It is high time that people say goodbye to Windows 10, says Microsoft. On October 14, the support for the computer operating system will officially. Users get the chance to receive security updates for a year longer. What about this?
After ten years, the curtain falls for Windows 10. When the computer software appears in 2015, Microsoft promised security updates for ten years. That period is now coming to an end. The company wants to force people to Windows 11, which has also been on the market since 2011.
Many people don’t like the switch because they have a computer that is too old to install Windows 11. They should then buy a completely new computer, while their current device is still working.
In the Netherlands, an estimated two million of that type of computers are in use. Market analyst Statcounter shows in figures from September 2025 that 38 percent of Dutch Windows users work with Windows 10. Incidentally, Windows 11 with a market share of 59 percent is already something in the majority.
People who use Windows 10 and want to switch to Windows 11 can do that for free if their computer meets the required system requirements. Many PCs that are less than five years old are eligible according to Microsoft. You pay 145 euros for the home variant of Windows 11 and 259 euros for the Pro version.
PC becomes vulnerable without security updates
After October 14, people would no longer receive security updates if they would continue to use Windows 10. That would make those computers vulnerable to malicious hackers who abuse errors in the system. “The operating system is like the foundation of your house,” says Cyber Security expert Dave Maasland of ESET Nederland. “If there are errors in it, everything will be put together.”
Initially, Microsoft offered a maximum of one year extra security updates for 30 dollars. A week ago the company made a twist after complaints from European consumer organizations. They made sure that European Windows 10 users can receive updates for another year, as long as they have a Microsoft account and they register themselves for it.
The Consumers’ Association is happy that Microsoft offers security updates for another year. “But we find a year too short,” says director Sandra Molenaar. “After that, there are probably still many well-functioning Windows 10 computers. Without updates, those computers are not safe and consumers will have to replace them. Moreover, business Windows 10 users can receive updates until 2028. That is therefore technically possible.”
Maasland would also like it if Microsoft looks at it in a more social way. “We are all very dependent on technology,” he says. “There are many people who do not have money for new equipment. If you then require the switch, some of the customers cannot come along and have to go further in an unsafe way.”
On the other hand, the cyber security expert understands that Microsoft has to switch once. The company wants to concentrate on the development of Windows 11. “People have to come once,” says Maasland. “But you can wonder if Microsoft has communicated well. Remind people that they have to switch, explain why and when. This kind of manufacturers have to do everything to make it as easy as possible.”
According to him, people who can transfer can do the best immediately. “Otherwise you will get stress at a later time,” he says. “For safety, it is really wise to go to Windows 11. And if you find it difficult, walk into the local computer store and ask for help.”
Microsoft Believes It’s High Time People Say Goodbye To Windows 10. Support for the Computer Operating System Offirally Expires On October 14. Users Are Getting the Chance At The Last Minute Security Updates for Another Year. How does this work?
After ten years, The Curtain Falls on Windows 10. When the computer software was released in 2015, Microsoft Promised ten Years of Security updates. That period is now coming to an end. The Company Wants To Force People Towards Windows 11, which has also Been on the Market Since 2011.
Many people don’t like the switch because they have a computer that is too old to install Windows 11 on. They would have then to buy a conspiry new computer, while their current Device Still Works.
In The Netherlands, An Estimated Two Million of Thesis Types of Computers Are Still in Use. Market Analyst Statcounter shows in Figures from September 2025 That 38 percent of Dutch Windows Users Work with Windows 10. Incidentally, Windows 11 is already in the Majority with a market share of 59 percent.
People who use Windows 10 and Want to Switch to Windows 11 can do so for free if their computer meets the required system requirements. Accordance to Microsoft, many pcs that are less than five years old are eligible. Separate, you pay 145 euros for the home version of Windows 11 and 259 euros for the pro version.
Without Security Updates, PC Becomes Vulnerable
After October 14, People would No Longer Receive Security Updates If they Continued to use Windows 10. That would make Those Computers Vulnerable to Malicious Hackers who exploit errors in the System. “The Operating System is Like the Foundation of Your House,” Says Cyber Security Expert Dave Maasland from Eset Netherlands. “If there are mistakes in it, Everything Collapses.”
Initially, Microsoft Offered A Maxim or One Year or extra security updates for 30 dollars. A week ago, The Company made a u-turn after complaints from European Consumer Organizations. They ensured that European Windows 10 Users Can Receive Updates for Another Year, as long as they have a Microsoft account and register for it themelves.
The Consumers’ Association is Happy That Microsoft is Offering Security Updates for Another Year. “But we think a year is too short,” Says director Sandra Molenaar. “After that, there will probable still be many well-functioning Windows 10 computers. Without updates, Those Computers are not safe and consumers will have have to replace them. Moreover, business Windows 10 Users can Receive updates Until 2028. So that is technicularly Possible.”
Maasland would also like Microsoft to look at it in a more social response way. “We are all very deependent on technology,” he says. “There are many people who don’t have money for new equipment. If you make the switch compulsory, part of the customer cannot participate and they have to continuously in An Unsafe Manner.”
The CyberSecurity Expert, On The Other Hand, Understands That Microsoft Has to Switch at Some Point. The Company Wants To Focus On The Development of Windows 11. “People have to come along at some point,” Says Maasland. “But you can ask yourself Whether Microsoft has communicated it well. Remind People that they have to switch, explain well why and when. These types of manufacturers must do everywhere can to make it as easy as Possible for people.”
Accordance to him, people who can switch should do so immediately. “Otherwise you will get stressed at a later time,” he says. “It is Really Wise for Security to Go to Windows 11. And if you find it difficult, go to the local computer store and ask for help.”