Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October: Here’s what it means for existing users

Windows 10

Microsoft has announced that it will officially end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. This means that after that date, your computer will no longer get free security updates unless you pay for extra coverage or switch to one of Microsoft’s special programs.

For regular users, Microsoft is offering an unusual option: pay $30 to get one more year of security updates, taking you through October 2026. This is the first time everyday consumers have been given a paid extension. Not everyone is happy about it, though. Many feel it’s unfair to pay just to keep their current PCs safe, especially when the devices still work fine.

Microsoft has tried to soften the move by giving two new alternatives. Instead of paying $30, you can either use the Windows Backup app to store your data on OneDrive or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for another year of security support. But consumer groups like the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) argue that this doesn’t go far enough. PIRG points out that almost 400 million PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11 because of strict hardware requirements, meaning many working computers could be thrown away and add to e-waste.

Experts agree that one year of extra support isn’t enough. Businesses are getting three years of extended security updates, while consumers only get one. Tech specialists suggest Microsoft should offer at least two or three years for everyone. Some even say people might accept ads in exchange for longer support, if that helped keep devices secure.

The bigger concern here is e-waste. Millions of perfectly good PCs could end up in landfills, even though they run just fine, simply because Microsoft won’t keep updating Windows 10. Groups like PIRG are calling on Microsoft to take more responsibility, either by extending support or by making Windows 11 work on older machines.

In short, if you’re a Windows 10 user, you’ll need to make a decision soon. Pay for updates, use Microsoft’s new backup or rewards options, or think about upgrading your device. But the debate continues — should users really have to pay the price for keeping their old PCs safe?