Consumer advocacy groups are mounting significant pressure on Microsoft to reconsider its decision to end free security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The campaign highlights concerns about millions of functional computers becoming vulnerable to cyberattacks and potentially contributing to electronic waste.
Consumer Reports Leads the Charge Against Microsoft's Timeline
Consumer Reports, representing 5 million members, has sent a formal letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressing serious concerns about the Windows 10 support termination. The organization argues that Microsoft's decision will strand millions of users whose computers cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware incompatibilities. Policy fellow Stacey Higginbotham and technology policy director Justin Brookman authored the letter, emphasizing that this issue affects both individual consumers and national security.
Organizations Involved in the Campaign
- Consumer Reports: Leading the charge with formal letter to CEO Satya Nadella
- Public Interest Research Group (PIRG): Initial petition filed in October 2023
- European Right to Repair coalition: Supporting extended support demands
- iFixit: Backing the consumer rights campaign
- Hardware compatibility issue timeline: Windows 11 released 2021, affecting PCs manufactured 2016-2019
Massive Scale of Affected Devices Creates Environmental Concerns
The numbers paint a stark picture of the challenge ahead. Current data indicates that 46.2 percent of global users still operate Windows 10 as of August 2025, with an estimated 200 to 400 million PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to missing hardware requirements. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has joined the campaign, warning that up to 400 million perfectly functional computers could end up in landfills simply because they don't meet Windows 11's stringent hardware specifications.
Windows 10 Usage Statistics and Impact
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Global Windows 10 usage (August 2025) | 46.2% |
| PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11 | 200-400 million |
| Potentially discarded computers | Up to 400 million |
| Consumer Reports members represented | 5 million |
| Computers still in use (purchased since 2019, owned ≤5 years) | >95% |
Microsoft's Paid Extension Program Draws Criticism
Microsoft's proposed solution—a USD 30 fee for a one-year security update extension—has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocates. Consumer Reports characterizes this approach as consumer-hostile, forcing users to either pay for basic security protection or subscribe to unrelated Microsoft services. The organization argues this strategy allows Microsoft to gain market share over competitors while leaving users with limited options for maintaining their computer security.
Microsoft's Extended Support Pricing
- One-year security update extension: USD 30
- Support termination date: October 14, 2025
- Alternative options: Purchase new Windows 11-compatible computer (hundreds of dollars) or use unrelated Microsoft services for free support
Hardware Requirements Create Unprecedented Compatibility Issues
The controversy stems from Microsoft's departure from its traditional compatibility approach when launching Windows 11 in 2021. Unlike previous Windows versions that maintained broad hardware compatibility, Windows 11 introduced rigid restrictions that blocked upgrades even on computers purchased just two to three years before its release. This decision effectively reduced the support lifecycle to under 10 years for hundreds of millions of PCs manufactured between 2016 and 2019, breaking with Microsoft's longstanding compatibility policies.
National Security Implications Raise Stakes
Beyond individual user concerns, the situation presents broader security implications. Consumer Reports warns that having hundreds of millions of unprotected PCs creates a national security risk, as these machines could be compromised and used in attacks against other entities. The organization calls Microsoft's approach hypocritical for promoting Windows 11 as essential for cybersecurity while simultaneously leaving vast numbers of machines vulnerable to cyber threats.
Coalition Demands Free Extended Support
The growing coalition, including Consumer Reports, PIRG, the European Right to Repair coalition, and iFixit, is making specific demands of Microsoft. They request free security updates for all users unable to upgrade their machines, along with partnerships to provide recycling options for consumers who ultimately abandon their hardware. Consumer Reports survey data shows that more than 95 percent of laptops and desktop computers purchased since 2019 and owned for five years or less remain in active use, demonstrating the continued viability of these devices.
The campaign represents a significant public relations challenge for Microsoft as it encourages customers to purchase new Windows 11-compatible computers. With Consumer Reports' mainstream media influence and the backing of multiple consumer and environmental organizations, the pressure campaign may force Microsoft to reconsider its October deadline or risk further reputational damage in the consumer market.