Microsoft Changes Its Terms of Service: Soon You’ll Have to Pay to Keep Your Computer Secure

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By : Maria Popova

Microsoft’s controversial decision sparks public outcry

Microsoft’s announcement to end free Windows 10 support by October 14, 2025, has triggered significant concern across the United States. A coalition of 23 organizations has launched the “No Windows Tax” petition to challenge this decision.

This change will affect millions of American users, businesses, and public institutions still running Windows 10, which was initially released on July 29, 2015.

The economic impact on American users

According to experts, up to 400 million computers worldwide will be affected by this unilateral decision. In the United States alone, thousands of hospitals, government offices, and businesses face potential security risks or significant costs.

The estimated additional expenses could exceed billions of dollars for users who must either subscribe to paid security updates or upgrade to newer hardware compatible with Windows 11.

Environmental concerns raise red flags

Environmental groups have joined the protest, highlighting the ecological impact of forcing hardware upgrades. The raw materials needed to replace Windows 11-incompatible computers would be substantial.

American environmental organizations emphasize that many perfectly functional computers, some just five years old, could become obsolete unless users pay for continued security support from one of the world’s most profitable companies.

The petition’s demands

The coalition is demanding Microsoft maintain free security updates for Windows 10 until at least 2030. This extension would allow users, especially public institutions and small businesses, to plan transitions more effectively.

They argue that forcing premature upgrades during challenging economic times places an unfair burden on American consumers and organizations.

Security implications for users

Cybersecurity experts warn about the potential risks of running unsupported operating systems, particularly for critical infrastructure and healthcare facilities still using Windows 10.

The choice between paying for security updates or risking cyber threats presents a significant dilemma for many American organizations operating on limited budgets.

Conclusion

This situation represents a critical moment for American computer users, businesses, and institutions. The outcome of this controversy could set important precedents for how tech companies handle software end-of-life support in the future. Users are encouraged to follow developments closely and consider their options before the October 2025 deadline.

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