Windows 10 End of Support 2025: ChromeOS and Chromebook Plus

Google’s homepage ad push asking Windows 10 users to “switch to Chromebook Plus” is the kind of marketing move that wakes the industry up: it places ChromeOS squarely in the migration conversation as millions of PCs face a hard fork on October 14, 2025, when Windows 10 reaches end of support. The campaign is blunt — it highlights the impending loss of Windows 10 security updates and leans on ChromeOS’s cloud-first architecture and regular automated updates — and it comes at a moment when many users are weighing complex trade-offs: buy new hardware, pay for temporary extended security, switch to ChromeOS, or pivot to Linux. This feature unpacks what Google’s push means for everyday users and IT shops, verifies the hard technical facts behind the headlines, and lays out practical, risk-aware options for people who must act now.

Background​

Why October 14, 2025 matters​

Microsoft has set a firm end-of-support date for Windows 10: after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer deliver routine security fixes, feature updates, or mainstream technical support for Windows 10 devices. A consumer-facing Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available to provide critical and important security updates for an additional one-year window — running through October 13, 2026 — but the ESU route has enrollment rules and trade-offs that vary by region.
Because security updates are the core defense against newly discovered vulnerabilities, the change isn’t cosmetic: running an unpatched operating system raises the risk profile of a PC connected to the internet. Microsoft’s guidance is straightforward — if your PC is eligible, upgrade to Windows 11; if not, consider ESU or migrate to a supported platform.

The install base: how we got here​

Windows 10 has been hugely successful. Microsoft’s reporting and public statements over the years show a steady climb in active Windows 10 devices — reaching the hundreds of millions and, by early 2020, crossing the billion-device milestone when counting desktops, laptops, Xbox consoles, and other Windows-powered hardware. That long tail of older hardware is part of the problem: while many devices can and will upgrade to Windows 11, a sizable portion of Windows 10 machines cannot meet Windows 11’s minimum hardware and firmware requirements without hardware changes or replacement.
Market-tracking services show that Windows 11 adoption accelerated into 2025 and, in some reporting, overtook Windows 10 in mid‑2025; other data snapshots show Windows 10 still holding a large share of the PC base at the outset of the EOL window. The bottom line: there are still hundreds of millions of Windows 10 devices in use as EOL approaches, and sizable numbers of those devices face friction or outright incompatibility with Windows 11.

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Google’s Chromebook push: what’s in the campaign​

The ad and the message​

Google began displaying a prominent ad on Google.com with a simple, attention-grabbing line: “Time for a new laptop? Get Chromebook Plus. With security fixes for Windows 10 ending this October, switch to the laptop that has never had a virus.” The creative explicitly references the Windows 10 EOL deadline, uses imagery reminiscent of Windows alerts, and points to Google’s “Switch to Chromebook” landing content.
The claim that Chromebooks have “never had a virus” is a marketing shorthand that points to ChromeOS’s attack-surface design: verified boot, read-only partitions for system files, strict executable control, sandboxing, and strong cloud backup defaults. Google positions Chromebook Plus as the premium, AI-enabled Chromebook tier, emphasizing features such as built-in Titan-class security chips, Gemini AI integrations, improved CPU/RAM thresholds (e.g., 8GB RAM / 128GB+ storage on Plus models), and extended software support.

Why Google chose this moment​

From a marketing perspective, the timing is obvious. An operating-system retirement with a clear, public deadline creates urgency and attention. Google’s ad seeks to convert that attention by positioning Chromebook Plus not as an incremental choice but as a safe, low-maintenance alternative to buying a new Windows PC or wrestling with upgrades and extended support logistics.
Google’s push is also a reminder that platform competition has become more public. Microsoft nudges users toward Windows 11 and its ecosystem; Google is nudging back with a value proposition around simplicity, security, and cost predictability. That competition is playing out in front pages and in the OS choices available at retail.

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The Windows 10 upgrade dilemma: realities and numbers​

Windows 11 requirements that create friction​

Windows 11’s minimum requirements are more prescriptive than Windows 10’s were: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a supported modern CPU generation are among the baseline demands. For many older laptops and desktops, TPM either isn’t present or isn’t enabled in firmware; on some devices that support TPM in theory, OEM firmware settings or BIOS/UEFI updates are required to enable it. For other devices — particularly many older laptops and embedded systems — the hardware is simply too old to upgrade.
The practical effect: analysts and outlets have published varying estimates of how many PCs cannot upgrade without hardware changes. The numbers diverge because of different baselines (active devices vs. total installed base) and different assumptions about firmware updates or TPM enablement. Estimates range from a couple hundred million to values approaching 400 million devices that will face at least some upgrade friction.

