More than 500 million devices currently running Windows 10 are approaching a critical turning point, as many of them are not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. This has raised growing concerns about long-term security risks once support deadlines pass. In response, Google is actively promoting an alternative, positioning its ChromeOS Flex platform as a free way to modernize aging systems.
Google states that older laptops and desktops can be converted into faster, more secure, and easier-to-manage devices by installing ChromeOS Flex. The system is cloud-based and designed to extend the usability of existing hardware without requiring users to purchase new machines. Although ChromeOS Flex has been available for some time, Google has now made adoption simpler by introducing a physical USB installation kit. Developed in partnership with Back Market, the kit allows users to install the operating system more easily. It is priced at approximately $3 or €3, is reusable, and is supported by recycling-focused efforts such as Closing the Loop to reduce electronic waste.
The timing of this push is closely linked to Microsoft’s decision to end mainstream support for Windows 10 in October 2025. That shift has forced users into a difficult position: invest in new hardware or continue using an operating system that will no longer receive full security updates. While Microsoft does offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, it is only a temporary solution. For individual users, coverage extends for roughly one additional year, while enterprise customers may receive longer support under specific licensing agreements.
The transition to Windows 11 has also been slower than expected. Adoption challenges, largely driven by strict hardware requirements, have resulted in an unusually large number of users remaining on Windows 10 even after its official lifecycle milestone. This contrasts with Microsoft’s earlier expectations of a smoother migration similar to the shift from Windows 7 to Windows 10, which had seen broader and faster adoption.
Google is also emphasizing environmental considerations as part of its messaging. The company highlights that manufacturing a new laptop contributes significantly to its overall carbon footprint. By extending the lifespan of existing devices, ChromeOS Flex helps reduce landfill waste and avoids emissions associated with producing new hardware. Google further claims that ChromeOS-based systems consume around 19% less energy on average compared to similar platforms.
Despite this, switching away from Windows remains a debated decision. Many users rely on the Windows ecosystem for software compatibility, workflows, and familiarity. However, for devices that cannot support Windows 11, alternatives such as ChromeOS Flex present a practical workaround. Even in cases where users purchase new computers, older machines can still be repurposed using such operating systems, for example within households.
At the same time, Microsoft is continuing to strengthen its Windows 11 ecosystem. Devices already running Windows 11 are being automatically updated to newer versions to maintain consistent security coverage. The company is using artificial intelligence to determine when systems are ready for upgrades and applying updates accordingly. While a similar approach could theoretically be applied to Windows 10 devices that meet upgrade requirements, this has not yet been implemented. It remains uncertain whether this could change as future deadlines approach.
Recent developments have also drawn attention to user hesitation around Windows 11. Reports indicated that a recent update disrupted a key Start menu function, even as official communication suggested there were no outstanding issues. Subsequent updates and documentation now indicate that previously known bugs have been resolved, with Microsoft steadily addressing issues since the platform’s release in late 2024.
Additional reporting suggests that all known issues in the current Windows 11 version have been marked as resolved in official tracking systems. This reflects ongoing improvements, though it also underlines the complexity of maintaining stability across large-scale operating system deployments.
For enterprise users, Microsoft is extending support in more flexible ways. Certain legacy versions of Windows 10, including enterprise and IoT editions released in 2016, are eligible for additional security updates. These updates are delivered through ESU programs available via volume licensing or cloud solution providers. However, Microsoft continues to describe this as a temporary measure rather than a permanent extension.
For individual users, the situation is more restrictive. Extended Security Updates are limited in duration, and once they expire, devices will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, or technical support. However, the continued availability of such programs suggests that support timelines may evolve depending on broader user adoption patterns.
The wider ecosystem is also seeing alternative recommendations. Some industry discussions encourage migration to Linux-based systems, while Google’s ChromeOS Flex represents a more consumer-friendly option. With hundreds of millions of devices affected, the coming months will play a crucial role in determining whether users remain within the Windows ecosystem or begin shifting toward alternative platforms.