Today marks the end of an era as Microsoft ceases support for Windows 10, the operating system that debuted ten years ago. The termination means no more software updates, security patches, or technical assistance from Microsoft for Windows 10 users.
Extended Support Options
To mitigate the impact on users, Microsoft is offering an extended security update option, allowing consumers to maintain some level of security for an additional year. Businesses have the option to purchase up to three more years of support. This move highlights Windows 10's continued popularity, with about 40 percent of Windows installations and 30 percent of PC gamers still using it.
The transition has been hindered by Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements, which include the need for at least an Intel 8th Gen Coffee Lake or AMD Zen 2 processors and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Many existing machines do not meet these criteria, leaving them unable to upgrade.
Windows 11 Adoption Challenges
Windows 11 has faced a lukewarm reception mainly due to its hardware requirements and Microsoft's push of AI and other services. New features introduced with the update, such as AI-driven tools like Copilot, have raised privacy concerns among users. Moreover, the aggressive promotion of Microsoft services such as Edge (browser), Bing, OneDrive, and Xbox Game Pass has been met with criticism.
The continued reliance on Windows 10 by many users underscores how critical it is for Microsoft to consider user feedback and hardware limitations when deploying new operating systems. As businesses and consumers face the requirement to upgrade, the transition poses a challenge in balancing innovation with user needs and technological constraints.
