Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more free security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. While your PC won’t stop working that day, the risks of using an unsupported system will steadily grow. For many, this marks the beginning of a tough decision: upgrade, switch systems, or risk exposure. Let’s break down what this means for users, what your options are, and how this decision could impact the environment.
What Does “End of Life” Mean?
When Microsoft says a product has reached “End of Life” (EOL), it means they will no longer offer security patches, system updates, or technical support. Windows 10 users will stop receiving updates on October 14, 2025. While the OS will continue to function, it will become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and software incompatibility over time. Businesses that continue using Windows 10 past this date could also face compliance issues in industries with strict data protection rules.
Why Is Microsoft Ending Support?
Microsoft’s support policy is based on its product lifecycle commitments. Windows 10 was released in 2015, and with Windows 11 launched in 2021, the company is encouraging users to move forward with newer technology. The shift aligns with a broader strategy to support more advanced hardware and AI features that Windows 11 enables. Newer devices offer greater performance, security, and compatibility with emerging software trends.
What It Means for You: Risk, Cost, and Compatibility
After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free updates, including critical security patches. This exposes users to increased risk of malware, ransomware, and data breaches. Each month, Microsoft patches dozens of security vulnerabilities—many of which are already being exploited at the time of discovery. Without updates, these same vulnerabilities can be used against any system still running Windows 10.
To address this, Microsoft is offering a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for those who wish to continue using Windows 10 in a more secure manner. ESUs will provide critical and important security updates through an annual subscription for up to three years, ending in October 2028. Devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 to be eligible.
Pricing for ESUs starts at $61 per device for businesses in Year One, and $30 for individuals. The cost doubles each subsequent year, and licenses are cumulative—if you buy in Year Two, you still have to pay for Year One. The ESU program does not include new features, nonsecurity fixes, or technical support unless a separate support plan is in place.
This solution may be viable for some users in the short term, but the cost and limitations make it less attractive than upgrading—especially for households, schools, and non-profits with limited budgets.
Who Will Be Affected the Most?
PCs that don’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11 will be most affected. These requirements include TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a supported 64-bit processor. Many machines from as recently as 2017–2018 may still fall short, even if they have ample RAM and storage.
This particularly impacts organizations that rely on donated or older equipment—such as schools, non-profits, and small businesses. These groups may find themselves unable to upgrade their systems or justify the ESU subscription costs, leaving them at risk or forcing device retirement.
What Are Your Options?
1. Upgrade to Windows 11
If your PC meets the hardware requirements, this is the most straightforward option. Microsoft offers a free upgrade for compatible systems.
2. Purchase a New PC
If your current system doesn’t meet the Windows 11 specs, buying a new device may be necessary. This is Microsoft’s official recommendation, though it may be cost-prohibitive for some users.
3. Subscribe to Extended Security Updates (ESU)
As described earlier, ESUs offer three additional years of critical security updates—but they come at a rising annual cost and exclude new features or general support.
How to Upgrade to Windows 11 or Do a Clean Install
At CLR Solutions we have created a clear and simple Youtube video to help users upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, or perform a clean installation.
Here’s a simplified version of the process:
- Check compatibility using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.
- If compatible, go to Settings → Windows Update, and install the upgrade.
- For a clean install, use the Media Creation Tool to build a bootable USB drive.
- Always back up your data before upgrading or formatting your system.
- If your PC is incompatible, some users bypass requirements, but Microsoft does not recommend this due to potential long-term issues.
The video tutorial walks through both upgrade and clean install paths step by step.
The Environmental Cost: 240 Million PCs at Risk
One of the most serious side effects of Windows 10’s end of support is the potential for massive electronic waste. Analysts estimate that up to 240 million PCs could be discarded because they don’t meet Windows 11 requirements. If stacked, they’d form a pile 600 kilometers taller than the moon.
Even though many of these devices are still functional, their diminished resale value and lack of support make them less appealing to consumers and organizations alike. This makes refurbishment and redistribution far more difficult—particularly for charities and IT asset disposition (ITAD) firms.
Minimizing E-Waste: What You Can Do
Organizations and individuals can take steps to minimize waste during the upgrade transition:
- Donate still-functional devices to certified refurbishers or community programs.
- Recycle through certified e-waste programs to ensure proper handling and material recovery.
- Plan your upgrade with a sustainability mindset—choosing long-lasting hardware and vendors that support circular economy principles.
Final Thoughts: Progress or Planned Obsolescence?
For Microsoft, sunsetting Windows 10 is a business decision aligned with long-term goals around hardware modernization and AI integration. But for users, especially those with perfectly usable hardware, the decision may feel premature and economically unfair. And for the environment, the ripple effects could be massive.
Whether you’re a business, school, or individual user, your decisions in the next year will impact not just your security—but potentially the global e-waste problem.
How CLR Solutions Can Help with the Windows 11 Transition
As Windows 10 reaches its end of life, CLR Solutions can help your business transition smoothly and sustainably to Windows 11. We offer:
- Recycling and secure data destruction for laptops and PCs being retired
- Refurbished Windows 11 laptops available for purchase—cost-effective and fully updated
- Guidance and support for upgrading compatible systems or performing clean installs
We also provide pickup, removal, and responsible processing for outdated equipment as part of our broader IT asset disposition services.
Let CLR Solutions help you move forward with confidence—securely, efficiently, and sustainably.
References:
- Wallen, J. (2025, May 12). ‘End of 10’ offers hope and help to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade. ZDNet.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/end-of-10-offers-hope-and-help-to-windows-10-users-who-cant-upgrade/ - Saran, C. (2024, June 10). An IT admin’s guide: Windows 10 end of support explained. ComputerWeekly.
https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/An-IT-admins-guide-Windows-10-end-of-support-explained - Caddy, B., & Jessop, K. (2023, December 20). The end of Windows 10 support could turn 240 million PCs into e-waste. Canalys.
https://www.canalys.com/insights/end-of-windows-10-support-could-turn-240-million-pcs-into-e-waste - Raj, A. (2023, December 26). As Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, millions of PCs could end up in landfills. Tech Wire Asia.
https://techwireasia.com/2023/12/end-of-microsoft-windows-10-support-pushes-millions-of-pcs-into-landfills - Sriram, A. (2023, December 21). Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 could send 240 mln PCs to landfills – report. Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-ending-support-windows-10-could-send-240-mln-pcs-landfills-report-2023-12-21 - Tom’s Hardware Staff. (n.d.). Linux or Landfill? End of Windows 10 Leaves PC Charities with Tough Choice. Tom’s Hardware.
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/linux-or-landfill-end-of-windows-10-leaves-pc-charities-with-tough-choice - Everything ICT. (n.d.). IT Procurement for Windows 11 (Part Two): E-waste and responsible recycling. https://www.everythingict.org/post/procurement-for-windows-11-e-waste
- Microsoft. (2025, April 15). Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates - CLR Solutions. (2025). How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or do a clean install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpbi7nbV9-Q&t=1s
