On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for its Windows 10 operating system. This cessation of support means that personal and business computers running on Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support, potentially leaving millions of users vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. The move is seen as a significant push for users to migrate to the newer Windows 11 operating system to maintain security and access the latest features. For users who are unable or unwilling to upgrade their hardware to meet Windows 11's system requirements, Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides security patches for up to three years for an annual fee. The end of an era for the decade-old operating system has raised concerns about the potential for a surge in e-waste from discarded PCs that cannot run Windows 11. Multiple reports leading up to the deadline highlighted that a significant percentage of Windows users were still operating on Windows 10.