Recently, Microsoft announced that it will be ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025. However, in an unusual move, the company has decided to reopen its beta program for Windows 10 to test new features and improvements. This decision comes as a surprise to many, as Microsoft had initially indicated that major updates for Windows 10 were complete.
One of the key features that Windows 10 has already received is the AI Copilot feature, which was originally exclusive to Windows 11. This suggests that Windows 10 users may see more exciting features being added in the future. In a blog post, Microsoft’s Windows Insider team explained the reasoning behind this move, stating that active feature development with Windows Insiders is necessary to bring new features and improvements to Windows 10.
Although Microsoft has not disclosed specific details about the additional features that will be tested next for Windows 10, Windows Insiders have the option to opt into the beta channel to access them early. It is important to note that despite these changes, the end of support date for Windows 10 remains October 14th, 2025. Microsoft has emphasized that joining the Beta Channel will not alter this date.
For the first time ever, consumers using Windows 10 will have the option to purchase paid security updates once the operating system reaches its end of support in October 2025. According to Microsoft, businesses will need to pay $61 per device for one year of security updates, with the cost increasing in subsequent years. While pricing for consumer security updates has not been revealed yet, Microsoft has assured that it will be shared at a later date.
Despite Microsoft’s efforts to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, there are millions of PCs that cannot officially make the transition due to the strict hardware requirements of the latest operating system. Windows 11 is only supported on CPUs released from 2018 onward and devices that support TPM security chips. As a result, Windows 11 usage continues to lag behind Windows 10 in terms of market share.
According to StatCounter, Windows 11 currently holds nearly 28 percent of all Windows version market share as of May 2024. In contrast, Windows 10 still maintains a dominant position with a market share of 68 percent, despite being released nine years ago in 2015. This data reinforces the fact that many users are sticking with Windows 10 due to compatibility issues with Windows 11.
Overall, Microsoft’s decision to reopen the beta program for Windows 10 signifies a shift in its strategy to extend the lifespan of the operating system and provide users with additional value. As we look towards the future, it will be interesting to see how Windows 10 evolves with the introduction of new features and improvements through the Beta Channel program.
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