Microsoft to End Windows 10 License Sales by End of Month PCWorld (opens in new tab) reports that Microsoft will end digital downloads of Windows 10 on January 31, 2023, according to an announcement posted in several online locations. If you want to purchase a Windows 10 license after that date, you will need to purchase it from a non-Microsoft source.

Microsoft will no longer sell licenses for Windows 10, but the operating system will continue to be supported for the next several years. According to Microsoft's Windows 10 Home product page (opens in new tab), "January 31, 2023 will be the last day this Windows 10 will be offered for download. Windows 10 will continue to support security updates that protect your PC from viruses, spyware, and other malware through October 14, 2025."

What does this mean for those interested in building a Windows 10 PC? The only recourse is to purchase an existing Windows 10 license from a third-party retailer. If you or someone you know wants or needs a Windows 10 license, you can find an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) on Amazon or elsewhere.

Microsoft's decision to stop selling Windows 10 licenses is not that surprising. A few weeks ago, the Redmond-based company discontinued its last support for Windows 7; it also ended support for Windows 8 and 8.1. It is not hard to guess Microsoft's goal here: to make Windows 11 the only Microsoft operating system officially available for purchase.

Windows 11 has seen many improvements since its launch in late 2021. While it is not perfect yet, it has become a better and more stable operating system for most users. However, there are still a good number of people who do not want to upgrade to Windows 11, or who cannot due to Microsoft's strict Windows 11 PC requirements. If you are not ready to give up Windows 10, it might not be a bad idea to purchase one or two additional licenses before OEM copies eventually become difficult to obtain.

For those still torn between Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can also read our complete guide on whether you should upgrade to Windows 11.