Big news, Windows users—especially for those holding onto Windows 10 like it's the band's last hit before they broke up. Microsoft has officially sounded the alarm: come October 2025, the free ride for security updates on Windows 10 is officially over. With nearly 400 million PCs unable to make the move to Windows 11, Microsoft has made a bold and, dare I say, controversial declaration. Let’s dive deeper into what this means for you, your wallet, and your beloved (if slightly dated) PC.
To rub salt into the wound, the nag prompts have already started appearing, urging users to embrace Windows 11 or a reportedly short-term "pay-to-play" option for extended security updates. While Microsoft terms this as “helping prepare you for what’s next,” for many users this feels less like help and more like an incessant sales pitch—hitting even when you’re in the middle of a Netflix binge or work presentation.
But here's the catcher: more than half the 850 million Windows 10 users can't even consider an upgrade to Windows 11 because their PCs lack the much-debated TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 compatibility or meet other stringent requirements. For them, October 2025 might mark the looming apocalypse of unsupported PCs.
The catch? TPM 2.0 exists only on PCs made after 2016-2017. If your PC’s older, it essentially got caught in the waves of history like a horse-drawn carriage during the rise of automobiles. So, for around 400 million users, upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t an option unless they invest in entirely new hardware.
For many, especially those already struggling with tight budgets, this won’t feel like a lifeline but more like an ultimatum. Spending $30 for just one year of protection on un-upgradable hardware sounds less like a solution and more like being stuck in a hamster wheel.
The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has already thrown its hands up in concern, warning that the unsupported devices will likely end up in landfills, with dangerous consequences for the environment. Unfortunately, there’s no robust secondary market for these PCs because their inability to receive updates or install a modern OS makes them pretty much useless, even for basic use.
Modern operating systems like Windows 11 are far better optimized for new security challenges, AI-based features (hello, Co-Pilot!), and performance improvements. The company has been vocal about shaping a future with richer experiences—but only for users on the right hardware.
However, one critical statistic stands out: despite being released in 2021, only around 23% of PCs globally have made the jump to Windows 11. Yes, plenty of skepticism remains, partly due to the steep hardware requirements and partly because Windows 10 works just fine for the average user.
As October 2025 nears, Microsoft will be doubling down on these warnings. This means two years of pop-ups, nagware, and constant reminders that the clock is ticking.
You, dear Windows user, have around 11 months to strategize. Whether you side with upgrading to new hardware, sticking with paid extensions, or transitioning entirely to other operating systems (hello, Linux crowd!), make your move deliberately. Ignoring these changes will only make your system a hackers' playground, and no amount of money you'd save is worth that risk.
Let us know: Are you upgrading or holding your ground with Windows 10? Join the discussion and share your plans, concerns, and (inevitable) gripes in the comments below.
Source: Forbes New Microsoft Update Warning—400 Million Windows PC Owners Need To Pay
The End of an Era: Windows 10 Support Deadline
In October of 2025, Microsoft will discontinue free security updates for Windows 10. These updates have been your silent defenders, patching vulnerabilities and keeping lurking cyber threats at bay. Without them, your PC might as well put out a sign saying, “Hackers welcome!”To rub salt into the wound, the nag prompts have already started appearing, urging users to embrace Windows 11 or a reportedly short-term "pay-to-play" option for extended security updates. While Microsoft terms this as “helping prepare you for what’s next,” for many users this feels less like help and more like an incessant sales pitch—hitting even when you’re in the middle of a Netflix binge or work presentation.
But here's the catcher: more than half the 850 million Windows 10 users can't even consider an upgrade to Windows 11 because their PCs lack the much-debated TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 compatibility or meet other stringent requirements. For them, October 2025 might mark the looming apocalypse of unsupported PCs.
What’s TPM 2.0, and Why Should You Care?
