- Windows 10 support for Final Fantasy XIV will end on October 14, 2025.
- Square Enix recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid potential issues.
- After that date, the game may continue to run on Windows 10, but without warranties or official support.
- Minimum hardware requirements will also be adjusted during the transition.
In recent days, a piece of news that many PC gamers were expecting has been confirmed, but which inevitably marks the end of a new era: Final Fantasy XIV will no longer be supported on Windows 10 starting October 14, 2025.. Developer Square Enix is thus joining Microsoft's trend of abandoning one of its most popular operating systems, so those who continue to use Windows 10 will have to make important decisions regarding the future of their gaming experience.
The change responds, above all, to Microsoft's measures and the need to modernize the video game.Microsoft will stop releasing security patches for Windows 10 on the same date, posing an increasing security and performance risk to all applications, including Square Enix's MMO. From that point on, Final Fantasy XIV will no longer be able to guarantee a stable and secure environment, nor will it receive fixes for operating system-specific bugs.
What does the end of support mean for Final Fantasy XIV players?
As of October 14, Official support will end and technical assistance for Windows 10 will be very limited.While the game will be able to launch on this operating system, any issues related to compatibility, performance, or specific bugs will be beyond the scope of Square Enix Support Services, which will review each case individually but without obligation. Migrating to Windows 11 or updated hardware is the most recommended option to maintain a stable and secure experience.
Players will still be able to access Final Fantasy XIV on Windows 10, at least initially, but they face the risk of bugs, performance drops, or incompatibilities that the development team won't fix. The Japanese multinational makes it clear that the best option for users is to migrate to Windows 11 or to have hardware compatible with the updated requirements.
It is interesting to mention that the very Steam benchmark indicates that more than 97% of users already use 64-bit systems, so the impact will be greater among those who maintain older computers or who, for various reasons, cannot upgrade to the latest version of Windows. Updating the operating system is almost essential to ensure compatibility and performance in the MMO.
Update of minimum requirements and changes in necessary hardware
La The farewell to Windows 10 is also accompanied by adjustments to the game's technical requirements.Square Enix has noted that while the recommended system requirements remain unchanged, the minimum requirements have. Specifically, the minimum CPU requirement will go from an Intel Core i7-7700 (or higher) to an Intel Core i5-8400 (or higher) starting October 15, 2025, benefiting some users with newer but less demanding processors.
The development team is thus betting on Optimizations to allow more players to access the title after the modernization of supported systemsHowever, only 64-bit systems running Windows 11 (and equivalent hardware) will be able to guarantee the stability needed for upcoming visual and content updates, starting with the Dawntrail expansion.
What other options do players have in the face of change?
For those who can't immediately migrate to Windows 11, There are still options, although less recommendableThe game will still be accessible on Windows 10, assuming unexpected issues may arise and that receiving official support will become increasingly difficult. Some alternatives include migrating to other supported operating systems or, for businesses and large organizations, accessing paid support extensions for Windows 10, although this scenario primarily affects corporate users.
Square Enix's strategy reflects a growing trend in the video game industry. and reinforces its commitment to modernization, prioritizing stability, security, and performance for its player base.
This announcement marks a turning point for both veteran players and those planning to enter the Final Fantasy XIV universe on PC. The migration to newer versions of Windows, along with the updated minimum requirements, marks a new technological milestone for the popular MMO and demonstrates that technical evolution is essential to continue offering an optimal experience in the coming years.