The upcoming end of support for Windows 10 is causing concern among users and businesses that continue to use the operating system on their computers. Microsoft has confirmed that it will stop releasing new security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.From that moment on, the operating system will be unprotected against vulnerabilities and compatibility issues, except in very specific situations and under special conditions.
The change affects millions of devices, many of them in perfect working order that will stop receiving support despite not being able to upgrade to Windows 11 due to the new technical restrictions imposed by Microsoft. The debate on obsolescence and environmental impact is back on the table, as it is estimated that Hundreds of millions of computers could be left unprotected or without the latest features.
What does the end of Windows 10 mean for users?
The measure taken by Microsoft implies that Windows 10 will no longer receive patches and new features., significantly increasing exposure to bugs or security threats. For example, the recent KB5062554 update has broken features like the emoji picker, demonstrating how dependent users are on incoming fixes.
Furthermore, Not everyone will be able to upgrade to Windows 11The hardware requirements for this version are stricter, requiring processors and technologies like TPM 2.0, which many older computers lack. This leaves a large number of users, from small businesses to educational institutions and individuals, out of the loop for the upgrade.
Organizations like The Restart Project has launched initiatives to support users during the change process, proposing alternatives such as installing Linux or refurbishing devices to avoid technological waste.
Microsoft 365 and other apps: Support changes
Microsoft 365, the most popular office suite, will also undergo major changes in Windows 10.Although the company will continue to provide security updates until October 2028, new features for Office and other apps will only continue to arrive until 2026 for individual users and until 2027 for businesses. After these dates, the software will continue to function, but without any updates and with much more limited technical support.
The same thing happens in the world of video games, where Developers like Square Enix have announced the end of support for popular titles on this operating system.For example, Final Fantasy XIV will receive its final update on Windows 10 the same day official support for the system ends, and while users will still be able to play, they face a higher likelihood of errors and a lack of assistance with technical issues.
Alternatives for those who can't upgrade to Windows 11
Given this situation, Microsoft offers some options to extend the use of Windows 10, although most are designed for businesses and large organizations, not for individual users. An extra year of updates will be available for a fee. or redeeming rewards, and for businesses there is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program, with increasing prices per year.
For those who do not want or cannot assume these costs, there are alternatives such as migrate to Linux-based systemsVarious groups are promoting Linux installation workshops and events, an option that can extend the life of equipment that would otherwise be discarded, while also offering reliability and free updates.
What will happen to special versions of Windows 10?
There are also less common versions to consider, such as Windows 10 LTSB/LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Branch/Channel), aimed at business environments and critical devices that require greater stability and support. Some of these releases will also see the end of their support cycles, especially version 1507 LTSB, which is also scheduled to end in October of this year.
Other LTSC variants will continue to be supported for a longer period, but it's a good idea to plan your migration to more up-to-date alternatives, such as Windows 11 LTSC, or explore using other operating systems to avoid falling behind on updates and security.
The end of Windows 10 support represents a turning point for one of the world's most widely used operating systems. Those who can upgrade to new versions will be guaranteed access to the latest features and patches. On the other hand, millions of users will have to consider whether to turn to paid extensions, free alternatives, or simply continue using Windows 10, assuming the risks that this entails.
