Millions of Windows 10 users are anxious as Microsoft is set to end free security support on October 14, 2025. This decision has faced severe criticism from Consumer Reports, which has called on Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to reconsider and extend security updates at no additional cost. In a strongly worded letter, Consumer Reports stated that the cessation of free updates would leave numerous individuals vulnerable to cyber threats. Recent usage statistics show that 46.2 percent of global PC users were still utilizing Windows 10 as of August 2025. Many of these machines cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to Microsoft’s stringent hardware requirements, including the necessity for modern processors and TPM 2.0 chips.
This widespread incompatibility is central to the concerns raised by Consumer Reports. The organization has accused Microsoft of hypocrisy, asserting that while the company claims to prioritize cybersecurity, it is simultaneously putting millions of Windows 10 users at risk. Additionally, Microsoft’s plan to charge $30 annually for what it describes as “a mere one-year extension to preserve their machine’s security” has intensified the backlash. Consumer Reports argues that this policy imposes a financial strain on many families and small businesses, particularly those who bought their devices only a few years ago and still find them functional. The criticism extends further, with advocacy groups suggesting that Microsoft’s approach could also negatively impact the environment.
The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has initiated a petition urging Microsoft to prolong support deadlines, cautioning that “up to 400 million perfectly good computers that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 will be discarded.” PIRG argues that this would exacerbate the global e-waste crisis and force consumers to replace hardware unnecessarily. Consumer Reports has described the potential fallout as “stranding millions of consumers,” highlighting that Microsoft’s alternative free security options often come with limitations, requiring users to remain within the Microsoft ecosystem, thereby giving the company an edge over competitors. This discussion highlights a significant challenge within the tech sector: finding a balance between robust cybersecurity, accessibility, and sustainability.
While Microsoft maintains that transitioning to Windows 11 is the safest option, critics contend that the company overlooks the realities of individuals who cannot afford or choose not to replace functional machines. The crux of the matter raises an important question of fairness: Should a company as substantial as Microsoft, with billions in revenue, continue to support a widely utilized operating system until most users are able to upgrade? Both Consumer Reports and PIRG advocate for this, at least for a few more years, without additional costs. Currently, Microsoft has yet to publicly respond to these appeals.
With less than 13 months remaining until the cutoff date, millions of users are left to consider whether to pay the fee, risk operating unsupported systems, or invest in expensive hardware upgrades.