Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, even though millions of people and businesses around the world are still using the operating system. The decision marks the end of a major era for one of the most widely used versions of Windows. (Microsoft)
Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, which means Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates, software fixes, or technical support for the system. Computers running Windows 10 will continue to work, but they may become more vulnerable to cyberattacks over time. (Microsoft)
Millions Still Running Windows 10
Despite the end of support, Windows 10 remains widely used across the world. The operating system still runs on hundreds of millions — possibly around one billion — PCs globally, showing how slow the transition to newer systems has been. (Windows Central)
Recent data shows Windows 10 still holds a large share of the market, accounting for roughly 36% of Windows computers worldwide in 2026. (StatCounter Global Stats)
Workplace computers are also heavily dependent on the older system. One report found that about a quarter of business PCs were still using Windows 10 shortly before support ended. (Bloomberg.com)
Why Many Users Haven’t Upgraded
The shift away from Windows 10 has been slower than Microsoft expected. One major reason is that many older computers cannot run Windows 11 because of stricter hardware requirements. (The Verge)
Upgrading can also be expensive for businesses that operate thousands of devices, leading many organizations to delay the transition. (Omdia)
Some users also prefer Windows 10 because they are familiar with it and see little reason to switch. (TechRadar)
Security Risks After Support Ends
Without updates, Windows 10 computers face growing security risks. Hackers often target unsupported systems because they no longer receive protection against new threats. (Tom’s Hardware)
Experts warn that users who continue running Windows 10 should consider upgrading or replacing their devices to stay secure. (The Guardian)
Paid Updates Still Available
Microsoft is offering a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that allows users and organizations to receive critical security updates for a limited time after support ends. (TechRadar)
However, these updates do not include new features and are meant only as a temporary solution while users upgrade to newer systems. (Windows Central)
The End of a Major Windows Era
Released in 2015, Windows 10 became one of Microsoft’s most successful operating systems and powered millions of personal and business computers for nearly a decade. (Wikipedia)
Even after support ends, experts expect Windows 10 to remain in use for years — highlighting the challenge Microsoft faces in moving users to newer versions of Windows. (TechRadar)