If you’re still using Windows 10, you might want to start thinking about what’s next. As of October 14, support for most Windows 10 users officially ended. That leaves around 400 million people—about 40% of all Windows users—facing a big decision. Some are upgrading to Windows 11 or subscribing to Windows 365 cloud PCs, but many are hesitant. Businesses, in particular, are slow to update. Less than half of surveyed companies have refreshed their PCs in recent months, and a good chunk plan to stick with Windows 10 for now. Why? Because many users don’t see a real reason to switch. Windows 10 still works well for most tasks, so why bother?

Why People Are Not Excited About Moving to Windows 11

A lot of users dislike Windows 11. Searches for phrases like “hate Windows 11” and “when does Windows 12 come out” have surged recently, especially in the US. People are resistant to change, especially when they don’t see a clear benefit. Some even question why Microsoft isn’t rolling out Windows 12 sooner. Officially, the beta for Windows 12 isn’t out yet, and many think it might not arrive until 2027. There’s also speculation that Microsoft might shift to a cloud-based approach, where your PC becomes just a portal to a remote Windows desktop running on Azure. That would be a big change from traditional Windows PCs.

Options for Staying Safe and Saving Money

If upgrading to Windows 11 doesn’t appeal, you can buy extended support for Windows 10. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program costs $61 per PC for one more year, with prices doubling each year, reaching $244 in year three. That’s a way to keep your current PC secure without rushing into a new machine. But, remember, the costs add up, especially with rising prices for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. For instance, the personal plan increased from about $70 to $100 a year, and the family plan went up to nearly $130. Business prices are climbing too, with some services seeing increases of 25% or more. Many of these price hikes come with new AI features—Microsoft Copilot—whether users want them or not. It’s clear that Microsoft services are getting more expensive without always offering clear value.

Moving Away from Windows—Is It Worth It?

Many users are tired of spending money on new hardware or risking security issues by sticking with old systems. If your PC is still running fine, you might consider upgrading it with Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Linux has become much easier to use over the past decade. You don’t need to be a tech expert—basic knowledge of web browsers and file management is enough. Linux Mint is a popular choice for beginners, and there are plenty of guides to help breathe new life into old Windows 10 machines.

If you’re nervous about Linux, another option is ChromeOS Flex. It transforms your existing PC or laptop into a Chromebook. You won’t be able to run Windows-only programs, but most cloud-based apps—like Microsoft 365—work perfectly. Installing ChromeOS Flex is straightforward, and if you can use a web browser, you can manage it easily. Both Linux and ChromeOS Flex won’t let your device become outdated anytime soon. Linux still supports older chips, and ChromeOS Flex keeps your machine running smoothly with minimal fuss.

In the end, sitting still isn’t a smart move. Continuing to use Windows 10 without updates leaves you vulnerable. The WannaCry ransomware attack on Windows 7 is a reminder—many devices still run outdated systems that are no longer supported. It’s best to choose a new path now. Whether you pick Linux, ChromeOS Flex, or another solution, taking action is better than doing nothing. Your security and wallet will thank you.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4074784/its-the-end-of-the-windows-10-world-as-we-know-it.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• zdnet.com
• statcounter.com
• microsoft.com
• tenscope.com