Comment 8: I’m Late! I’m Late! For a Very Important End of Support Date!

For reasons that range anywhere from ‘we don’t want to do this anymore’ to ‘why aren’t you using a shiny, new bauble’, Microsoft had some time ago decided to end their support of Windows 10 in October 2025. It seemed fair. They gave the notice of their intent in early 2023 and they have been supporting the OS for about ten years at this point. If you’ve been super busy in class, or practice, or you’re the kind of person who doesn’t think about their technology unless it’s broken (I’m looking at you people who never run their updates!) then I regret to inform you that you’ve some choices to make, and not a lot of time left to make them.

Here are the strategies available to you today (if your computer is yours and not managed by your employer):

1) If I can’t see the problem it can’t see me.

Were you one of those kids in, I don’t know, first or second grade who hid themselves from the teacher by blocking your eyes? Because, of course, there’s no way they could see us if we couldn’t see them. I was one of those kids. In many ways, we were proto-John Cenas. This strategy involves ignoring the problem while functionality slowly degrades and security holes into your machine start to resemble the tunnels under mountains that thousands of cars a day drive through in Appalachia.

This is the best strategy for adults who still cover their eyes so nobody in classes or meetings can call on them.

2) If your computer’s hardware supports Windows 11, then maybe just upgrade.

As of June 2025, people were still able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free; however, I have heard about people that were having to pay. It’s a little murky, but it seems that free is a much more common cost still. Some people really like their Windows 10 and don’t want to make the switch, but the truth is that all operating systems that are not Linux, and a few that are, will eventually die. Change is inevitable: and unless you have a specific use case that prevents you from upgrading, it’s time to move on.

This is the best strategy for people whose hardware meets the requirements for Windows 11. You can go here to learn how to find out if you’re device is good.

“What about if my computer isn’t able to upgrade,” I hear you questioning from beyond my four walls. Don’t worry. I have some ideas for you, too.

3) Buy a new computer.

In this economy? Really? Yes. Look, technology can be a hobby but the reality is that it has been a requirement for people who, say, are going to law school or, perhaps, are taking the bar exam or, even, are now hired by a firm or just hung their first shingle. You need to invest in your technology. There’s really no choice. But I will totally sit and commiserate with you about the weirdness of inflation; the relative strength of the dollar; how the uncertainty around tariffs is causing spikes and dips in the cost for consumers. I can empathize, but I’m still going to tell you that this is a necessary purchase to meet your educational and professional goals.

This is the strategy for people who admit there is a problem and they want to solve it with the least headaches, even if it costs them a couple bucks.

4) Finally admit that things aren’t working with Microsoft and get back into the dating scene.

Look, you’ve had a good run but maybe what you need and what Microsoft needs just don’t align anymore. There are other operating systems in the world and now might be the time to meet some of them. There’s MacOS, of course, Microsoft’s neighbor that you keep hearing about. It’s a nice, fairly secure little operating system. The learning curve moving from Windows to Mac is there but it’s not insurmountable. You will find yourself having to buy a new computer, however, and Macs tend to be pricey compared to Windows computers. If you’re considering Mac, about ten percent of all content on the internet is dedicated to Mac v Windows debates. You’ll find what you need.

The other option is Linux, specifically the Ubuntu and Mint Linux-based operating systems. This blog is getting long so I’m not going to do a lot of explaining about Linux, but my email is always at the bottom if you have questions. So the short version. Pros: Linux-based operating systems are usually free; Ubuntu, Mint, and others have started to feel more Windows like over the years; Ubuntu, specifically, has made updating the OS and software easier than ever; you can install Linux right onto your old computer. Finally, and let’s be honest, most of the apps you use for work (Office 365, Adobe whatever, etc.) are being used through a web browser so it shouldn’t affect your workflow at all. But be sure to understand what you use for work/school if you’re considering Linux. For example, it would be a bad choice for student here at CSU|LAW because the testing software we use does not support Linux. Now the Cons: Linux typically has a steep learning curve and can be persnickety. You’ll definitely need to learn some new skills to make Linux your daily driver, but it can be worth it in the long-run.

This is the strategy for people who admit there is a problem and they want to solve it with more headaches than money spent.

5) Sure I’m kind of burying the lede, but Microsoft is supporting Windows 10 beyond October 2025.

But I’m not really burying anything and, honestly, how Microsoft is supporting Windows 10 going into the future keeps changing. CNET has been doing a good job of keeping up on these changes and presenting them in a way everybody can understand. Take a look at the most recent article they have an Windows 10 support.

This strategy is for people who are not a proto-John Cena but who haven’t made up their mind about the other options.

—

The ABA Rules of Professional Conduct, Model Rule 1.1 Comment 8 requires, “To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer shall keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.” To that end, we have developed this regular series to develop the competence and skills necessary to responsibly choose and use the best technologies for your educational and professional lives. If you have any questions, concerns, or topics you would like to see discussed, please reach out to e.koltonski@csuohio.edu.