Despite Windows 10's approaching end-of-life in October 2025, nearly half of Steam users are still using the operating system, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. While Windows 11 adoption is slowly growing, it still sits significantly behind Windows 10, leaving a large portion of PC gamers potentially facing security risks and a lack of support in the near future.
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will no longer receive security updates or technical support on Windows 10. While the apps will still technically function, using them on an unsupported OS poses security risks. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue receiving support and maintain the security and functionality of their Microsoft 365 applications.
HN commenters largely discuss the implications of Microsoft ending support for Office apps on Windows 10. Several express frustration with Microsoft's push to upgrade to Windows 11, viewing it as a forced upgrade and an attempt to increase Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Some highlight the inconvenience this poses for users with older hardware incompatible with Windows 11. Others note the potential security risks of using unsupported software and the eventual necessity of upgrading. A few commenters point out the continuing support for Office 2019, although with limited functionality updates, and discuss the alternative of using web-based Office apps or open-source office suites like LibreOffice. Some speculate this is a move to bolster Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making offline productivity increasingly dependent on the service.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43050350
Hacker News users discussed the implications of nearly half of Steam users still running Windows 10, despite its approaching end-of-life. Some questioned the statistic's accuracy, suggesting the data might include Windows Server instances or older, unsupported Windows builds lumped in with Windows 10. Others pointed out the apathy many users feel towards upgrading, especially gamers who prioritize stable systems over new features. Several commenters mentioned the potential security risks of staying on an unsupported OS, while others downplayed this, arguing that games often run in sandboxed environments. The cost of upgrading, both in terms of hardware and software, was also a recurring theme, with some suggesting Microsoft's aggressive upgrade tactics in the past have led to distrust and reluctance to upgrade. Finally, some users speculated that many "Windows 10" users might actually be running Windows 11 but misreported due to Steam's detection methods.
The Hacker News post titled "Nearly half of Steam's users are still using Windows 10" generated several comments discussing the implications of the statistic and user behavior regarding operating system upgrades.
Several commenters pointed out that the "end of life" for Windows 10 doesn't mean the operating system will suddenly stop working. They emphasized that security updates will cease, making the OS increasingly vulnerable over time. One commenter drew a parallel with Windows 7, highlighting how it continues to function despite being unsupported. This suggests a common user behavior of sticking with familiar operating systems even after official support ends.
Some commenters speculated on the reasons behind the slow adoption of Windows 11. Hardware requirements, particularly TPM and Secure Boot, were cited as a significant barrier. Others mentioned perceived instability or lack of compelling features in Windows 11 as reasons for users staying with Windows 10. One commenter noted the potential cost implications of upgrading, both in terms of new hardware and software licenses.
There was discussion about the accuracy and interpretation of Steam's hardware survey. Some questioned whether the survey accurately represented the broader PC gaming population. Others pointed out that the survey includes versions of Windows 10, some of which are already out of support. This nuance complicates the simple narrative of "nearly half of Steam users on an unsupported OS."
One commenter proposed that the statistic might reflect a savvy user base waiting for the initial bugs and issues of a new OS to be ironed out before upgrading, a common practice in the tech community. This contrasts with the perception of users clinging to older operating systems out of inertia or ignorance.
The prevalence of gaming on Windows in general was also touched upon, with a commenter suggesting the gaming ecosystem is largely locked into Windows, limiting the appeal of alternatives like Linux.
Finally, some comments offered practical advice, such as the possibility of bypassing Windows 11's hardware requirements through unofficial methods. This highlights the tension between security recommendations and user desire to retain existing hardware.