Microsoft urges users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the end of Windows 10 support in 2025.
Last Update: Jan 08, 2025 | Published: Jan 07, 2025
Key Takeaways:
Microsoft has officially declared 2025 the “year of Windows 11 PC refresh.” The company is urging customers to prepare to upgrade as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support deadline in October 2025.
“We believe that Windows 11 is available at a time when the world needs it most – providing advanced AI capabilities and modern security benefits that customers expect in 2025 and beyond,” explained Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer at Microsoft. “As the world moves with us to Windows 11, we will welcome them with new features, enhanced security, improved functionality, and the familiar Windows experience they know and love.”
Microsoft plans to end support for its Windows 10 operating system on October 14, 2025. After this date, the company will stop releasing feature and security updates to Windows 10 users. Microsoft will offer a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for businesses and consumers not yet ready to upgrade to Windows 11. The ESU program will provide Windows 10 home users an additional year of updates for $30. For businesses and schools, updates will cost up to $61 per user and can extend for up to three extra years.
Microsoft launched the original version of Windows 11 back in 2021, but support was limited to PCs with processors no older than three to four years. These strict hardware requirements left many Windows 10 users unable to upgrade.
Microsoft emphasized that upgrading a Windows 10 device will be more crucial than buying a new TV or phone in 2025. The company highlighted its Copilot+ branded AI PCs, which come with advanced, default-enabled security features to guard against sophisticated cyberattacks. These Windows 11 PCs offer hardware-backed protection, ensuring continuous data security for users.
Microsoft also mentioned a June 2024 IDC report that indicates that around 80 percent of organizations are planning to refresh their PC portfolio later this year. Moreover, nearly 70 percent of consumers expect to refresh their PCs in the next two years.
According to StatCounter, Windows 10 remains the most widely used operating system, which powers over 60% of PCs worldwide, as of December 2024. This widespread usage leaves many devices vulnerable to security threats once support ends. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft can convince users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the year’s end.