Final Fantasy 14 Urges Players to Upgrade Before Windows 10 Support Ends
▼ Summary
– Square Enix will end support for Final Fantasy 14 on Windows 10 by October 14, 2025, aligning with Microsoft’s discontinuation of Windows 10 updates.
– Players can still run the game on Windows 10 after support ends, but Square Enix won’t provide official assistance for OS-related issues.
– Limited, case-by-case technical support may be offered for Windows 10 users, but it’s not guaranteed.
– Many players still use Windows 10, with 35% of Steam users on the OS, some due to hardware incompatibility with Windows 11.
– Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, but upgrading to Windows 11 remains the long-term solution.
Final Fantasy 14 players still running Windows 10 should prepare for an upcoming change, as Square Enix has confirmed the game will officially drop support for the aging operating system next year. The developer recently announced that Windows 10 compatibility will end on October 14, 2025, aligning with Microsoft’s own plans to discontinue security updates for the OS.
While the game might still launch on unsupported systems after that date, Square Enix warns that technical assistance for Windows 10-related issues will no longer be guaranteed. Players who encounter problems will have limited options, as any troubleshooting will be handled on a case-by-case basis without official backing. This leaves those clinging to older hardware or software versions at greater risk of instability or security vulnerabilities.
The shift reflects broader industry trends, with many developers gradually phasing out Windows 10 as Microsoft pushes users toward Windows 11. However, adoption hasn’t been universal, recent data from Steam’s hardware survey shows over a third of gamers still rely on Windows 10, whether by choice or necessity. Some older PCs, like those with certain CPUs or GPUs, simply don’t meet Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements.
For those hesitant to upgrade, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program, providing critical patches for an additional year at a cost of $30. Still, this is a temporary fix. Eventually, upgrading hardware or software will be unavoidable for players who want uninterrupted access to Final Fantasy 14 and other modern titles.
The transition hasn’t been seamless for everyone. Early adopters of Windows 11 faced adjustments, from redesigned interfaces to compatibility quirks. Yet, as support for older systems dwindles, the move is becoming less optional. Square Enix’s early warning gives players ample time to prepare, whether that means upgrading their OS, investing in new hardware, or exploring workarounds before the deadline arrives.
(Source: PCGAMER)
