Microsoft Has Ended Support for Windows 10. Now What?

Updated: October 19, 2025 · Ham Radio Deluxe® v6.9

We’ve always said that Ham Radio Deluxe® (HRD) is compatible with any version of Windows that Microsoft supports. Now that Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 (Home, Pro, and related desktop editions) on October 14, 2025, here’s what that means for HRD users.

To that point, if you're running Windows 11 presently, you're good!

Will Ham Radio Deluxe® Still Run on Windows 10?

It might, depending on your hardware. Windows 10 compatibility depends on whether your PC’s processor supports a modern instruction set called AVX2.

Why Hardware Matters (AVX2)

Beginning with version 6.9, HRD has been modernized on the Qt framework and now requires AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) for improved performance and stability.

• Introduced: AVX2 arrived with Intel’s Haswell processors in 2013, and has been standard in virtually all mainstream CPUs since ~2016.
• Implication: If your PC was built before 2013, it likely lacks AVX2 and cannot run HRD v6.9.
• Rule of thumb: Most PCs manufactured 2013 or later include AVX2.

How to Check If Your PC Supports AVX2

1. Use CPU-Z (easy): Download the free utility CPU-Z, open the CPU tab, and look at Instructions for AVX2.
2. Windows command (advanced): On some systems, PowerShell tools or third-party utilities can enumerate CPU feature flags; CPU-Z is the most straightforward.

Bottom Line

• If you’re on Windows 11, you already meet the HRD v6.9 hardware requirement (AVX2).
• If you’re on Windows 10, HRD v6.9 may run—verify that your CPU supports AVX2.
• Systems older than ~2013 generally won’t run HRD v6.9 due to missing AVX2 support and are outside Microsoft’s current desktop lifecycle.

Ham Radio Deluxe® is committed to delivering a faster, more reliable experience on modern, supported Windows platforms. Thank you for keeping your station software up to date.