Look, Windows 10 support officially ended on October 14, 2025, and Microsoft wants everyone on Windows 11. But there are some fair dinkum reasons why you might want to think twice – or at least go in with your eyes wide open.
1. Privacy Concerns Are Real
Windows 11 collects more telemetry data than ever before. Microsoft tracks your activity, app usage, location data, and diagnostic information. While you can turn some of this off, it’s buried in settings, and Microsoft makes it deliberately difficult. They want that data, and they’re not shy about it.
The mandatory Microsoft account requirement for Windows 11 is another privacy headache. Microsoft is essentially forcing you to hand over your email address and tie your computer usage to their cloud services.
2. Your Operating System Has Become an Ad Platform
This one really gets my goat. You’ve paid for your computer, you’re paying for your internet, and Microsoft still thinks it’s appropriate to show you ads in the Start menu, lock screen, File Explorer, and even in the Settings app.
“Recommended” apps that you never asked for. Suggestions for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Edge browser nagging you every time you try to use Chrome. It’s your computer, but Microsoft treats it like their billboard.
3. The Subscription Push Is Relentless
Microsoft is aggressively pushing everyone toward subscription models. Microsoft 365, OneDrive storage, Game Pass – they want you paying monthly for services that used to be one-time purchases.
Windows 11 is designed to constantly remind you about these subscriptions. Pop-ups, notifications, and “helpful” suggestions that are really just sales pitches. If you’re happy with your current software setup and don’t want to be constantly upsold, Windows 10 gave you more peace.
4. You Lose Control Over Updates
Windows 11 gives you even less control over when and how updates are installed. Microsoft decides when your computer restarts, and while you can delay updates, you can’t disable them entirely without jumping through hoops.
For people who need their computer to work when they need it – not when Microsoft schedules a forced restart – this is a genuine problem.
5. It’s Bloated with Features You Don’t Need
Widgets, Teams integration, Copilot AI assistant, Xbox Game Bar, Phone Link – Windows 11 comes stuffed with features that many users never asked for and can’t fully remove. It’s bloatware, plain and simple, and it eats up system resources.
The Catch (And It’s a Big One)
Here’s where I need to be straight with you: staying on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025 means no more security updates. That’s a serious risk.
Your options:
- Upgrade to Windows 11 and deal with the issues above (at least your computer is secure)
- Pay for Extended Security Updates – about $30 USD for the first year, but it doubles each year after
- Switch to Linux – genuine option if you’re tech-savvy and your software supports it
- Keep using Windows 10 at your own risk (I can’t recommend this for any computer that goes online)
My Honest Take
After 25 years in this industry, I’ll tell you what I tell customers: Microsoft has made some dodgy decisions with Windows 11. The privacy issues, the ads, the constant upselling – it’s disappointing, and you have every right to be annoyed.
But an unsecured computer is a bigger problem than an annoying operating system.
If you’re going to stay on Windows 10, at least:
- Keep your antivirus updated
- Back up your important files regularly
- Don’t use it for banking or sensitive information
- Seriously consider switching to Linux if your needs are basic
Windows 11 isn’t perfect – far from it – but it’s the reality we’re stuck with if we want to stay in the Microsoft ecosystem securely.
