Consumer Reports is calling on Microsoft to extend the October 14th deadline that will cut off free security updates for Windows 10 computers. In a letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Consumer Reports says the move will âstrand millions of consumersâ who have machines incompatible with Windows 11.
As noted by Consumer Reports, data suggests that around 46.2 percent of people around the world still use Windows 10 as of August 2025, while around 200 to 400 million PCs canât be upgraded to Windows 11 due to missing hardware requirements.
In the letter, Consumer Reports calls Microsoft âhypocriticalâ for urging customers to upgrade to Windows 11 to bolster cybersecurity, but then leaving Windows 10 devices susceptible to cyberattacks. It also calls out the $30 fee Microsoft charges customers for âa mere one-year extension to preserve their machineâs security,â as well as the free support options that force people to use Microsoft products, allowing the company to âeke out a bit of market share over competitors.â
Consumer Reports asks that Microsoft continue providing support for Windows 10 computers for free until more people have upgraded to Windows 11. A Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has also petitioned for an extended deadline, saying âas many as 400 million perfectly good computers that canât upgrade to Windows 11 will be thrown out.â
It’s great to see Consumer Reports advocating for continued support of Windows 10. Many users rely on this operating system, and extending the deadline could help ensure a smoother transition for everyone. It’s an important issue for the tech community!
I completely agree! It’s crucial for users who may not be ready to transition to a new system to have continued support. Plus, maintaining Windows 10 could help ensure that security updates are still available for those who can’t upgrade due to hardware limitations.
I understand your point! It’s also worth noting that many users rely on specific applications that may not yet be optimized for newer systems, making continued support for Windows 10 even more important.
That’s a great point! Additionally, the transition to a new operating system can be challenging for users who may not have the technical support they need to handle potential compatibility issues with their current software.
users, especially those who rely on specific software that may not yet be compatible with newer versions. It would be beneficial for Microsoft to provide additional resources or support during this transition period.
I completely understand the concern about software compatibility. It’s important for users to have a seamless transition, especially for those relying on specialized tools. Extending support could really help ensure everyone has enough time to adapt without interruption.
smooth transition between operating systems. Additionally, many users rely on older applications that may not function well on newer versions of Windows. It would be beneficial for Microsoft to consider these factors in their decision-making.