10 years of Windows 10: We look back on a full decade of innovation and continuity
On July 29, 2025, Windows 10 celebrates its tenth anniversary. What began in 2015 as Microsoft's ambitious attempt to overcome the fragmentation between desktop and mobile devices has become one of the most successful operating systems in the company's history.
A revolutionary start
When Windows 10 was officially released on July 29, 2015, it was more than just an ordinary operating system update. Microsoft offered it as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users. In retrospect, an unprecedented decision that laid the foundation for broad acceptance. Just two months after its launch, the new system ran on more than 110 million devices worldwide.
The ‘last’ Windows is coming of age
Microsoft once referred to Windows 10 as the "The Last Windows‘. A system that should be continuously developed instead of being replaced by completely new versions. This vision led to a new update model with semi-annual feature updates that fundamentally changed the way we perceive operating systems.
The Start menu returned after the criticized full-screen interface of Windows 8, combined with modern live tiles. Cortana established herself as a digital assistant, while the new Microsoft Edge browser replaced Internet Explorer. Features such as Virtual Desktops, the Action Center and Windows Hello for biometric authentication set new standards.
A Decade of Evolution
Over the past decade, Windows 10 has received countless updates that have continuously improved the system. From the launch of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to the integration of Microsoft Teams and regular security updates, Windows 10 has always been on the cutting edge.
Particularly noteworthy is the longevity of the system. While other operating systems have shorter life cycles, Windows 10 proved exceptionally stable and adaptable. It weathered the transition to remote work during the pandemic just as confidently as the increasing demands of modern applications.
The End of an Era
Ironically, the 10th birthday And also the beginning of farewell. Microsoft is planning to Support for Windows 10 end in October 2025 – just a few months after this anniversary. With Windows 11, Microsoft has already established the successor, even though many users still remain loyal to Windows 10.
For businesses and home users who aren't ready to switch, Microsoft offers Extended security updates (ESU) to enable use beyond 2025.
A lasting legacy
Windows 10 has proven that an operating system can be both innovative and familiar. It combined the strengths of its predecessors and created a platform that billions of users worldwide use on a daily basis. Whether for gaming, productivity or creative work, Windows 10 has established itself as a reliable partner in a fast-changing digital world.
For its tenth anniversary, Windows 10 deserves recognition for a decade of loyal services. It may not have become the ‘last Windows’, but it will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most significant.
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