A ticking time bomb for Windows 10 users: Support ends soon, leaving millions exposed!
Millions of Microsoft users are facing a critical situation as the company prepares to end support for the Windows 10 operating system. This move will have significant implications for the security and functionality of countless devices worldwide.
The End of an Era: Tomorrow marks the day when Microsoft officially stops providing automatic technical and security updates for Windows 10. This is a major concern, as outdated software can become a hacker's playground. With an estimated 21 million users in the UK alone still relying on Windows 10, the potential for widespread security breaches is alarming.
Upgrade or Risk It: Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to Windows 11 for compatible devices, but many older machines may not meet the requirements. Users have the option to purchase extended security updates for the next year, but this is a temporary solution. After that, users with outdated computers will have to decide between investing in a new machine or risking potential security threats.
A Global Impact: Windows is the world's most prevalent operating system, with approximately 1.4 billion devices in use. As of July 2025, an astonishing 43% of these devices were still running Windows 10, according to Statcounter data. This means that a substantial portion of the global Windows user base is about to lose critical security support.
Security at Stake: Windows 10, released in 2015, has been regularly updated with bug fixes and security patches. These updates are essential for protecting against known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Without them, personal data could be at risk.
The Poll's Predicament: A recent poll by Which? revealed that a quarter of the 21 million Windows 10 users in the UK don't plan to upgrade to Windows 11. This is a worrying trend, as it suggests that a large number of people may soon be left unprotected against potential cyberattacks.
Upgrading Made Simple: For those with compatible devices, upgrading to Windows 11 is straightforward. Simply follow these steps:
- Open 'Settings' in Windows 10.
- Navigate to 'Update & Security' and click on 'Windows Update'.
- Click the 'Check for updates' button.
- If Windows 11 is available, click 'Download and install' to begin the upgrade.
Expert Advice: Lisa Barber, editor of Which? Tech, urges users to take action: "If you have a Windows laptop or PC, check your version and plan accordingly. Ignoring this issue could make you an easy target for hackers and scams."
Limited Security Lifeline: For devices incompatible with Windows 11, users can opt for 'Extended Security Updates' to receive security patches for a year. However, this service doesn't include software or technical support, and users must enroll manually. It's free if you sync your PC settings with Windows Back up, or it can be purchased for £24.99 or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Commercial organizations will be charged $61 per device.
The Clock is Ticking: Users have until October 13, 2026, to sign up for extended updates. After this deadline, any device still running Windows 10 will no longer receive security patches, leaving users vulnerable. Many may be forced to buy new computers to ensure their online safety.
The Environmental Impact: The end of Windows 10 support could also have a significant environmental consequence. Fiona Dear, Co-Director of The Restart Project, an e-waste charity, estimates that around 400 million computers globally will lose software support, eventually becoming obsolete. This could result in over 700 million kg of e-waste, a concerning environmental issue.
A Plea for Action: Ms. Dear suggests that Microsoft could prevent this e-waste crisis by continuing automatic updates for Windows 10. This simple measure could save countless devices from an early retirement and reduce the environmental impact.
The Future of Microsoft: Microsoft's history is filled with groundbreaking moments, from its founding in 1975 to becoming a trillion-dollar company in 2019. But with the end of Windows 10 support, the company's future direction is a topic of interest and concern. Will Microsoft continue to support older versions, or is this the beginning of a new era where users are forced to upgrade regularly?
The Debate: Should Microsoft extend support for Windows 10 to prevent potential security risks and e-waste? Or is it time for users to embrace the latest technology, even if it means upgrading their devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
