Microsoft Extends Complimentary Windows Upgrade to Half a Billion Users

The expiration of Windows 10 is currently nearly six months away. On October 14, all users of Microsoft’s most popular operating system will no longer receive important security updates, with the exception of those with long, paid extensions. Microsoft has maintained its offer of a free update and offered its most dire warning yet.

Windows 11 Gains Traction

The 750 million customers who are sticking with Windows 10 for the time being, at least, have recently received a warning from the Windows manufacturer: “Don’t wait until the last minute.” Microsoft has been transparent about Do it right away if your computer hardware qualifies for the free Windows 11 upgrade. If it isn’t qualified, consider recycling or landfilling instead of trying to upgrade your computer.

In recent months, the rate of Windows 11 upgrades has increased, and this trend has persisted into April. However, according to the most recent data, 53% of customers still stick with Windows 10. Approximately 240 million of the 750 million Windows 10 users, according to rough calculations, lack the necessary hardware to update. The offer of a free Windows 11 upgrade must be accepted by the remaining 500 million.

Delaying Upgrades Increases Security Risks

Microsoft addressed both of these zero-day issues, CVE-2025-29824, which was utilized in various regions of the world, in the most recent Patch Tuesday release. Additionally, the business released an off-schedule update on April 11th that was directly tied to the issue because it warned about all out-of-date versions of Windows 10.

This means that you could already be under attack if your version of Windows 10 is either out-of-date or not within the supported range. The business requests that all clients in the public and private sectors complete the update right now.

Windows Update Issues Persist

However, one thing is for sure: many people are unlikely to be persuaded to switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by Microsoft’s most recent update announcement. Recall has returned. This contentious update for screenshotting claims that you can remember whatever you do on your computer, even if you are unable to. When it was first introduced, this was very controversial, and even with the addition of privacy protections and opt-outs, there are still issues.

Microsoft has now addressed this problem. The known problem in KB 5002700 that makes Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook cease to operate is “fixed” by this update, according to Microsoft. Updates KB 5002700 and KB 5002623 must be installed in order to recover the entire Office 2016 suite to a functional state.

What Challenges Might Emerge Ahead?

With October 14th as the deadline, system improvements and support inquiries will be brought up at the last minute. Microsoft is probably going to remind people more effectively. Additionally, some functions are being stealthily removed from Windows 10; for example, the taskbar clock’s seconds display serves as a subliminal warning that a service is about to terminate.

Although you are not required to embrace Windows 11, if your computer is compatible, it is time to switch. Microsoft has provided it at no cost. It won’t last long, though. Furthermore, your system will run on an insecure operating system if you refuse to update.

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Rabia Majeed
Rabia Majeed
With a focus on technical and SEO writing, Rabia Majeed is an accomplished content writer and strategist. She produces readable, interesting, and search engine optimized content that benefits readers and ranks highly in search results. She assists brands in expanding through astute, impactful content strategies and has a solid understanding of digital trends.

1 COMMENT

  1. The Same PAP time after time !
    Many articles seem to say micro$oft is easing the specs on older equipment, but They Are Not!!
    They are causing much environmental waste and do not care
    Look into ways of forcing an install of win 11 on older computers most of the time it works Great!!

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