Windows 10 Support is Ending; Here’s What You Need to Do Next

Windows 10 Support is Ending; Here’s What You Need to Do Next

  • 24.03.2025 09:42
  • beebom.com
  • Keywords: Windows 10, End of Support

Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. Users can pay for extended security updates, upgrade to Windows 11, or switch to alternatives like Chrome OS Flex or Linux.

Microsoft ServicesMSFTsentiment_dissatisfied
open_in_newOriginal article

Estimated market influence

Microsoft

Microsoft

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Ending support for Windows 10 may lead to security risks and force users to upgrade or switch OS.

Google

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Promoting ChromeOS Flex as an alternative OS, which can attract users looking for alternatives to Windows.

Context

Analysis of Windows 10 Support End and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Windows 10 End-of-Support Date: October 14, 2025
  • Current Market Share: Over 58% (most popular Windows OS)
  • Windows 11 Market Share: Climbed to 38%

Extended Security Update (ESU) Program

  • Availability: Open to consumers, educational institutions, and businesses.
  • Pricing:
    • Consumers: $30 for one year of critical security updates.
    • Educational Institutions: $1/device/year (Year 1), $2/device/year (Year 2), $4/device/year (Year 3).
    • Businesses: $61/device/year (Year 1), $122/device/year (Year 2), $244/device/year (Year 3).

Upgrade and Alternatives

  • Windows 11 Upgrade: Possible even on unsupported hardware using tools like Rufus or Registry workarounds.
  • Alternatives:
    • Chrome OS Flex: Evolved into a desktop OS with Linux app support.
    • Linux Mint: Lightweight, secure, and free option with Windows-like GUI.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • Shift to Windows 11: Microsoft is pushing users toward its latest OS, potentially reducing long-term reliance on Windows 10.
  • Competitive Dynamics: Increased adoption of alternatives like Chrome OS Flex and Linux Mint could impact Microsoft’s market dominance.
  • Security Risks: Post-support, unpatched vulnerabilities may expose Windows 10 users to greater risks without ESU or upgrade.

Strategic Considerations

  • Consumer Behavior: Power users and businesses may opt for ESU due to cost and security needs.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Users with older hardware may prefer alternatives like Chrome OS Flex or Linux Mint over upgrading.

Long-Term Effects

  • Market Share Shift: Windows 10’s decline could accelerate, benefiting competitors and newer OS versions.
  • Regulatory Impact: Organizations may face compliance challenges if they retain unsupported systems without ESU.

This analysis highlights the strategic importance of timely OS upgrades and the potential competitive landscape changes in the operating system market.