October 15, 2025 – Microsoft has officially pulled the plug on Windows 10 support, marking the end of an era for millions of users. From this point forward, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive technical support, software updates, or critical security patches, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.
In a statement, Microsoft confirmed, “As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 systems will cease to receive security updates. Additionally, Microsoft Customer Service will discontinue technical support for Windows 10.” While users can continue operating their Windows 10 devices, the lack of ongoing software and security enhancements raises concerns about long-term security risks.
“Although your Windows 10 PC will still function, the absence of regular updates exposes it to a higher likelihood of virus and malware infections,” Microsoft warned. The company strongly encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, the latest iteration of its operating system, which has been available since 2021 and now comes preinstalled on most newly sold computers.
Despite the end-of-support announcement, Windows 10 remains a significant presence in the digital landscape. According to Valve’s September 2025 hardware survey, 32.18% of Steam users—nearly one-third—still rely on Windows 10, though this figure represents a 2.9 percentage point decline from previous months. This places Windows 10 as the second-most-used OS on Steam, a platform known for its gaming community.
Globally, however, Windows 10’s footprint is even larger. Data from analytics firm StatCounter reveals that over 40% of Windows users worldwide continue to use Windows 10, with nearly 10% still clinging to its predecessor, Windows 7. The relatively lower share on Steam may reflect gamers’ tendency to adopt newer hardware and software more proactively.
In other gaming-related findings from Valve’s survey, 53% of Steam players game at 1080p resolution, while 20% opt for 1440p. Just 4.8% of gamers prioritize 4K resolution as their primary setup, indicating that high-end displays remain a niche preference among PC enthusiasts.
As Microsoft shifts its focus entirely to Windows 11, users of older systems face a critical decision: upgrade their software or risk security exposure. For many, the transition may also involve investing in new hardware capable of running Windows 11 smoothly, ensuring not just security but also access to modern features and performance improvements.