Market share context​

Global market trackers and web analytics showed Windows 11 closing the gap with Windows 10 in early and mid-2025, with some datasets indicating Windows 11 overtook Windows 10 in certain months. At the same time, Windows 10 remained a large portion of the installed base through the spring and summer of 2025. This split matters: if a large share of PCs were still on Windows 10 heading into October, a substantial migration or support transition was necessary — and that’s the audience Google is targeting.

ESU as the temporary bridge — and regional differences​

Microsoft’s consumer ESU program provides a one-year security update bridge for eligible Windows 10 devices (ending October 13, 2026), with multiple enrollment pathways: enabling Windows Backup to sync settings, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or a paid purchase option. Importantly, Microsoft also announced region-specific arrangements to address consumer rights concerns; for example, users in the European Economic Area (EEA) were offered a pathway to free ESU without the same prerequisites required in other regions. That regional carve-out has been a flashpoint in consumer advocacy discussions.

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Chromebook opportunities and limitations​

What Chromebooks do well​

• Security baseline: ChromeOS’s architecture minimizes local persistent state, relies on verified boot, and integrates hardware-backed key management in premium models. The platform’s design makes classic file-encrypting ransomware and traditional virus vectors more difficult to execute at scale.
• Simplicity and maintenance: Automatic, frequent updates and cloud-first data defaults reduce the routine administrative burden for home users and schools.
• Cost and total cost of ownership: Entry-level Chromebooks and education-focused devices generally cost less upfront. For institutions, centralized management and long update timelines can lower IT overhead.
• ChromeOS Flex: Google provides a Flex option that can be installed on existing PC hardware, allowing aging devices to run ChromeOS-like experiences without buying new hardware.

What Chromebooks don’t solve​

• Windows app compatibility: Native Windows apps (legacy desktop software, specialized tools, many professional applications) don’t run on ChromeOS unless virtualized or provided through cloud-hosted Windows instances. That’s a deal-breaker for many business users and power users.
• Offline dependence and storage: ChromeOS is optimized for cloud workflows; offline capability exists but can be limited compared to a full Windows installation with large local storage.
• Performance and build-quality variance: While premium Chromebook Plus models compete with mainstream laptops on specs, many Chromebooks remain budget-oriented with smaller batteries and basic displays.
• Perception and workflow inertia: Many users are comfortable with Windows and prefer not to relearn workflow differences or migrate app ecosystems.

Chromebook Plus and the enterprise pitch​

Chromebook Plus is positioned as a premium segment that packs stronger hardware (e.g., better processors, more RAM and storage), Titan-class security, and deep Gemini AI integrations. For organizations considering secure endpoint fleets where web apps and browser-based workflows dominate, Chromebook Plus can be compelling. For mixed Windows-heavy environments, Chromebooks are an adjunct, not a replacement.

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Security claims and reality checks​

Google’s “no ransomware” claim — what it means​

Google and ChromeOS advocates have stated that ChromeOS has no publicly documented successful ransomware incidents on ChromeOS devices, citing the platform’s architecture and enterprise telemetry. That’s a meaningful claim about ecosystem history and attack surface, but it should be treated cautiously:

• Company statements and internal monitoring cannot prove the absence of all threats forever — they reflect the state of knowledge and reporting.
• The cloud-first model and verified-boot mechanisms materially reduce exposure to classic local-file ransomware, but they do not make devices invulnerable to other classes of attacks (credential theft, phishing, supply-chain compromise, or targeted web exploits).
• Security is layered: backups, endpoint detection, safe browsing practices, timely updates, and good account hygiene remain essential regardless of OS.

In short, ChromeOS’s design offers strong practical advantages against the bulk of commodity malware and ransomware; however, absolute immunity is not a substitute for solid security hygiene and layered defenses.

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What this means for users and the market​

Likely outcomes and market dynamics​

• Many consumers will buy new Windows 11 PCs. For users tied to Windows applications or seeking a straightforward path, a new Windows 11 device is the simplest long-term solution.
• Some will enroll in ESU for a year. ESU gives breathing room but is a temporary stopgap; it’s useful for staggered migrations or when replacing hardware isn’t immediately possible.
• A meaningful minority will switch to ChromeOS or ChromeOS Flex. Price-sensitive buyers, education customers, and users with primarily web-based needs will find Chromebooks attractive.
• Linux will gain some users. For technically capable users with older hardware, Linux distributions remain a low-cost way to stay supported and secure for general computing tasks.
• Enterprise purchases and OS migration cycles will continue to drive hardware refreshes. Businesses with strict compatibility needs are likely to deploy phased hardware upgrades rather than wholesale platform changes.

