with tight budgets might struggle to keep up if they cannot afford new devices.

Even with all the worries, Microsoft is not planning to extend Windows 10 support. The company says Windows 11 is the future, offering better security, newer technology, and longer support times. For millions of users, though, there is still a lot of uncertainty for 650 million users as Microsoft ends Windows 10 support. The clock is ticking, and everyone must decide what to do before Microsoft ends Windows 10 support in October.

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