Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, a move that could leave hundreds of millions of computers vulnerable to cyber threats and push users toward costly upgrades.
From that date, devices running the 2015 operating system will stop receiving security patches, updates that experts say are vital to defending against frequent cyberattacks. “By receiving no updates, you’re no longer protecting yourself against the most recent cybersecurity risks,” warned Martin Kraemer, a security specialist at U.S. firm KnowBe4.
Microsoft is urging customers to shift to Windows 11, released in 2021. For users whose machines cannot handle the newer software, the company is offering a $30 annual extension for security updates. Critics argue the plan unfairly burdens consumers. U.S. watchdog Consumer Reports said the lack of backward compatibility “is a blow to consumers’ pocketbooks,” while French group HOP has petitioned for free updates until 2030. Germany’s consumer federation also warned the decision would drive unnecessary e-waste.
The scale of the issue is massive: Consumer Reports estimated 650 million Windows 10 users worldwide in August, while U.S. advocacy group PIRG suggests up to 400 million PCs cannot run Windows 11.
Beyond security risks, experts note unsupported Windows 10 systems may struggle to run future applications, as software vendors increasingly rely on updated operating systems.
