The end of Windows 10 leaves many Zimbabwe computers behind

After ten years of service, Windows 10 has officially reached its end of life. Microsoft stopped supporting it on 14 October 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the world’s most popular operating systems. But here in Zimbabwe, many people are still using it.

If you’re seeing that message on your screen saying “Windows 10 is no longer supported”, don’t panic. Your computer will still turn on, your files will open, and your favourite software will continue to run. What’s changed is that Microsoft will no longer release updates, security patches, or bug fixes for Windows 10. That means the system will slowly become less secure and less compatible with newer apps and hardware over time.

A smooth goodbye but not for everyone

For many users in Zimbabwe, this change feels distant. The computers still work, and the thought of upgrading or worse, replacing perfectly functional hardware doesn’t sit well when the economy is tight. Many people simply can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on new machines that support Windows 11.

Over the years, Windows 10 became the stable workhorse for small businesses, schools, and home users alike. Developers, journalists, and entrepreneurs built their workflows around it. And now, with the end of support, there’s understandable hesitation.

Why people are staying on Windows 10

For one, it still works. There’s no forced shutdown or expiry your PC doesn’t suddenly stop functioning. Microsoft simply stopped updating it. So for those whose setups are running smoothly, upgrading feels unnecessary or even risky.

“I’m still on Windows 10 and I’m not upgrading anytime soon,” one local developer told TechNews Zimbabwe. “My software is stable, and I can’t afford disruptions to my work.” That sentiment is shared widely across the country. Stability, more than anything, matters.

But it’s not just stubbornness, it’s practicality. Many older laptops and desktops used in Zimbabwe don’t meet Windows 11’s stricter requirements such as TPM 2.0 and modern processors. Even if the software were free, upgrading the hardware isn’t.

The risks of staying behind

The biggest concern with staying on Windows 10 now is security. Without regular updates, your system becomes vulnerable to new malware, ransomware, and online attacks. Antivirus software helps, but it can’t replace Microsoft’s patch updates.

Over time, users may also face compatibility problems. Some newer apps, drivers, or online tools might stop supporting Windows 10. Even web browsers like Chrome and Edge will eventually drop updates for the system. That’s not happening immediately but it’s coming.

Microsoft itself is moving full speed ahead with Windows 11 and its upcoming AI-powered versions. That means the gap between old and new will only grow wider.

A Zimbabwean reality check

The truth is, upgrading isn’t always simple here. Hardware prices are high, reliable internet isn’t always available for large downloads, and many people depend on older machines that still get the job done. Zimbabwe’s tech landscape often runs a few years behind the global cycle not from neglect, but necessity.

That doesn’t mean users should ignore the risks. If you’re staying on Windows 10, make sure you back up your data regularly, keep your software and browsers up to date, and use strong antivirus protection. Avoid suspicious downloads and emails, and limit what you store on older systems connected to the internet.

For businesses, this is a good time to start planning an upgrade path even if it’s gradual. Some companies are already exploring lightweight Linux alternatives or refurbished Windows 11-ready PCs as a cost-saving compromise.

The end of an era, the start of another

Windows 10 launched in 2015, and it changed how millions of people interacted with their computers. It brought stability after the mixed reception of Windows 8, and it stayed relevant far longer than most operating systems do.

Now that support has ended, users everywhere from corporate IT departments to ordinary Zimbabweans working from home are deciding what comes next. Some are upgrading to Windows 11. Others are holding the line on Windows 10 for as long as possible.

In the end, this isn’t just about software. It’s about trust, cost, and control. For many Zimbabweans, Windows 10 still feels like home familiar, reliable, and predictable. And even though the world has moved on, we’ll likely be seeing it on screens across the country for a long time yet.