Microsoft has officially ended free support for its Windows 10 operating system on October 14, 2025, a significant move that impacts a substantial portion of the world's computer users. After this date, the company will no longer provide security updates, non-security fixes, or technical assistance for the decade-old system, leaving personal and business computers at a greater risk of cyberattacks like malware and viruses. Microsoft is urging users to migrate to Windows 11, which is a free upgrade for compatible machines. However, many older PCs do not meet the stricter hardware requirements for Windows 11, forcing users to either purchase new computers or pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU). The ESU program offers continued security patches for up to three years, with costs for businesses starting around $61 per device for the first year. The end of support has raised concerns among consumer advocacy groups about the environmental impact, arguing it will accelerate e-waste by making perfectly functional hardware obsolete.