Windows 10 has reached the end of its life, meaning Microsoft will no longer provide feature updates, bug fixes, security patches, or technical support. After an impressive ten-year run, this truly marks the close of an era. Released in 2015, Windows 10 followed the controversial Windows 8, which introduced the radical “Metro” interface.
In many respects, Windows 10 was considered Microsoft’s return to familiarity, bringing back the classic Start menu while emphasizing performance and system stability. As a result, it quickly became a dependable operating system, surpassing the beloved Windows 7 within just two years—a clear sign of its success.
However, with Windows 11 launching in 2021 and evolving through four years of improvements in design and performance, the era of Windows 10 has naturally come to an end. Users should now consider moving to Windows 11 for three main reasons: unified design, enhanced performance and stability, and stronger security.
Windows 10’s Design Feels Outdated in 2025
I maintain a Windows 10 virtual machine for testing purposes. While I don’t use it daily, I frequently run it to check old features. Each time I do, it feels out of place in 2025. The sharp, angular window corners clash with Windows 11’s softer, rounded visual style.
The pointed edges feel harsh and unwelcoming, whereas Windows 11’s curves create a calmer, more visually comfortable interface. Personally, I’ve always preferred rounded designs and softer aesthetics that align with modern UI trends.
It seems that after the criticism of Windows 8, Microsoft avoided experimenting with Windows 10’s visuals. Any elements that could have slightly impacted performance were removed, leaving behind a cautious, conservative interface.
While stability and functionality remain important, Windows 11 in 2025 has achieved both aesthetic appeal and reliability, especially after the 24H2 update. The user interface is nearly uniform throughout the system, and overall performance is equal to or better than Windows 10.
Windows 11 Now Offers Greater Stability Than Windows 10
Steam’s hardware survey indicates Windows 11 usage has risen to 63%, while Windows 10 has fallen to 32%. This shift began in August, with Windows 11 steadily gaining more users, particularly among gamers who prioritize performance and reliability.
For everyday users, Windows 11 is equally robust and delivers faster performance than its predecessor. Microsoft has refined CPU and RAM management, staggered app launches, drastically reduced boot times, and implemented other optimizations.
In my experience, I haven’t encountered a single BSOD on my Windows 11 system, even while dual-booting with Insider builds. Switching between channels has been seamless, without unexpected crashes.
A major contributor to this stability is Microsoft’s DCH driver architecture. Since most Windows crashes are driver-related, the new lean, legacy-free design greatly reduces such incidents. Additionally, Windows 11 updates are now almost 40% smaller, making them quicker and less intrusive.
Windows 11 Is Significantly More Secure by Default
Some Windows 10 users cannot upgrade because their PCs lack a TPM chip. However, this isn’t an arbitrary requirement—it’s crucial for Windows 11’s security-first design.
The TPM chip securely generates and stores cryptographic keys, including passwords, Windows Hello credentials, BitLocker keys, and device identity information, protecting sensitive data.
Secure Boot is also enabled by default in Windows 11, preventing unauthorized bootloaders or rootkits from running during startup. Only trusted, digitally signed software is allowed to load.
Virtualization-based Security (VBS) is enabled by default, isolating sensitive memory regions using hardware virtualization. It protects critical processes such as credential handling and kernel operations.
Additionally, Core Isolation and Memory Integrity (HVCI) are active by default. These features reinforce the kernel, allowing only trusted, signed drivers to operate in essential system areas. Combined, these measures make Windows 11 far more resistant to malware, providing a secure-by-default computing environment.
