Microsoft users are being urged to brace for changes as the software is about to undergo a big update.
The countdown to the end of Windows 10 is officially on, with October 14, 2025, marking the day fans of the beloved operating system have been dreading.
After a solid ten-year run, Microsoft is set to pull the plug on free software and security updates for Windows 10, officially ending its support.
While your Windows 10 PC won’t suddenly stop working, the lack of updates means users will be left exposed to potential security risks unless they take action.
For those unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in a new machine, Microsoft has announced a lifeline, a $30 (£24) per year subscription to keep the system secure post-2025, Express reports.
Adding to the disappointment, Microsoft has also confirmed that support for its Office apps on Windows 10 will end on the same day. This includes the popular cloud-based Microsoft 365 suite, featuring Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
“Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025, on Windows 10 devices,” Microsoft said on its website. “To use Microsoft 365 Applications on your device, you will need to upgrade to Windows 11.”
According to The Verge, Microsoft has clarified (through this support note) that while the 365 apps won’t stop working immediately after October, they will no longer receive updates.
The company has also cautioned Windows 10 users that continuing to run Microsoft 365 apps beyond the cutoff date could lead to “performance and reliability issues.”
Despite launching back in 2021, Windows 11 still lags behind Windows 10 in terms of global usage, with millions more PCs running the older operating system.
Microsoft has been offering Windows 10 users a free upgrade to Windows 11, but not everyone can make the leap.
The company has published minimum system requirements to help users determine if their current hardware is up to the task.
While there’s nothing stopping you from installing Windows 11 on an unsupported machine, there are certain risks attached. If your PC isn’t powerful enough, it could become slow and frustrating to use with Windows 11.
In recent months, Microsoft has ramped up its push to get more users to make the switch, encouraging people to embrace Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure experience.
“Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows,” Microsoft says.
“If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Hardware and software have improved a lot, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.