When Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would reach the end of its lifecycle on October 14, 2025, many users assumed the operating system would be on the slow path to obsolescence. After all, ten years of updates and support seemed like a long, fruitful run for a piece of software that’s powered over a billion devices worldwide. However, what makes this announcement surprising is that Microsoft is still actively rolling out new features to Windows 10—even with the clock ticking down and its marketing machine fully dedicated to convincing the world to embrace Windows 11.
Are these updates merely a mirage of support, or is Microsoft hedging its bets knowing not every user will leap to install Windows 11 in time? Let’s unravel this fascinating development.
From a business perspective, Windows 11 aligns closely with Microsoft's hardware-backed security initiatives, such as requiring Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot. Simply put, these technologies strengthen defenses against modern cyber threats. Additionally, promoting new PC purchases boosts sales for hardware partners (and pads their bottom line).
As it stands, one possible rationale lies in keeping their promise to support Windows 10 through the October 2025 cutoff. By maintaining updates—beyond just security patches—Microsoft appears to show goodwill to users who may not yet be ready or willing to make the leap to Windows 11. For enterprises and organizations where migrations take time (and money), these updates provide breathing room.
However, here’s a kicker that may cause some head-scratching: as Microsoft adds new bells and whistles, they’ve also stripped away a beloved feature—the clock with seconds display.
For enthusiasts trying it out now in the Insider program: you activate this feature by navigating to Settings > Date & time and toggling options underneath the “Calendar events” section.
While useful, one could argue this addition feels like an easy win—a lightweight feature that satisfies users without significant engineering or resource demands.
If you're part of the Preview build, you'll notice that the new app icon has already replaced the previous Mail app both in the Start Menu and—if pinned—on the taskbar.
This new Outlook client offers better synchronization across devices, tighter cloud integration, and a revamped UI that adheres to Microsoft’s Fluent Design principles. Ultimately, this helps bring consistency between desktop mail functionality and web experiences.
Source: HotHardware Windows 10 Still Getting New Features As Microsoft Gets Ready To Pull The Rug
Are these updates merely a mirage of support, or is Microsoft hedging its bets knowing not every user will leap to install Windows 11 in time? Let’s unravel this fascinating development.
Microsoft's Mixed Messaging: The Push for Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 Updates
Why is Microsoft focusing on Windows 11?
Let’s set the stage: Microsoft has been positioning 2025 as the "Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh.” They’ve been giving speeches, writing blog posts, and advertising the glories of Windows 11—its modern UI, enhanced hardware support, and tighter security features. The goal is clear: convince users to ditch their aging PCs, many of which still run Windows 10, and upgrade to newer devices optimized for Windows 11.From a business perspective, Windows 11 aligns closely with Microsoft's hardware-backed security initiatives, such as requiring Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot. Simply put, these technologies strengthen defenses against modern cyber threats. Additionally, promoting new PC purchases boosts sales for hardware partners (and pads their bottom line).
But, if Windows 10’s days are numbered, why is it still being updated with new features?
At face value, it looks like a contradiction: Microsoft is nudging users off the Windows 10 train, yet it’s still refitting that same train with shiny new chrome. It’s a mixed message seemingly signaling both, “Windows 10 is an outdated relic” and, “Here are some cool new features for it!”As it stands, one possible rationale lies in keeping their promise to support Windows 10 through the October 2025 cutoff. By maintaining updates—beyond just security patches—Microsoft appears to show goodwill to users who may not yet be ready or willing to make the leap to Windows 11. For enterprises and organizations where migrations take time (and money), these updates provide breathing room.
What’s New in Windows 10 in Early 2025?
1. A Reworked System Tray Calendar with Holiday Events and Weather Forecasts
The latest Release Preview build (19045.5435) introduces a revamped calendar experience for the toolbar. Forget the basic calendar you've grown used to—this upgrade includes holiday illustrations, upcoming events, and even local weather forecasts. It’s perfect for keeping track of the mundane and momentous alike.However, here’s a kicker that may cause some head-scratching: as Microsoft adds new bells and whistles, they’ve also stripped away a beloved feature—the clock with seconds display.
For enthusiasts trying it out now in the Insider program: you activate this feature by navigating to Settings > Date & time and toggling options underneath the “Calendar events” section.
While useful, one could argue this addition feels like an easy win—a lightweight feature that satisfies users without significant engineering or resource demands.
2. A Fresh Outlook: The New Mail App
The mail app in Windows 10 is also seeing a transformation. A new, modern Outlook for Windows app is introduced as the default email client. Notably, this app borrows much of its design and feature set from the streamlined web version of Outlook.com.If you're part of the Preview build, you'll notice that the new app icon has already replaced the previous Mail app both in the Start Menu and—if pinned—on the taskbar.
This new Outlook client offers better synchronization across devices, tighter cloud integration, and a revamped UI that adheres to Microsoft’s Fluent Design principles. Ultimately, this helps bring consistency between desktop mail functionality and web experiences.
3. Usability & Bug Fixes
While most of the updates in this build are incremental, they include some much-needed fixes:- Virtual Memory Depletion: An issue where excessive resource consumption drained virtual memory has been patched.
- NFC Connectivity Issues: Faulty Near Field Communication (NFC) interactions have been corrected.
- Miscellaneous Stability Enhancements: A smattering of smaller bugs that impacted day-to-day stability have been addressed.
The Bigger Picture: Should You Stay or Upgrade?
While these new features are a welcome surprise for Windows 10 users, the broader context here cannot be ignored. Come October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates—security patches, feature enhancements, or otherwise. Here’s what that spells out:- Security Risks: Once support has officially ended, vulnerabilities in Windows 10 will remain unpatched. An unsupported OS is an open target for cybercriminals.
- Software Compatibility: Developers will stop optimizing apps for Windows 10, prioritizing Windows 11 and later. Over time, compatibility will dwindle.
- Hardware Integration: Newer hardware and emerging technologies will continue being tailored exclusively for supported versions like Windows 11.
Does This Mean Windows 10 is Dying Gracefully?
Certainly, Microsoft’s continued rollout of updates indicates a commitment to keeping Windows 10 functional and relevant in its final stretch. But make no mistake—every new feature being added is likely serving two purposes:- To keep hesitant users comfortable while they prepare to upgrade.
- To chip away the excuses for remaining on Windows 10 when it ultimately becomes obsolete.
Source: HotHardware Windows 10 Still Getting New Features As Microsoft Gets Ready To Pull The Rug