The clock is ticking for Windows 10Field Over the last decade it has been The operating system of choice for millions of PC gamersoffering a (relatively) stable and reliable platform for countless virtual adventures. But from October 14, 2025 Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10Field
This means that if you're still clinging to the old OS, it's time to seriously consider making the leap Windows 11Field Ignoring the update could leave you vulnerable to security risks and, more importantly for gamers, potentially out in the cold when it comes to your favorite titles.
Before you continue, it's worth noting that you don't need to update Windows 11 immediately – you can continue to use Windows 10 The device is simply not supported.
However, using Windows 10 after October 14, 2025 poses significant risks for PC gamers. Without updates, security vulnerabilities will increase, threatening personal data. Game compatibility and performance will decrease as developers stop optimizing, resulting in lower frame rates, crashes, and ultimately an inability to run new games, effectively rendering the system obsolete.
Steam and big games: will they still work?
For many PC gamers, the news that Windows 10 is reaching the end of its life casts a long shadow over the treasured and often vast libraries of digital games they've cultivated over the years.
The initial concern revolves around compatibility: will the vast collection of titles on platforms like Steam still function as expected? How about popular, continuing Roblaxwhat kind of serial updates and online connection will be required?
Initially, the good news is that many existing platforms and select games will likely continue to run, at least during the transition period, on unsupported Windows 10 operating systemField However, this is not sustainable in the long term.
Termination of official support from Microsoft Windows 10 is beginning a gradual but inevitable decline in its viability as a gaming platform.
Without security patches, bug fixes, and basic system optimizations that come with active support, the operating system becomes increasingly vulnerable and less efficient.
More critically for gamers, this lack of official support means that software developers, including those responsible for game engines, development tools and, most importantly, the games themselves, eventually stop guaranteeing compatibility with Windows 10.
What problems will you face?
While gaming giants like Valve (the company behind Steam) have not released an explicit statement about the end of support for Windows 10, the industry trend is clear. Major platforms will inevitably align their development roadmaps with actively supported operating systems.
This means that future updates to the Steam client or other launchers such as Epic Games Store may introduce features or technical requirements that are not entirely compatible with a legacy Windows 10 device. Gamers may find themselves unable to access new platform features or even experience issues with the client itself.
Game developers, from independent studios to large AAA publishers, operate on finite resources. Their development and optimization efforts will naturally prioritize Windows 11, which offers the latest security features and performance improvements.
If you continue to play on Windows 10, you may encounter the following problems:
- Performance Issues: Games, especially new titles or those that receive significant updates, may not be optimized for Windows 10. This may result in noticeable performance drops, lower frame rates, stuttering, or longer loading times compared to the same game on Windows 11.
- Continuous errors: Any new bugs or glitches that appear specifically in Windows 10 due to driver issues are unlikely to receive official patches. Gamers may face persistent problems that reduce their gaming experience.
- Certain discrepancies: Future game updates may introduce features or graphical enhancements that leverage Windows 11 Specifice technologies (such as DirectStorage or certain DirectX 12 end features). These features may be missing or may not function on Windows 10.
- Inability to launch new releases: The most important impact is felt through future games. Developers may simply fail to provide Windows 10 compatibility for brand new titles, leading to situations where a widely anticipated game simply won't launch and crash immediately after trying to play.
- Problems in live service games: For games like Roblox, Fortniteor Call of Dutywho rely on continuous updates, patches and online infrastructure, the situation is especially precarious. These games often receive frequent content additions and technical updates. If these updates are exclusive to Windows 11, Windows 10 users may find their games becoming unstable, unable to connect to servers, or simply becoming unresponsive over time as the compatibility gap widens.
Essentially, while the transition may not be immediate or sudden, the end of life for Windows 10 marks the beginning of a slow but undeniable process where PC gamers stuck with an unsupported OS will likely be left behind.
Their gaming experience will be degraded, characterized by decreased performance, uncertain issues, and a possible inability to participate in the latest and greatest offerings the gaming world has to offer. The incentive to upgrade to a supported operating system, primarily Windows 11, will become increasingly compelling as these issues are resolved.
Recommended gaming laptops and PCs for Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 isn't just about stopping current; It's about future gaming experiences. Don't get caught when your favorite games stop playing well on their old OS. Make the switch sooner rather than later for better safety and security.
Below you'll find some of our gaming laptop recommendations based on your budget. Make sure you check out our Best Gaming Laptops And Best budget gaming laptop Guides also for more expert buying advice.
