Microsoft extends Windows 10 support: a year's delay for millions!

Microsoft extends Windows 10 support: a year's delay for millions!

On October 4, 2025, Microsoft has a surprise in store: Support for Windows 10 will be extended in the European Economic Area (EEA) until October 14, 2026. This means that millions of users in Germany who still rely on the operating system will have an additional buffer before they are forced to either switch to Windows 11 or buy new hardware. According to stadt-bremerhaven.de, there are over 30 million computers with Windows 10 installed in Germany, making Microsoft's decision significant news.

However, this extension is not without a catch: In order to benefit from the additional year, users need a Microsoft account. Critics, such as Michaela Schröder from the consumer advice center, see the measure as a postponement of the problem rather than a viable solution. Many technical devices are still functional, but fail due to the high hardware requirements of Windows 11, making the need for a switch more difficult for many households and companies.

The criticism of the consumer advice center

The consumer advice center is concerned about Microsoft's short-sighted policies. “In October 2026 we will be faced with the same dilemma,” warns Schröder. Users either have to resort to an insecure system or have to deal with purchasing new hardware. This uncertainty particularly affects many who were unable to switch to Windows 11 for practical, financial or technical reasons, as can be read in a report by appdated.de. The need for clear guidelines from the EU is becoming increasingly urgent.

A possible solution could be the EU's Cyber ​​Resilience Act (CRA), which sets minimum standards for digital products and their support. This regulation could provide a long-term legal framework and encourage manufacturers to extend the life of their products. The Cyber ​​Resilience Act, passed in October 2024, represents a first step in this direction and could have a significant impact on the future regulation of operating system support.

The responsibility of the manufacturers

It is clear that the discussion about the lifespan of digital products and the responsibility of manufacturers is becoming increasingly important. The vzbv advocates that the support periods be based on the actual useful life of the devices in order not only to save costs, but also to reduce the throwaway mentality. These reasons are particularly relevant at a time when sustainability and resource conservation are becoming increasingly important.

The ball is now in the court of the consumer protection authorities and the EU: if long-term change is to be achieved, clear guidelines and standards are required. The current situation in Germany with more than 30 million Windows 10 users clearly shows that there is a need for action. It remains exciting to see whether Microsoft and the EU can meet consumer pressure.