Microsoft’s Windows 10 Deadline Puts Pressure on 400 Million Users

Microsoft is signaling that sticking with Windows 10 may soon no longer be an option. With support for the operating system ending on October 14, users of eligible PCs could be forced to upgrade to Windows 11—essentially removing the choice from their hands. This aligns with Microsoft’s fine print in recent updates, which hints at auto-upgrades once support lapses.

According to Forbes Magazine, last year, Microsoft installed the KB5001716 patch on Windows 10 machines. This patch allows the system to initiate downloads and installations of new feature updates if the current version is nearing its end-of-support. That change affects roughly 400 million users. Microsoft has already begun pushing its newer software aggressively, automatically installing the Outlook client on Windows 10 earlier this year. The same strategy was used with Windows 11 24H2, especially for Home and Pro users whose systems aren’t controlled by IT departments.

Adding urgency, Microsoft now offers a one-year support extension for Windows 10 for $30, but only for those who choose not to upgrade. After that, supported PCs will be migrated to Windows 11 automatically. This comes amid a flurry of online warnings, with many users unaware of the looming cutoff.

The next few months will be shaped by two key questions. First: how many Windows 10 users will upgrade in time? Microsoft has seen a recent surge in upgrades after months of stagnation, with Windows 11 now close to surpassing Windows 10 in market share. Still, over half of all users remain on Windows 10.

Second: how many PCs are ineligible for the upgrade? Analysts estimate at least 240 million devices don’t meet the requirements for Windows 11 and can't take advantage of the free upgrade. These users must either pay for the security updates or risk running unsupported systems—potentially exposing them to cyber threats.

Microsoft, alongside PC manufacturers, is urging users—especially those with older, unsupported hardware—to invest in new Copilot+ PCs, emphasizing that upgrading isn’t just about software, but about “securing your future.” As the deadline nears, the pressure is mounting for users to make a move.