What happens to Windows 10 in 2025?

Promo Protect all your devices, without slowing them down. Microsoft will retire the Windows 10 operating system on October 10, 2025. It's the first time the company puts an expiration date on its current operating system, paving the way for its successor, Windows 11.

Will Windows 10 still be usable after 2025?

Windows 10, Windows 11 -- as long as you're paying Microsoft for subscriptions, it's all the same. Though Microsoft released the new Windows 11 2022 Update to consumers today, there's no obligation to upgrade.

What happens when Windows 10 is no longer supported?

If you continue to use an unsupported version of Windows, your PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Your PC will continue to start and run, but you will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.

Can I still use Windows 10 after 2023?

After January 10, 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows 10 on devices based on Intel's discontinued Atom Clover Trail series processors. If you have such devices running Windows 10, Microsoft recommends a new PC with Windows 11 for continued security support.

How long will Windows 11 be free?

This end date will be no sooner than October 5, 2022. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the above statement represents Microsoft's plans for the free Windows 11 upgrade offer.

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends?

Can I use Windows 10 in 2026?

Microsoft lists October 14, 2025 as the retirement date for Windows 10 Home and Pro (basically, all consumer versions of Windows 10). Some users will certainly replace their devices with new ones, which will likely include Windows 11 or are at least compatible with the new operating system.

Will Windows 11 be a free upgrade?

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.

Is Windows 11 better than Windows 10?

Windows 11 is worth the update for most people. It comes with a wide range of new features, performance improvements, and design changes. As the latest Windows OS, it usually gets more attention than Windows 10, too. There's not too much risk in upgrading to Windows 11, either.

Should I keep using Windows 10?

Microsoft Will Support Windows 10 Until 2025

This means that if you are running Windows 10, you will continue to get bug fixes, new features, and security patches. So, you don't have to worry about Microsoft abandoning Windows 10 for Windows 11, at least for a few years to come.

Is Windows 7 going to end of life?

You will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases after January 10, 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates through June 30, 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer).

How to get Windows 10 for free?

Upgrade from a Prior Windows Version: Free

If you are still on Windows 7 or 8, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Whether you're going from 7 / 8 to 10 or 10 to 11, you can upgrade either by using an install disk (created with the media creation tool) or with Windows update.

Will we be forced to switch to Windows 11?

Windows users are forced to install Windows 11 updates. It is not a big deal. Microsoft wants to use this method to promote Windows 11. If you want to use Windows 11, you can choose to get it on your PC.

How long will Windows 11 be usable?

Every year, there'll be a big feature update, and you'll eventually have to install it to extend your support period. Windows 11 as a whole should be supported for about 10 years, provided you have the latest feature update installed.

What are the disadvantages of Windows 11?

How long will Windows 10 be supported?

Microsoft will continue to support at least one Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025. Support dates are shown in the Pacific Time Zone (PT) - Redmond, WA, USA.

Is Windows 11 harder to run than Windows 10?

Windows 11 does a lot under the hood to speed up a PC's performance. The same PC will generally run faster on Windows 11 than Windows 10. But no matter how zippy your Windows 11 may be, it can run faster. And keep in mind that PCs tend to slow down over time, and you want to make sure that doesn't happen to yours.

Is Windows 8.1 still safe to use?

Will my Windows 8.1 computer stop working? No. Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates.

Will Windows 10 automatically update to Windows 11?

Microsoft has always said that it plans to end support for Windows 10 in 2025, and that's still the case. As a free replacement for Windows 10, your PC will upgrade to Windows 11 automatically. If it doesn't meet the hardware requirements, your PC will remain on Windows 10 until hardware support expires.

Why should I update to Windows 11?

Upgrade to Windows 11 if you want better-than-ever multitasking — Windows 11 has a focus on multitasking, with the new Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and the ability to remember your layouts for multiple displays. These may seem like small things, but they add in to a much better multitasking experience.

Is Windows 8 still supported?

Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and support for Windows 8.1 has ended on January 10, 2023.

What do I lose by switching to Windows 11?

Upgrading your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will not erase all your files. After the update is completed, you should have access to all user files that were previously available in Windows 10.

What happens if I don't want to update to Windows 11?

If you decline the update, you might still see pop-up reminders asking you to upgrade to Windows 11, unless your PC doesn't support it. After Windows 10 support expires in 2025, Windows 10 will still work. You'll just be at a greater security risk.

Why is Microsoft giving Windows 10 for free?

But if Microsoft offering Windows for free means more people upgrading, developers will be able to work much faster and create better applications. That helps Microsoft because it's moving towards selling apps through its own store — allowing it to take a cut, just as Apple does.