The end of Windows 10 is well and truly established. Microsoft has once again confirmed that the operating system will no longer be updated after October 14, 2025. A date which also marks the end of support for Microsoft 365 applications on this OS. If you use Word, Excel or Outlook on Windows 10, these software will continue to work, but without new features or security fixes. Suffice it to say that you risk quickly encountering performance or compatibility problems. The online versions remain available, and without security vulnerabilities.
Bye-bye Windows 10: what changes
Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid these inconveniences. A free update is still possible for compatible PCs, but be careful: the company has not specified how long this offer will remain valid. What about machines that do not meet the technical requirements of Windows 11? Microsoft bluntly suggests… buying a new PC.
For those who want to extend the life of their trusty Windows 10 a little, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. But you will have to pay: an annual subscription allows you to continue to receive patches, with a cost that doubles each year. This service is limited to a maximum of three years, which leaves little margin to avoid switching to Windows 11.
Upgrading to Windows 11 remains the simplest solution for users with compatible computers. Simply go to Windows Update settings to download and install the update. But be careful if you are in S mode on Windows 10: you will need to deactivate it before migrating.
And for those whose PC is not compatible? Installing Windows 11 on a non-certified machine remains technically possible, but Microsoft warns: in the event of a problem, you will be left to your own devices. And to top it off, a watermark will appear on your desktop to remind you that your system is “out of the box”. Nice.
-This situation could well push some users towards alternative solutions, such as Linux. Modern distributions offer a simplified experience, with built-in app stores to easily install software. For many, this could be a way to extend the life of their hardware without going through Windows 11.
In the meantime, Microsoft is betting big on this transition. With nearly 240 million Windows 10 PCs still in circulation, the company hopes to convince as many users as possible to upgrade to Windows 11… and renew their machines in the process. A strategy that does not please everyone, but which reflects Microsoft’s desire to turn the page on its old operating system.
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