Many gamers are continuing to use Windows 10 even as the operating system's final support deadline looms. While Microsoft ended regular security updates for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro on October 14, 2025, its Extended Security Updates program offers limited patches through October 13, 2026, giving users just 5 months until support officially ends.
As seen on Steam and other platforms, a large share of users still run Windows 10 even as the cut‑off date approaches. Windows Central editor Ben Wilson observed that of the 93.47% of Steam users who use Windows, a quarter run Windows 10. Wilson speculates that while some gamers see Windows 10 as a stable, familiar OS that runs their games without any problems, others feel that they're stuck using the OS because their PCs don't meet Windows 11's hardware requirements. Rising PC component prices aren't exactly making this any easier.
Another issue is that, over time, new software (including games) may drop support for Windows 10 and target Windows 11 or later, making it harder to keep older systems as primary gaming machines.
For now, Windows 10 still runs games well. Gamers can keep using it with or without Extended Security Updates, but that won't last forever. Gamers can also consider Linux‑based operating systems, which recently surpassed 5% representation on Steam for the first time ever.