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Millions of people using Windows 10 are uncertain about what will happen next as Microsoft plans to stop free security updates on October 14, 2025. Consumer Reports has written a letter to Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, asking the company to change its mind and keep offering free support for Windows 10 computers. The organization believes that stopping support could endanger many users whose devices can’t upgrade to Windows 11, and it has received criticism for both the timing of this decision and the costs of the extra support options now available from Microsoft. Consumer Reports states that ending support might leave many PC users around the world at risk from cyber threats. This appeal comes after data showing that about 46.2 percent of people worldwide were still using Windows 10 as of August 2025. A lot of these devices can't be upgraded to Windows 11 mainly because they don’t meet the hardware requirements. This widespread issue is a major concern for Consumer Reports, as it questions how Microsoft is addressing the needs of its current users.

Consumer Reports has called Microsoft’s actions "hypocritical" for advising customers to upgrade for better cybersecurity while leaving Windows 10 devices at risk. The letter also mentions the $30 charge from Microsoft for "just a one-year extension to keep their machine secure." The organization has criticized the free support options, saying that they require users to use Microsoft products, which lets the company gain some market share against competitors. A key issue in the letter highlights that millions could be negatively impacted. Consumer Reports warns that ending free support will "leave millions of consumers stuck" with computers that cannot run Windows 11. This view is also shared by public advocacy groups, which say this decision could have significant environmental and social consequences. Supporting Consumer Reports, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has requested for the support deadline to be extended. PIRG estimates that "up to 400 million still usable computers that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 will be discarded." This raises worries about unnecessary electronic waste and how this affects users who still rely on older, functioning hardware.

The main issue in this discussion is finding the right balance between cybersecurity and accessibility. While Microsoft insists that moving to Windows 11 is the safest choice, the hardware limitations for many users still make upgrading difficult. Consumer Reports argues that Microsoft’s current plan does not sufficiently meet the needs of people who cannot afford or are unable to obtain new devices. The letter from Consumer Reports specifically highlights the expense of maintaining security, with the $30 yearly support fee seen as a hindrance for some individuals. The organization is requesting Microsoft to offer security support for Windows 10 computers for free until a larger number of users have had the chance to upgrade. As the October 14, 2025, deadline gets closer, Microsoft has not yet publicly addressed the requests made by Consumer Reports and PIRG. The ongoing discussion reveals the difficulties that both the industry and consumers face.