Competitive friction: marketing becomes more public​

The Google campaign is a rare public-facing, platform-versus-platform marketing push timed to an OS lifecycle event. Expect more of this: platform vendors now view OS transitions as opportunities to claim security and simplicity advantages to prospective buyers.

Environmental and consumer fairness angles​

There are material environmental questions: encouraging users to buy new hardware because of OS requirements has sustainability implications. Consumer groups have highlighted fairness concerns, and regional ESU policy differences have exposed tension between corporate policy and local consumer rights. Those are not technical problems alone — they are public-policy and procurement problems that will have a longer tail.

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Practical checklist for Windows 10 users (what to do next)​

• Check eligibility for Windows 11
• Open Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Update on your Windows 10 PC and run the upgrade eligibility check.
• If TPM is present but disabled, check your PC’s BIOS/UEFI and vendor support resources for instructions to enable it.
• Plan for ESU if you need time
• If you cannot upgrade immediately and rely on Windows-specific apps, enroll in ESU for covered security updates through October 13, 2026. For consumers, ESU enrollment paths include syncing settings with Windows Backup, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or a paid option — and EEA residents may have access to an additional no-cost path.
• Consider ChromeOS Flex for older hardware
• If your daily workflow is web-first, try installing ChromeOS Flex on an older PC to extend its useful life without buying new hardware. Test thoroughly — Flex is not identical to full Chromebook experiences and can have hardware driver limitations.
• Evaluate full Chromebook replacements
• For browsing, email, cloud productivity and education uses, Chromebooks are low-maintenance, secure, and often less expensive. Look at Chromebook Plus models if you need more RAM, storage, or AI features.
• Explore Linux as a third option
• Distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and lightweight options (e.g., Linux Mint, Debian derivatives) can modernize older PCs and preserve desktop application workflows where web apps aren’t sufficient.
• Back up data and prepare for migration
• Whatever route you choose, perform a complete backup before migrating: cloud sync, full image backups, and an offline copy of essential files ensure a recoverable migration path.
• Protect accounts and credentials
• Moving off Windows doesn’t eliminate account compromise risk. Use strong multi-factor authentication, passkeys where available, and a password manager.
• Test critical apps in advance
• If you’re considering ChromeOS or cloud-hosted Windows desktops, verify whether critical software and drivers will work in your chosen environment.

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Risks and trade-offs​

• App compatibility vs. security: Many Windows-only apps have no direct ChromeOS native replacement; virtualization solutions exist but add complexity and cost.
• Vendor lock-in and ecosystem shift: Switching to ChromeOS means deeper dependence on Google services; users must weigh convenience against platform lock-in and privacy preferences.
• False sense of security: Marketing can overstate advantages. Even platforms with strong defenses require user and admin diligence.
• Regional policy differences: ESU availability and enrollment options differ across countries and economic zones; consumers outside generous regions may pay more to stay patched.
• E-waste and sustainability: Encouraging new device purchases in response to an OS cutoff has environmental costs that policy makers and vendors should factor in.

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Final analysis: who wins, who loses, and the sensible middle ground​

Google’s campaign is opportunistic and effective at grabbing attention. It forces a valuable market conversation: what matters more to you — application compatibility and familiarity, or low maintenance and stronger default defenses? For many consumers anchored to Windows apps and peripherals, the most practical route will be a Windows 11-capable machine or ESU enrollment. For price-conscious buyers, schools, and organizations standardized on web apps, Google’s Chromebook pitch will resonate and accelerate shipments in that segment.
The sensible middle ground for most users is to make decisions based on actual needs, not advertising pressure:

• Verify whether your hardware can run Windows 11 — that single check clarifies the options.
• Use ESU only as a deliberate bridge, not a permanent solution.
• Consider ChromeOS Flex or Linux to extend hardware life and delay or avoid new hardware purchases when compatible with your workflows.
• Where possible, prioritize backups and account security to reduce conversion friction.

The October 14 deadline is immovable; what you do between now and then — buy, upgrade, enroll, or pivot — will determine whether your device remains secure and functional or becomes a longer-term security liability. Google’s Chromebook ads have raised the profile of an important choice; the prudent reaction is to measure the pitch against your real-world software needs and the verified technical facts about upgrade eligibility and support windows, then act deliberately.

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Source: Windows Central Windows 10 end-of-life sparks Google’s big Chromebook push