Dear Microsoft: Why Are You Killing Windows 10?
Exactly 6 months from today, Microsoft will kill Windows 10. There’s nothing wrong with Winndows 10. It’s a great operating system.
But many are going to have to throw away a perfectly good computer because of the Windows 11 hardware requirements. And yes, there’s 0patch and Microsoft’s ESU (Extended Security Updates), but those shouldn’t even be necessary.
We are all getting tired of Microsoft’s planned obsolescence game. It’s time for it to end.
Dear Microsoft…
Let’s have a straightforward conversation about Windows 11. I’ve noticed the annoying and shameless efforts to encourage Windows 10 users to upgrade, from annoying in-OS pop-ups to various notifications pointing towards the upgrade option in settings. However, I have some concerns about the current direction.
My first point concerns the hardware requirements, specifically the Trusted Platform Module 2.0. While this chip offers enhanced security features, its mandatory nature for Windows 11 effectively excludes a significant number of older computers from being able to run Windows 11. Although workarounds exist, they aren’t ideal for the average user.
This hardware incompatibility, coupled with the approaching end-of-life for Windows 10, will cause an increasing volume of electronic waste as many functional PCs will become unable to run the latest supported OS. E-waste is a concern – a tangible consequence of this upgrade path. More importantly, let’s discuss how users perceive the Windows operating system and how the current strategy could lead to a difficult road ahead for you.
Historically, Windows has evolved. There’s long been a desire among users for a more stable, long-lasting operating system, similar to Apple’s macOS with its continuous, free updates and relatively consistent user interface, free from intrusive advertising.
While I understand that Windows operates in a more diverse hardware ecosystem than Apple’s tightly controlled environment, the presence of ads within Windows is a noticeable difference, and it’s annoying and, I believe, unnecessary.
The cycle of new Windows versions appears to be driven by the financial model that benefits from system manufacturers needing new OS licenses and users eventually purchasing new hardware. Significant architectural changes necessitate leaving older systems behind, the TPM 2.0 requirement is a notable example of this.
However, this approach is outdated and is beginning to show weaknesses.
Windows PCs are no longer the stars of the show. People don’t need a Windows PC to connect to the internet, access their emails, communicate with family and friends, or participate in social media. Windows is no longer the number one operating system. It has fallen far behind Android.
Upgrading to a new operating system can be a considerable undertaking for individuals. For larger organizations, the effort and cost are significantly greater. Despite Microsoft’s push for upgrades, many businesses and public sector entities remain on Windows 10 or older systems.
Reports indicate that a substantial percentage of critical infrastructure, such as healthcare equipment, still relies on outdated and unsupported operating systems. This isn’t necessarily a lack of desire to upgrade, but often a practical limitation due to the substantial expense of replacing entire computer systems and sometimes the connected machinery. Running unsupported OS versions poses significant security and compatibility risks.
Finally, I want to address the increasing amount of non-essential content being integrated into Windows. Features like advertisements, persistent bugs, frequent notifications, and the constant and irritating promotion of Copilot as some kind of long-awaited, magical answer to PC users’ prayers are negatively impacting the user experience. For those of us using Windows 11, as I do on two of my laptops, these elements are becoming increasingly noticeable and irritating.
While I have my reservations about Apple’s hardware, the consistency and ad-free nature of macOS are becoming more appealing for those who can afford Apple computers.
Windows 11 is starting to feel less like a purchased product and more like an operating system as a service that can be altered or have features added without any user control. This trend is concerning.
Even Windows 10, in its dying days, isn’t entirely immune to these changes. I’m almost anticipating its end-of-life in the hope that it will mean a more stable and less intrusive experience on my one remaining Windows 10 computer.
I think most people want a reliable operating system that functions smoothly and doesn’t become outdated in five years. I believe this is a reasonable expectation.
Those who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 and cannot afford to buy a new computer will either have to take their chances running it without security patches or purchase 0patch or Microsoft ESU. They shouldn’t have to do either.
For those who cannot upgrade but who can afford to buy a new computer, they’re going to have to find a place for that perfectly good old PC, and that’s going to create a lot of unnecessary e-waste.
And we all know that once most of us have upgraded to Windows 11, you’ll introduce Windows 12 and start pushing that on us.
Microsoft, it’s time you finally give us Windows users what we want and stop playing this game with new versions of Windows. Just give us a Windows version that works with security updates that work and don’t break the OS.
Exactly!
This should be a petition that we can sign and send to Microsoft. I think there would be a LOT of signatures! I’m terrified to try installing Windows 11 again. Although my laptop is only 4 years old and (supposedly) can run Windows 11, when I installed it last summer, it wreaked havoc on my machine. My laptop was dead, and none of your tips and instructions I tried over 2 days got it running again. I spent 2-1/2 hours on the phone with Microsoft trying to get use of my laptop back again. It took THAT long of constant attempts to get it running. My nerves were shot. After ‘something’ finally got me back up and running, the guy asked me to try installing Windows 11 AGAIN!!! I told him I would rather jump off a bridge. I do not want to upgrade. My Windows 10 OS gives me very few problems (knock on wood), and I do not want to buy a new laptop with Windows 11 natively installed. After just 3 years, I should not have to pay monthly to continue using Windows 10. Can I please sign your letter???!!!
