WINDOWS 10 users have been warned that they’ll have to pay if they want to continue using the operating system beyond its end of life.
Microsoft has revealed that’ll stop rolling out free updates for the popular software in 2025.
Getty – ContributorWindows 10 was launched back in 2015[/caption]
Updates not only provide new features but also protect machines from serious bugs that emerge.
Every few years, the tech giant rolls out a brand new version of Windows and urges people to upgrade.
The latest version is Windows 11, which is free on some devices.
As the company focuses its attention on the most recent software, its predecessor is slowly phased out.
Technically, you can carry on using Windows 10 for as long as you like at no cost but it would be a dangerous risk without security updates to protect you.
Microsoft offers extended security updates to those who wish to carry on using Windows 10 at a price.
This is usually aimed at big firms who aren’t quite ready to switch, but for the first time Microsoft is making the option available to individuals too.
A price is yet to be announced.
But what we do know is it’ll be a yearly subscription for up to three years.
The option won’t include any fancy new features or design changes.
This is purely for critical and important updates.
When is Windows 10 end of life?
Windows 10 was first released in July 2015.
It’s due to last until October 14, 2025 – so you still have quite a bit of time before worrying about updating.
But after this date there will be no more new features and no more important security updates to keep your machine secure.
If your machine eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 it might be worth taking the offer up while it’s around.
Unlock secret Windows 10 surfing game
Here’s what to do…
First, make sure you’ve updated Microsoft Edge to the latest version.
The correct version is anything later than 83.0.478.37.
Then type edge://surf into the URL bar and hit enter. This will work even if you’re offline.
Hit the spacebar to begin and use the arrow keys to navigate the treacherous seas ahead of you.
Each time you hit an object, you lose a life. You get three in total, although you can pick up extra lives along the way.
Try and get as far as possible and beat your high score.
We still haven’t quite figured out what the lightning bolts do. Answers on a postcard…
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]