Windows 10 Users Alert: Monster Hunter Wilds, Rise & World Support Ending October 14, 2025

The Clock Is Ticking for Windows 10 Monster Hunter Players

If you're still rocking Windows 10 and have Monster Hunter games in your library, you need to read this. Capcom has officially announced that starting October 14, 2025, they will no longer guarantee that Monster Hunter: World, Monster Hunter Rise, and the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds will run on Windows 10 systems. This bombshell announcement comes as Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10 on the same date.

But what does this actually mean for you? Is it time to panic and upgrade immediately, or can you wait it out? Let's break down everything you need to know about this major shift affecting one of gaming's biggest franchises.

Why Is This Happening Now?

The timing isn't coincidental. Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, marking the end of an era for what's been one of the most popular operating systems in gaming history. When Microsoft ends support, it means no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance for Windows 10 users.

Capcom is following suit, aligning their support timeline with Microsoft's decision. This isn't just a Capcom thing either—expect to see more game developers making similar announcements as we approach the October deadline.

What Does "No Longer Guarantee" Actually Mean?

Here's the good news: your games won't suddenly stop working on October 15th. Monster Hunter: World, Monster Hunter Rise, and Monster Hunter Wilds will still be playable on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. However, future system updates or game title updates may make the games incompatible with Windows 10 systems.

Think of it this way:

• Short term: Your games will likely continue working fine
• Medium term: New patches and updates may or may not work on Windows 10
• Long term: Compatibility issues will become increasingly common
• Technical support: Capcom won't provide help for Windows 10-related issues

Which Monster Hunter Games Are Affected?

All three major PC titles in the current Monster Hunter lineup:

1. Monster Hunter: World (2018) - The game that brought Monster Hunter mainstream to Western audiences
2. Monster Hunter Rise (2022 on PC) - The Switch port that gained massive PC popularity
3. Monster Hunter Wilds (Upcoming 2025) - The highly anticipated next-gen entry launching February 28, 2025

Monster Hunter World is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC; Monster Hunter Rise is on Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC; Monster Hunter Wilds is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

Should You Upgrade to Windows 11 Now?

This is the million-dollar question, and the answer depends on your situation:

Upgrade NOW if:

• You play Monster Hunter regularly and rely on consistent updates
• You want guaranteed compatibility with future content and DLC
• You're planning to buy Monster Hunter Wilds at launch (February 28, 2025)
• Your PC meets Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, UEFI, etc.)

You can wait if:

• You primarily play single-player or older Monster Hunter content
• You're okay with potential troubleshooting down the line
• Your PC doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements and you're planning a hardware upgrade
• You want to see how things shake out before committing

The Bigger Picture: Gaming's Windows 11 Migration

Monster Hunter isn't alone in this transition. This is one of many warnings gamers will be receiving over the next couple of weeks as the October 14 deadline approaches. Major publishers are moving their support focus to Windows 11, and staying on Windows 10 means accepting you're on borrowed time.

Why developers are moving on:

• DirectX 12 Ultimate features optimized for Windows 11
• Better performance and optimization tools
• Reduced development overhead (supporting fewer OS versions)
• Security improvements that benefit online multiplayer

What About Console Players?

If you play Monster Hunter on PlayStation or Xbox, you can breathe easy—this announcement only affects PC players. Your console experience remains unchanged.

Capcom's Track Record with Legacy Support

To Capcom's credit, they've been relatively good about maintaining older game compatibility. Monster Hunter World, now over six years old, is still receiving updates and community support. However, without Windows 10 guarantees, that goodwill only goes so far.

The reality is that game development moves forward, and supporting legacy operating systems becomes increasingly difficult as new features and optimizations are implemented.

How to Prepare for the Transition

Step 1: Check Your Windows 11 Compatibility

• Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter
• Look for "UEFI" under BIOS Mode
• Check if you have TPM 2.0 enabled in BIOS

Step 2: Back Up Your Save Data

• Cloud saves should be automatic through Steam
• Manually back up local saves just in case (usually in Documents/My Games or AppData)

Step 3: Plan Your Upgrade

• Free Windows 11 upgrade is still available for Windows 10 users
• Alternatively, consider a fresh Windows 11 installation for best performance

Step 4: Update Your Drivers The official Capcom announcement specifically mentions keeping graphics drivers updated, which is crucial for avoiding compatibility issues during the transition period.

The Community Reaction

The Monster Hunter community has had mixed reactions. Long-time players understand the necessity of moving forward, while some are frustrated by the timing—especially with Monster Hunter Wilds launching just months after the Windows 10 cutoff.

On Reddit and gaming forums, the general consensus is that the writing has been on the wall for months, and anyone still on Windows 10 should have seen this coming.

Final Verdict: Time to Make a Move

Bottom Line: If you're serious about Monster Hunter—especially if you're hyped for Wilds—upgrade to Windows 11 sooner rather than later. While your games will probably work fine for a few more months, the peace of mind and guaranteed compatibility are worth the (free) upgrade.

Who should upgrade immediately:

• Day-one Monster Hunter Wilds buyers
• Competitive and multiplayer-focused hunters
• Anyone who wants guaranteed access to all future updates

Who can afford to wait:

• Casual players focused on completed content
• Players planning hardware upgrades in the next 6-12 months
• Those experiencing compatibility issues with Windows 11

The Monster Hunter franchise isn't going anywhere, but Windows 10 support definitely is. Make your choice wisely, and may your hunts remain smooth and stable, regardless of which OS you choose.

Need help upgrading? Check out our complete Windows 11 Gaming Setup Guide for step-by-step instructions and optimization tips.

Related: See our Monster Hunter Wilds Preview and Everything We Know about Capcom's upcoming flagship title.