The End of an Era: What’s Next for Windows 10?
As we approach the end of an era, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s in store for Windows 10. In less than six months, Microsoft’s most successful operating system release ever will reach its end-of-support date, marking the end of an era for Windows 10. But what does this mean for users, and what’s next for the beloved OS?
The Background
Windows 10 was officially released to the public in July 2015, following the ill-fated Windows 8. It quickly became an unqualified success among consumers and business customers alike, and it’s continued to be insanely popular more than three years after the release of its successor, Windows 11. However, Microsoft has a big challenge on its hands in the run-up to the end-of-support date: convincing its enormous installed base to leave their beloved Windows 10 behind and make the move to Windows 11.
The End-of-Support Date
Most Windows 10 editions, including Home, Pro, Pro Workstation, Enterprise, and Education, will reach their end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. But what happens when that day arrives? Nothing. Seriously, absolutely nothing happens on that date. PCs running Windows 10 will continue to work just as they always have, and they will do so indefinitely. However, from that date forward, those PCs will no longer receive security fixes through Windows Update unless their owners pay Microsoft for an Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription.
The Exception
There is at least one exception to this cutoff date, which applies to PCs running Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions. These editions have a longer support lifecycle, with the 2015 Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) ending support on October 14, 2025, and the 2016 LTSB release ending support a year later, on October 13, 2026.
The Future of Windows 10
So, what’s next for Windows 10? While it’s clear that Microsoft is pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11, it’s also important to note that Windows 10 will continue to work indefinitely, albeit without security updates. This raises questions about the future of Windows 10, and whether it will continue to be supported in some form.
The Data
To get a better understanding of the situation, I turned to the US government’s Digital Analytics Program (DAP), which provides a wealth of information about traffic to official websites run by agencies like the Postal Service, the National Institutes of Health, the National Weather Service, the IRS, and NASA. According to the data, Windows 11 has steadily overtaken Windows 10 in visits to U.S. government websites, with Windows 10 still holding a significant lead.
Actionable Insights
So, what can you do to prepare for the end of Windows 10 support? Here are a few actionable insights:
- Start planning your upgrade to Windows 11, if you haven’t already.
- Consider purchasing an Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription to ensure you receive security fixes for your Windows 10 PC.
- Take advantage of the free upgrade offer from Microsoft, which is available until June 30, 2025.
- Keep an eye on the data, and be prepared to adapt to changes in the market.
Conclusion
The end of Windows 10 support is a significant milestone, and it’s clear that Microsoft is pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11. While Windows 10 will continue to work indefinitely, it’s important to consider the implications of not upgrading, including the potential for increased vulnerability to online attacks. By staying informed and taking action, you can ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11 and continue to enjoy a secure and reliable computing experience.