The End of Windows 10: A Bittersweet Farewell
Microsoft has had a rough few days, with Game Pass changes causing backlash, the revelation of the pricey Xbox handheld, and the difficult decision to end support for the Israeli military. Amidst all this turmoil, Microsoft has made the bold move to cease official support for Windows 10 security updates, signaling the end of an era.
While previous versions of Windows have faced similar fates, Windows 10 remains a widely used operating system, with millions of users still relying on it. Despite the imminent end scheduled for October 14th, recent data shows that a significant portion of PC owners and gamers are sticking with Windows 10.
According to the latest Steam hardware survey, 32% of users are still on Windows 10, despite the majority (63%) having already transitioned to Windows 11. Similarly, Statcounter reports that over 40% of all PCs are running Windows 10, closely trailing the 49% on Windows 11.
Unlike the swift decline of Windows 8 and 8.1, Windows 10’s popularity endures until its final hours. The allure of Windows 10, or perhaps the hesitance towards Windows 11, has kept it firmly in place for many users. Even I, as the custodian of the RPS Rig, find it hard to part ways with the familiar Windows 10 interface on my personal PC.
However, the impending end of security updates for Windows 10 raises concerns about the safety of millions of users. Leaving vulnerabilities unpatched could expose users to serious risks, as demonstrated by a recent Secure Boot vulnerability that Microsoft had to address. This vulnerability could potentially allow malware to compromise the OS, posing a significant threat to users.
Furthermore, the lack of security updates could impact compatibility with popular games like Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, as well as other software such as Capcom’s Monster Hunter games. Users may find themselves forced to make a last-minute switch to Windows 11 to ensure continued security and functionality.
For those adamant about sticking with Windows 10, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as a temporary solution. Users in the European Economic Area can enroll for free, while others can opt-in for a fee. However, the clock is ticking, and the transition to Windows 11 may become inevitable for many users.
