Capcom warns gamers as Windows 10 support nears end
Capcom has issued a warning to PC gamers about the impending end of support for Windows 10, which could affect updates for games like Street Fighter 6. Meanwhile, Windows 7's market share has surged tenfold amid reluctance to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft plans to offer paid security updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area after the October 2025 cutoff.
The end-of-life (EOL) for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will cease providing free security updates and technical support. This deadline has prompted varied responses from users and developers. Japanese gaming giant Capcom recently alerted PC players that its titles, including Street Fighter 6, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Monster Hunter Wilds, may no longer receive updates or fixes on unsupported Windows 10 systems post-EOL. In a support document, Capcom stated, "We recommend upgrading to Windows 11 to ensure continued compatibility and security for our games."
Market data from Statcounter reveals growing resistance to Microsoft's push for Windows 11. In September, Windows 7's global desktop market share jumped from 0.68% to 6.52%, a tenfold increase, as the EOL loomed. Conversely, Windows 10's share dipped slightly to 63.97%, while Windows 11's usage fell from 36.22% to 35.71%. Analysts attribute this to Windows 11's strict hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs, which exclude many older PCs. The shift spells challenges for Microsoft's upgrade campaign, with some users opting for outdated systems rather than buying new hardware.
To address concerns in regulated regions, Microsoft announced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program specifically for Windows 10 customers in the European Economic Area (EEA). Starting after the EOL date, users can purchase up to three years of critical security patches for $30 per device annually in the first year, with prices doubling each subsequent year. This initiative complies with EU data protection laws and aims to ease the transition for businesses and individuals. However, the program is limited to the EEA and does not include feature updates or non-security fixes.
These developments highlight the tensions in Microsoft's ecosystem as it phases out Windows 10, once the world's most popular OS. Gamers face potential vulnerabilities, while the market share data underscores broader user hesitation toward Windows 11's demands.