Final Fantasy XIV just announced they’re ending official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
So what does this actually mean for you, especially if you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 11?
What Does This Mean for Windows 10 Users?
In a nutshell, Microsoft won’t continue updating Windows 10 and provide related security fixes starting mid October. You can still use Windows 10, but if something breaks… don’t count on tech support backing you up!
Why the Change Now?
For example, in July 2024, FFXIV increased its minimum system requirements because the Dawntrail expansion included some heavy graphical updates. It’s been almost a year since the expansion released now, so if you encounter any FFXIV problems related to the Windows 10 operating system, Square Enix can’t guarantee they’ll be able to help you after October 14th.
What are the New Requirements? Should I Upgrade?
New Minimum Specs Starting October 15
Thankfully, if you’ve been since Dawntrail launched, your rig probably already meets the minimum specs! On the official system requirements page, the following Windows specifications are required after October 15th, 2025:
| Minimum System Requirements | Recommended System Requirements | |
| Operating System (OS) | Windows® 11 64 bit | Windows® 11 64 bit |
| CPU | Intel® Core™i5-8400 or higher | Intel® Core™ i7-9700 or higher |
| Memory | 8GB or higher | 16GB or higher |
| Available Space on Hard Disk/SSD | Hard Disk: 140GB or more | SSD: 140GB or more |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA® Geforce® GTX 970 (4GB) or higher AMD Radeon™ RX 480 or higher | NVIDIA® Geforce® RTX 2060 (6GB) or higher AMD Radeon™ RX 5600 XT or higher |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×720 | 1920×1080 |
| Internet | Broadband Connection | Broadband Connection |
| Communications Port | If you are using a router, please set up your ports so that the below packets can pass through. [Ports that may be used] TCP：80, 443, 54992-54994, 55006-55007, 55021-55040 | If you are using a router, please set up your ports so that the below packets can pass through. [Ports that may be used] TCP：80, 443, 54992-54994, 55006-55007, 55021-55040 |
| Sound Card | DirectSound® supported sound card | DirectSound® supported sound card |
| Direct X Support | DirectX® 11 | DirectX® 11 |
FFXIV Will Still Support These Platforms
If you’re playing on any other system after October this year, FFXIV will continue to support:
- Playstation 5
- Playstation 4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Mac OS (macOS Ventura 13.0, macOS Sonoma 14.5, macOS Sequoia 15.3.1)
Patch 7.3 is Coming — Upgrade Before You Miss Out!
Final Fantasy XIV’s Patch 7.3 is coming soon, so it’d be nice if you can keep playing! You’ve still got a few months left before the change, so why not upgrade soon?
If you haven’t caught up on FFXIV recently, why not check out some of the latest topics below?
