Microsoft needs to get serious about its Windows 10 update problem

Windows 10 It is the most popular operating system in the world, but also the most problematic. Since its launch in 2015, Windows 10 has been plagued with bugs, glitches, compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities, and forced updates that often fail more than they fix.

 Microsoft has attempted to address these issues with regular patches and feature updates, but the results have been mixed at best. Many users are frustrated by the lack of control and transparency over the Windows 10 update process, and some have even sued Microsoft for damages caused by faulty updates.

One of the main complaints about Windows 10 is that it doesn't give users enough options and flexibility over when and how to install updates. Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 10 does not allow users to defer or unsubscribe from updates unless they have a specific edition of the operating system or use third-party tools.

 This means that users must accept any updates that Microsoft sends to their devices, whether they want them or not. Additionally, Microsoft does not always provide clear, detailed information about what each update does and why it is necessary. Sometimes updates are deployed without proper testing and quality assurance, leading to unexpected errors and crashes.

Another problem with Windows 10 is that it does not respect user privacy and preferences. Windows 10 collects a large amount of data from users' devices and sends it to Microsoft for various purposes, such as improving user experience, providing personalized services, and serving targeted ads.

 While Microsoft claims to respect user privacy and provide users with options to manage their data settings, many users are not aware of these options or are unhappy with them. Some users have reported that Windows 10 resets their data settings after every update, forcing them to go through the tedious process of changing them again. Additionally, some users have discovered that Windows 10 installs unwanted apps and programs on their devices without their consent or knowledge.

These problems have tarnished Microsoft's reputation and credibility among its customers and partners. Many users have lost confidence in Microsoft's ability to deliver a reliable and secure operating system. Some users have even switched to alternative platforms, such as Linux or Mac OS, or reverted to older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 or 8.1. This poses a serious challenge to Microsoft's future growth and competitiveness in the software market.

Microsoft needs to take its Windows 10 update problem seriously and take concrete steps to fix it. Microsoft needs to listen to its users and respect their comments and concerns. Microsoft needs to give users more control and choice over their devices and data. 

Microsoft needs to improve its communication and transparency about its updates and their impacts. Microsoft must ensure that its updates are thoroughly tested and verified before releasing them to the public. Microsoft needs to focus on quality over quantity and stability over novelty.

By doing these things, Microsoft can regain the trust and loyalty of its users and make Windows 10 a better operating system for everyone.

The countdown to the end of Windows 10 has begun. In less than two years, on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 devices, leaving around one billion computers vulnerable to cyberattacks and malware. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but a reality that many Windows users will soon have to face.

Why Windows 10 is doomed

According to my Windows Intelligence newsletter, half of readers are still using Windows 10 as their primary operating system. This is in line with global statistics, which show that more than 70% of PCs in the world run Windows 10, according to data from Microsoft and Statcounter.

But unlike the previous transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10, this time many Windows 10 devices will not be able to upgrade to Windows 11, the next version of the operating system. Microsoft has set strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, such as a TPM 2.0 chip and an XNUMXth-generation Intel or AMD processor, which exclude many older PCs and even some newer ones.

This means that millions of Windows users will have to buy a new PC if they want to keep their devices secure and up-to-date after October 14, 2025. Otherwise, they will be stuck with an outdated and insecure operating system, like Windows XP. or Windows 7 users today.

Thurrott noted that Microsoft had extended support for both Windows XP and Windows 7, but the latter only applied to businesses that paid an additional fee each year. “To be honest, I expected a higher adoption rate for Windows 11, especially among enterprises. That could cause [Microsoft] to continue supporting Windows 10″, he commented.

I contacted Microsoft to ask about its plans and a spokesperson responded that the company had "nothing further to add at this time" beyond what is on the lifecycle page.