By Sparsh Sharma

Copyright timesnownews

Millions of people around the world are facing an uncertain future as Microsoft prepares to end free security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Consumer Reports has even written to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, urging the company to reconsider its decision. The concern is simple: once support ends, users who can’t upgrade to Windows 11 will be left with vulnerable PCs, raising both security risks and e-waste concerns. What Windows 10 Users Need To Do If you’re still on Windows 10, the first step is to check whether your PC qualifies for a Windows 11 upgrade. If it does, upgrading remains the best option to stay fully supported. For those who can’t upgrade, Microsoft is offering something new: a paid extension of $30 for one more year of security updates, stretching support to October 2026. This is the first time regular consumers have been asked to pay for extended coverage, something many see as unfair given their machines still work fine. Microsoft’s Alternatives To Paid Updates To soften the backlash, Microsoft has introduced two additional options: -Use the Windows Backup app to save your data on OneDrive. -Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to claim another year of updates. But critics, including the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), argue these measures don’t go far enough. PIRG estimates that nearly 400 million PCs can’t upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware requirements, meaning many usable computers could end up discarded. ALSO READ: Meta Connect 2025: Check Meta Event Time India, USA, UK, How To Watch Live And What To Expect Why Consumer Groups Are Concerned The main issue is the short extension. While businesses are being offered three years of extended support, consumers only get one. Experts believe Microsoft should provide at least two or three years for everyone or find creative alternatives like ad-supported updates. There’s also the looming e-waste problem. Perfectly functional PCs could be dumped simply because they’re not eligible for Windows 11. Consumer groups are urging Microsoft to take more responsibility, either by extending Windows 10 support or making Windows 11 compatible with older hardware. Get Latest News live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Technology Science and around the world.