I’ve been in the industry long enough to remember in 2015 that Microsoft said Windows 10 is the last Windows. Moving forward, Windows 10 will continue to receive updates indefinitely. I am also old enough to remember all the headaches when initially Windows would force update your system while you’re working on something crucial at the moment and there was no way to stop it. Fun times.
Now, ten years later, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14.
Microsoft is now pushing for everyone to use Windows 11, which they launched in 2021. If Windows 10 was supposed to be the final Windows, what gives? Who knows, it’s Microsoft. They did mention two things about the transition. First, security updates. Second, AI, which to me makes the most sense. This is the era of AI PCs after all, which Microsoft brands as Copilot+, the name of their AI.
With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 next week. Here’s what you need to know:
Windows 10 PCs will remain operational. However, they will no longer receive feature and security updates. Due to this, they will become more vulnerable to cyber threats such as malware and viruses, and other software vulnerabilities will no longer be fixed, creating a potential entry for a breach. While we’re at this, let me remind you not to pirate anti-virus software. It’s not the same. It just isn’t. It’ll make your systems more vulnerable because they either have outdated protections or have malicious code embedded into them.
Microsoft has pointed out that companies and organizations may face compliance challenges as Windows 10 is an “unsupported” software, as systems with unpatched vulnerabilities may violate data protection and security mandates.
As support for Windows 10 comes to an end, some apps may no longer work. This includes games and productivity apps. Capcom, one of the biggest publishers in the gaming industry, has issued a statement of not being able to guarantee games such as Monster Hunter Wilds, Monster Hunter World, and Monster Hunter Rise, will continue to run on Windows 10 after future updates from the game titles. This is just one example.
Speaking of apps, Microsoft’s own Microsoft 365 Apps for personal and commercial PCs will continue to receive updates until October 2028 and feature updates until August 2026. Microsoft claims this is to ease the transition for users. They also said technical support is not included in the updates. This means, if something goes wrong while you’re using Microsoft 365, you’re on your own. That’s right. No tech support.
However, Microsoft will not shove you off a plane without a parachute, at the very least. They will continue to provide Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus until October 2028. This is different from the other security updates mentioned above, as those patch vulnerabilities within the system. The Microsoft Defender Antivirus protects users from viruses and malware.
You can check if your PC meets the requirements to run Windows 11 here.
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