What does the end of free support for Windows 10 mean for its users?

Closing Windows: Microsoft users eulogize iconic Windows 10 operating system — now shut down after a decade

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft's Window's 10 has reached the end of its usable life, prompting an outpouring of tributes from tech-heads devastated over the operating system's retirement.

What does the end of free support for Windows 10 mean for its users?

Computers running software will still work but steadily become more vulnerable to viruses and malwareFrom Tuesday Microsoft will no longer offer free support as standard for Windows 10, an operating system that is used by millions of computer and laptop owners around the world.Figures for September suggest four in 10 of those using Microsoft Windows worldwide were still using Windows 10, despite the introduction of its successor, Windows 11, in …