As Windows 10 bids farewell, optical drives are selling like hotcakes in Japan

Microsoft released the final cumulative update for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, officially ending its mainstream support. While the operating system will continue to work, users around the world are deciding how to move forward. Surprisingly, in Tokyo, and more specifically in the tech district of Akihabara, there is a sudden boom in optical drive sales.

Blu-ray drives are sold out, leaving only DVD drives that users are buying to upgrade to Windows 11. Retailers warn that these are also selling out quickly. One reason is that modern PC cases often do not support the installation of internal drives, which users prefer for better performance.

Why optical drives in 2025? In addition to the end of Windows 10 support, the reason is Japan's cultural attachment to physical media. From magnetic tapes to Blu-ray discs, the Japanese value tangible products that can be shared or stored. While the West is moving to streaming services and digital downloads, Japan maintains an interest in physical media.

Major manufacturers such as Sony, LG and Panasonic have already pulled out of the optical media market, but smaller Japanese manufacturers continue to supply this niche demand. Falling drive prices have further fueled the buying frenzy.