Microsoft extends Windows 10 support while urging users to upgrade to Windows 11

As of July 16, 2025, Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 10 will effectively end in October 2025. While users initially faced a hard stop in updates, the company has since rolled out a 12-month extension designed to facilitate a smoother transition to Windows 11. This measure affects around 700 million PC owners who remain on Windows 10. Given that this extended support only applies to Microsoft 365 users, Microsoft has emphasized that their applications, like Word, will still function post-support but may suffer performance and reliability issues due to the lack of updates. Microsoft has conveyed that enterprise users should actively transition to Windows 11 for better security. Notably, security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will be provided for three more years following the end of support—a timeline stretching through to October 2028. However, users should be mindful that the version of these applications will not receive new features, with set deadlines for updates depending on their subscription type. Microsoft's decision to continue security updates has implications for the enterprise sector, where many organizations are using these apps on devices running Windows 10. The company has acknowledged the challenges faced by approximately 240 to 400 million devices that may not be eligible for the upgrade, prompting a focus on maintaining secure systems while preparing for the transition. As a result, users are encouraged to act sooner rather than later to secure their operating systems. This ongoing adjustment period underscores the complicated relationship between software support and application security in a time where digital vulnerabilities abound. In conclusion, the news reinforces the importance of not remaining on outdated operating systems, stressing the urgency for users to upgrade to Windows 11 to mitigate any security risks. The extension aims to balance user needs with the realities of maintaining a secure computing environment, yet there remains a significant portion of users who must act to avoid vulnerabilities in the future.