I’m sure thousands and thousands would agree with your letter to Microsoft…but “progress” doesn’t really care about practicality.
Excellent letter but like the many letters and commentaries against Trump, it will fall on deaf ears. Microsoft has us by the balls to do as they wish or pay exorbitantly to continue using computers with their OS, crappy as it may be. Kudos on your letter but I doubt it will bear fruit.
Microslop is and has been a dictatorship for many years and they no longer care about their “customer” base
Mo doubt these people are still using TV’s with cathode ray tubes, older type washing machines, no dishwashers, treadle sewing machines, older model cars, landlines, etc. Living in the 21st century one needs to move with the times. Need I say more!
I will be 77 this year and I also started out with 3.0 and am on 10 now, could go to 11 and start again, But I Don’t
think so had enough wasted time using with all the rest of windows xp ,7,8,10, and why they skipped 9, they must of
had enough money that year. And Thank You ALL, at Cloud Eight for helping me get thru it ALL
GODS Speed
I am around about the same age as you Tim and I so agree. I started off with with 3.0 as well and am now still using 10 because I refuse to upgrade just because Windows brings out a new OS. The pc I am using will allow me to upgrade to 11 for free but I am sick and tired of the constant reminders to upgrade to 11. The only time I upgrade now is when my pc finally ‘bites the dust’ and I have no option but to buy a new one that comes with the new OS. I used both 7 and 8 for a good while even although Windows had withdrawn support and I will continue to keep using 10 for as long as I can since I really like it.
Mo doubt these people are still using TV’s with cathode ray tubes, older type washing machines, no dishwashers, treadle sewing machines, older model cars, landlines, etc. Living in the 21st century one needs to move with the times. Need I say more!
Not logical. Washing machines wear out; the manufacturer doesn’t make your buy a new one. I highly doubt anyone is using a tube TV anymore, but if they are and it works, no one is forcing them to toss it. If I drive a 2012 Toyota, and it runs well, and it’s maintained well, don’t have to buy a new one. Microsoft’s hardware changes and their EOL date of 10/14/2025 leaves many users with no choice. It’s not like Windows 10 can’t run most modern software. To toss a perfectly good computer because it doesn’t have TPM 2.0 or a 7th Gen processor, will either put some people, who can’t afford a new PC, into the position of using unpatched OS, buying 0patch or MS extended support. And those who can afford a new computer will just junk a perfectly good computer and add to the increasing problem of e-waste in landfills. Comparing old washing machines to Microsoft’s penchant to release a new OS every five years is non sequitur. Microsoft could do what Apple does and upgrade the operating system without breaking the hardware.
BRAVO, BRAVO! I, too, wish we could all sign your fantastic letter as a petition and at least try to get your/ our sentiments to Microsoft. I absolutely dread shopping for and setting up a new computer just because once again, MS has decided to remodel.
Thanks for all you do. You are both appreciated.
Sorry Marten,you are way off course. perhaps you will grow wiser as you become an adult.
Previous letters have been on target regarding a lage company like Microsoft where they are profit driven in trying to re-invent the wheel.I fully support the idea of a petition to Microsoft. Not that it will do any good,but it might let them know that their market share will be reduced after October if they continue to bully their customer base.
Norman
Agree NRO. Nicely put.
I too agree with NRO. I DON’T want 11!!!
Well, Marten, I personally had nothing left on my computer when I upgraded my Windows 10 to Windows 11. Zilch, nada, nothing. I lost everything. I couldn’t even sign on to try to fix it. Nope, I had to junk it so went for a laptop with Apple, and ended up losing a lot of apps I needed.. I didn’t even want to try to buy another Windows as they had already switched over to the new Windows 11 and all I had heard about it from those who had Windows 11 were complaints, complaints, complaints!
Sometimes all those older model cars, landlines treadle sewing machines were the best! Metal fenders vs. the plastics fenders of the cars today?? Talking to people instead of texting?? Progress isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Just saying.
Hi Vicki, I think I will be going the Apple route also. I have 2 perfectly good computers running windows 10 that will be added to the piles of E-waste come October. I seriously feel for already financially stressed families that have to get a new computer for their children in school and all the college/university students. I live in Canada and just like the US money is tight.
So agree Vicki.
Exactly! Well written and to the point.
I agree with you 200%. This is getting ridiculous what Microsoft is doing to us. I would get an Apple iPad if they weren’t so expensive, and if I knew how much longer i’ll be able to us a computer. God is in charge!!!!!
i say if it aint broke dont fix it my win 10 works fine will keep it as long as it works
Another example of how we are all held hostage to the diabolical plans of those who hold all the power over us and force us to do as they will us!!
As for me, I have all but abandoned my laptop(except for having to rely on the spreadsheet set up for my bowling league) for an Apple pad that suits all of my needs without the hassle of navigating my ever frustrating laptop.
Thank you all at Cloudeight for all the help and knowledge you have provided me, since the “90’s, when I got my first laptop and how no idea to use it.
I totally agree. It seems like it’s all about money. I am recently widowed and don’t feel like I can upgrade computers every other year. I have no idea if my computer can upgrade to Windows 11 or not. I haqve Windows 10 now. This constant making us buy new computers is rediculous. Please let us know if you come up with a solution before ocxtober.