- Consumer Reports is urging Microsoft to walk back on plans to eliminate Windows 10 support
- Windows 10 software and security updates will end on October 14
- Users can get a one-year security update extension for $30, which Consumer Reports condemns
In case you didn't know already, Microsoft is ending Windows 10 support in October with no more software or security updates, effectively impacting millions of users who have systems incompatible with Windows 11 – and there's been a fresh call for Microsoft to make a U-turn on its decision.
As reported by The Verge, the non-profit US body Consumer Reports is urging Microsoft to reverse its decision to end Windows 10 support and extend the current October 14 deadline for free security updates, saying Windows 10 support ending will "strand millions of consumers" in a letter to Microsoft's CEO.
The calls in the full Consumer Reports letter will be backed by many, as there are still plenty of PC users with hardware that is incompatible with Windows 11. Data also suggests that 46.2 percent of users globally are still using Windows 10.
Considering the number of issues Windows 11 24H2 introduced, it's also not a surprise to see that PC users are reluctant to make a switch. 'If it's not broken, don't fix it' is what I'd imagine many Windows 10 users are feeling. Many will feel they have no choice but to upgrade, unless they decide to pay $30 for a one-year extension of security updates beyond October 14 – which Consumer Reports labels Microsoft "hypocrites" for.
Consumer Reports presents valid arguments for Microsoft to reconsider its decision, especially when it appears that Microsoft is in a battle to deter users from switching to Linux, or more specifically Valve's SteamOS.
Analysis: Microsoft is leaving Windows 10 users no choice but to choose Tiny11 or Linux
If Microsoft sticks with its decision to end Windows 10 support, it could backfire significantly. There are still a plethora of users who are perfectly happy with Windows 10, and now that this is about to change, it will likely leave many looking for alternatives.
Unofficial options like Tiny11 exist, which allow a stripped-down version of Windows 11 to run on hardware that doesn't meet official Windows 11 system requirements. However, among the best alternative operating systems available is Linux, and Valve's SteamOS in particular could serve as a great option for gamers on Windows 10 to jump to.
It's also worth noting that Microsoft is introducing a new 'full-screen experience' via its Xbox PC app, which, in my eyes, is direct competition to what Valve has provided for SteamOS users – and that is seemingly set for Windows 11 systems only, another reason why some Windows 10 users might be swayed to move away from Windows entirely after October 14.
The deadline date is edging closer, so Microsoft needs to consider whether abandoning the 2015 operating system is worth the potential backlash.
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