Windows 10 birthday arrives with Microsoft’s end-of-support plan

Windows 10 turns ten years old, but instead of a celebration, Microsoft is marking the occasion with an expiration date. The company will officially end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, leaving millions of users scrambling for upgrade options. The Windows 10 birthday has quickly become a wake-up call, especially for those still using PCs that aren’t compatible with Windows 11’s demanding TPM 2.0 requirements. Microsoft’s decision turns nostalgia into urgency.

Why the Windows 10 birthday brings mixed emotions

The Windows 10 birthday reminds many users of what made the OS stand out. Introduced in 2015, it brought back the beloved Start menu, replaced Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge, and introduced Windows Hello for password-free sign-ins. These changes helped Windows 10 become one of the most widely adopted operating systems in Microsoft’s history. While Cortana didn’t last, many of Windows 10’s features still influence the design of Windows 11 today.

Windows 10 sunset leaves users with tough decisions

Microsoft’s end-of-life plan for Windows 10 means users must choose between upgrading, replacing hardware, or facing a lack of security updates. The Windows 10 birthday has effectively become a deadline. While Windows 11 adoption is growing, many devices in use today don’t meet its strict system requirements. Those who stay on Windows 10 will either need to pay for Extended Security Updates or accept the risks of using an unsupported OS.

What to do as the Windows 10 birthday turns into a countdown

With support ending in 2025, the best way to handle the Windows 10 birthday is to prepare now. Check your PC for Windows 11 compatibility and explore upgrade options. If upgrading isn’t possible, consider investing in newer hardware or transitioning to supported alternatives. Microsoft’s move may feel abrupt, but acting early ensures you won’t be left vulnerable once Windows 10 reaches its official end.