Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 today, finally shutting down the popular operating system after 10 years.
That means the roughly 21 million devices in the UK still running the operating system will no longer receive vital security updates.
As millions of users say goodbye to Windows 10, some die-hard fans have taken to social media to mourn the loss of the beloved software.
In a viral TikTok post, one fan filmed the final few seconds as Windows 10 support came to an end, writing: ‘RIP Windows 10’.
Windows 10 was released in 2015 to replace Windows 8.1 and has been receiving regular updates with bug fixes and security patches since then.
However, Microsoft is now pushing all remaining Windows 10 users to update their devices to the newer Windows 11 system.
Although many tech fans have a ‘love-hate’ relationship with the operating system, many have been sad to see it go.
Writing on X, one user said: ‘Goodbye, Windows 10. I hated you at first but then you became the only sane Windows left. Thanks for all the memories.’
From today, Microsoft has officially ended support for the Windows 10 operating system, leaving an estimated 21 million users in the UK without vital security updates
On social media, tech fans have been sharing their joking farewells to the software. With one writing: ‘Thanks for all the memories’
As commenters flocked to mourn the loss of Windows 10, one tech fan shared an AI-generated image of a tombstone carved with the Windows logo
As of today, Windows 10 will cease to receive regular security and software updates.
That is important because these software updates often fix vulnerabilities that have become known to cybercriminals.
Anyone not using the latest version of the software is at risk of being targeted with malware or viruses that make use of these exploits.
Microsoft is therefore offering its customers a choice: either update to Windows 11 or accept an increased cybersecurity risk with the unsupported Windows 10.
Although Windows 10 is over a decade old, many fans have been resistant to the change.
One commenter wrote on X: ‘RIP Windows 10. You were the last OS that didn’t spy on us 24/7. Now we’re all getting Windows 11’d to death.’
Another eulogised: ‘RIP Windows 10 (2015-2025) You brought us start menu chaos, those sneaky updates at 2 a.m., and the occasional blue screen therapy session. Thanks for the memories!’
Meanwhile, dozens of TikTok videos shared the news of the end of Windows 10, with one account jokingly writing that it was the ‘end of an era’.
As of today, security flaws and vulnerabilities in Windows 10 will not be fixed. That means anyone still using the older software will be vulnerable to cyberattacks and malware
One commenter shared their eulogy for the lost software with a joking reference to the frequent crashes the operating system experienced
For some, the grief soon turned to rage at Microsoft for pulling the plug on Windows 10. One angry commenter wrote that they would ‘always hate Microsoft for this’
But for some Microsoft fans, grief quickly turned to anger.
One furious Windows 10 enthusiast wrote on X: ‘I will always hate Microsoft for this.’
Likewise, several users swore to boycott the newer software by refusing to update or abandoning Microsoft products altogether.
‘I speak for everyone when I say this, WE WILL NOT BE SWITCHING TO WINDOWS 11,’ one furious commenter wrote.
Another chimed in: ‘Doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop using Windows 10 lmao. It’s just the end of support for its security. I think I’ll be fine lmfao. I will use Windows 10 until it either forces me off or until I die.’
Meanwhile, one commenter added: ‘Since Windows is bullying users towards Windows 11, this is the perfect time to leave big tech and go to Linux.’
However, current polling suggests that these are not just idle threats.
Of the 21 million people still using Windows 10 in the UK, a survey conducted by Which? found that a quarter had no plans to update to Windows 11.
Some commenters said they would refuse to update to Windows 11. With customers either choosing to accept the increased risk of cyberattacks with Windows 10 or promising to move to a new operating system like Linux
One commenter boldly claimed that they would keep using Windows 10 until ‘it either forces me off or until I die’
If you can’t update to Windows 11, Microsoft is offering a year of limited security patches with the Extended Security Updates service. However, this is an opt–in service and you will need to sign up to get protected
If you are determined not to update, or if your device is not compatible with the new software, there is a way to stay protected for a little while longer.
Windows 10 users have the option to sign up for ‘Extended Security Updates’, which will provide a year of ongoing security patches, but no software or other technical support.
However, enrolment in this programme is not automatic, and you will need to sign up via the ‘Updates and Security’ section of your device settings.
The service is available for free if you agree to sync your PC settings with Windows Back up, and as a one–time purchase of £24.99 or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
For commercial organisations, the Extended Security Updates service will be charged in US dollars and cost $61 (£45.75) per device.
Users can sign up any time before the 12–month period ends on 13 October 2026.
However, beyond this period, any device still using Windows 10 will cease to receive security updates.
Which? polling suggests that around one in seven people intend to buy a new laptop in order to upgrade to the latest software.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .