Microsoft has reaffirmed its plan to terminate all support services for the Windows 10 operating system on October 14, 2025, marking the end of an era for the decade-old platform. The tech giant strongly recommends users migrate to Windows 11 systems before the cutoff date. Post-termination, devices running Windows 10 will remain operational but will cease receiving critical technical assistance, feature enhancements, or vital security updates from the company. Cybersecurity experts warn that unsupported systems will become increasingly vulnerable to malware infections and virus attacks without ongoing protection.

Market research from StatCounter reveals a significant shift in user adoption patterns: as of July 2025, Windows 11 has captured 51.77% of the global desktop operating system market, overtaking Windows 10's 45.02% share for the first time since its 2015 debut. Windows 11's journey to dominance faced initial hurdles after its October 2021 launch, struggling below 10% adoption within its first year. However, momentum accelerated dramatically—climbing to 28% penetration by 2023 before reaching 36% by late 2024. This steady ascent highlights Microsoft's successful transition strategy amid evolving cybersecurity landscapes.