If you've been throwing the buzzword "TPM 2.0" around in tech talks but secretly have no clue what it does—don’t worry, I’ve got you. The Trusted Platform Module is a hardware-based security feature that’s baked into modern CPUs to provide safer encryption for passwords and sensitive data. Think of it like a bodyguard assigned to your digital secrets.The catch? TPM 2.0 exists only on PCs made after 2016-2017. If your PC’s older, it essentially got caught in the waves of history like a horse-drawn carriage during the rise of automobiles. So, for around 400 million users, upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t an option unless they invest in entirely new hardware.
“Pay to Stay Safe”—The $30 Band-Aid Plan
Here’s Microsoft's olive branch: if you’re unwilling (or unable) to upgrade your hardware, you can opt for a one-year-only $30 security extension that will let you keep your system semi-protected. But there’s a critical catch: this is just a temporary option, essentially buying time until an ultimate decision is forced upon you.For many, especially those already struggling with tight budgets, this won’t feel like a lifeline but more like an ultimatum. Spending $30 for just one year of protection on un-upgradable hardware sounds less like a solution and more like being stuck in a hamster wheel.
Why It’s Not Just about Money
Let’s discuss the less obvious problem—e-waste. With hundreds of millions of older PCs potentially becoming obsolete, environmental organizations predict this could turn into one of the biggest waves of tech junk in history.The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has already thrown its hands up in concern, warning that the unsupported devices will likely end up in landfills, with dangerous consequences for the environment. Unfortunately, there’s no robust secondary market for these PCs because their inability to receive updates or install a modern OS makes them pretty much useless, even for basic use.
The Bigger Picture: Implications of Microsoft's Shift
So why is Microsoft so keen to push users off of Windows 10? It's about progress...and profit. Windows 11 is less of an upgrade and more of a drastic shift in Microsoft’s ecosystem strategy—a coordinated effort to attract users towards newer PCs, cloud-based services, and higher compatibility standards.Modern operating systems like Windows 11 are far better optimized for new security challenges, AI-based features (hello, Co-Pilot!), and performance improvements. The company has been vocal about shaping a future with richer experiences—but only for users on the right hardware.
However, one critical statistic stands out: despite being released in 2021, only around 23% of PCs globally have made the jump to Windows 11. Yes, plenty of skepticism remains, partly due to the steep hardware requirements and partly because Windows 10 works just fine for the average user.
As October 2025 nears, Microsoft will be doubling down on these warnings. This means two years of pop-ups, nagware, and constant reminders that the clock is ticking.
Your Technical Checklist: How Should You Prepare?
To navigate these changes, here’s a practical breakdown of your options:1. Upgrade Your PC
- Check if your PC supports Windows 11: Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool to find out.
- If it does, upgrading to Windows 11 might be the smoothest path forward.
2. Explore Alternatives Like Linux
- For tech-savvy users, Linux-based OS solutions like Ubuntu might offer a free and stable alternative once support for Windows 10 dries up.
3. Stick to the $30 Security Plan—Temporarily
- Buy yourself time by opting for Microsoft’s paid security extension, but treat it as a stopgap solution while exploring long-term options.
4. Invest in Refurbished Hardware
- Look out for discounted laptops/desktops, which are likely to flood the market following the switch. Excess stock might create opportunities to score good deals on Windows 11-ready hardware.
5. Backup Your System Data Regularly
- An unsupported PC is at greater risk of cyberattacks—a good backup plan will ensure you don’t lose critical files if things go south.
Closing Thoughts: Choose Your Path Wisely
The death knell for Windows 10 free updates signals a new era in computing dominance for Microsoft—but one that comes with its own set of challenges for users. For some, it will mean an exciting upgrade to the shiny world of Windows 11. For others, it raises significant concerns about environmental waste, affordability, and forced obsolescence.You, dear Windows user, have around 11 months to strategize. Whether you side with upgrading to new hardware, sticking with paid extensions, or transitioning entirely to other operating systems (hello, Linux crowd!), make your move deliberately. Ignoring these changes will only make your system a hackers' playground, and no amount of money you'd save is worth that risk.
Let us know: Are you upgrading or holding your ground with Windows 10? Join the discussion and share your plans, concerns, and (inevitable) gripes in the comments below.
Source: Forbes New Microsoft Update Warning—400 Million Windows PC Owners Need To Pay