In just a short while, a chapter of digital history will close. Windows 10, once the trusted backbone of almost half the world’s computers, is about to lose official support from Microsoft on October 14, 2025. Think about that for a moment: millions of laptops, desktops, and office PCs, many of which are still running flawlessly, will suddenly face a future without updates, patches, or security protections.
This is not merely a technical deadline—it is a turning point. Like a story that moves from one chapter to the next, users now stand before a choice: adapt, invest, or risk being left behind. In Spain, the situation is even more pressing. While globally Windows 10 holds around 49% of the market, in Spain the number is higher—54% of computers still rely on it.
And so, we must ask: what happens when support ends? Will your computer stop working? Not immediately. But every passing day without updates is like walking through a storm without an umbrella—you might keep moving, but danger lurks closer with every step.
The Options Every Windows 10 User Must Consider
When something as massive as the end of Windows 10 support approaches, choices emerge. And each comes with consequences. Microsoft itself outlines three primary paths forward, and understanding them is essential before time runs out.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11.
This is the most straightforward option—if your PC meets the hardware requirements. The update is free, ensuring continuous access to new features and security patches. But here lies the challenge: many older PCs simply don’t qualify. Windows 11 demands TPM 2.0 and a select list of processors, leaving millions of otherwise functional machines behind.
2. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU).
For those unwilling or unable to make the leap, Microsoft offers an annual subscription that keeps the lifeline alive with security patches. It is not designed to last forever, but it buys time. Think of it as renting an umbrella instead of buying a new raincoat—you’ll stay dry for a while, but eventually, you’ll need something permanent.
3. Stay with Windows 10—or switch to alternatives.
Some will choose to keep using Windows 10 without support, perhaps in controlled environments. Others may experiment with Linux as a free and secure alternative. Yet, both require technical know-how and the willingness to face certain risks.
At this point, you might be wondering: which path makes sense for me? The answer depends on more than just your computer. It depends on how you value security, convenience, and long-term reliability.
Why Windows 11 Adoption Has Been Slower Than Expected
Numbers often tell stories better than words. According to Statista, nearly four years into its life, Windows 11 holds around 49% of the global market. At the same point in time, Windows 10 had already reached 57%, and Windows 7 an impressive 61%. Clearly, Windows 11 has not matched the rapid adoption of its predecessors.
But this isn’t about stubbornness or nostalgia. The main barrier is hardware. Many older machines, still perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks, are excluded because they lack the required processor or TPM chip. For these users, upgrading is not a simple download—it means buying new equipment. And naturally, that slows down the transition.
In Europe, and especially Spain, this hesitation is even more visible. Windows 10 continues to hold more than half the market share, while Windows 11 lags behind. In fact, Spain mirrors this trend almost perfectly: 54% still run Windows 10, while only 42.6% have moved to Windows 11.
The truth is clear: the story of Windows 11 is one of slower progress, not resistance. People are not unwilling—they are simply unable without significant investment. And yet, the clock ticks forward.
Making the Smart Move Before the Countdown Ends
Let’s pause for a moment. Imagine it’s October 15, 2025. You turn on your Windows 10 PC, and everything looks the same. But beneath the surface, a new reality begins: no security patches, no critical updates, no safety net. Hackers know this. Malware thrives in such gaps. Your personal data, your work files, your entire digital routine—suddenly, they all sit unguarded.
That’s why acting before the deadline is crucial. You have choices, but not all choices are equal. If your PC is compatible, upgrading to Windows 11 is not just logical—it is necessary. If it isn’t, investing in new hardware may seem costly today, but it ensures years of protection and peace of mind. Alternatively, ESU plans can bridge the gap, but only for a limited time.
Here’s the conversion moment: don’t wait. Whether you decide to upgrade, buy a new device, or subscribe to extended updates, the worst decision is inaction. Service providers, IT consultants, and retailers are already offering tailored solutions for businesses and individuals. By making the move today, you secure your tomorrow.
So, the question is no longer if you should act—it’s when. And the answer is simple: now.