Microsoft has issued a significant warning regarding the impending end of support for Windows 10, a milestone that could leave hundreds of millions of users vulnerable to cyber threats. As the company prepares to cease updates on October 14, users are urged to take immediate action to safeguard their devices.
Yusuf Mehdi, a Microsoft executive, articulated the gravity of the situation in a recent blog post, stating, “Microsoft will no longer provide security and feature updates and technical support for Windows 10 PCs.” While these devices will continue to operate, the lack of regular security updates will expose them to increased risks from malware and viruses.
According to StatCounter Global Stats, over 40 percent of all Windows users are still utilizing the outdated operating system. This statistic translates to millions of individuals who may unknowingly place themselves at risk if they do not transition to a more secure platform.
What are the risks for Windows 10 users?
In the UK alone, consumer advocates estimate that around 5 million users are still reliant on Windows 10. A recent survey conducted by Which? revealed that a significant portion—approximately one-quarter—of these users plan to continue using the operating system even after the support deadline has passed. Lisa Barber, editor at Which?, expressed concern, stating, “Our research suggests millions of people may be unprepared for the phasing out of Windows 10 next week. If you don’t act, you could become more vulnerable to hackers and scams.”
Beyond the heightened risk of cyber attacks, users may also experience performance issues with their devices. Mehdi emphasized that upgrading to Windows 11 is a natural progression in the software lifecycle, allowing for the introduction of new features and innovations. He cautioned that applications running on Windows 10 might face compatibility challenges, as the platform will no longer receive feature updates, potentially leading to decreased functionality.
How to check and update your operating system
Upgrading to Windows 11 is a straightforward process and comes at no cost, provided the computer meets the necessary hardware requirements. Users may have already received notifications regarding the upgrade. To determine eligibility for the free upgrade, Microsoft advises users to navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select “Check for updates.”
For those whose devices cannot accommodate the latest operating system, Microsoft offers the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of malware and cyber attacks through critical security updates, although it does not extend to other types of fixes, feature enhancements, or technical support. The ESU program will conclude on October 13 of the following year.
To enroll in this program, Windows 10 users can follow the same steps outlined for checking updates, where a link to enroll will appear in the ‘Windows Update’ section.
