Windows 10 End-of-Life: What You Need to Know
Bottom line: Security experts are raising alarms about Windows 10’s impending end-of-life status in October. Despite Microsoft’s efforts, only 30% of users have upgraded to Windows 11 since its launch in 2021. The majority face tough choices as continuing to receive official security updates will come at a cost, and many devices don’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements.
Thorsten Urbanski, a security expert at ESET, warns that the end of Windows 10 support could leave many devices vulnerable to cyberattacks. Without free official security updates, millions of systems could be at risk.
As Windows 10 approaches its 10th anniversary, it remains the most widely used Windows OS. ESET estimates that around 65% of devices in Germany are still running Windows 10.
Global data from StatCounter shows that Windows 10 accounts for 62% of Windows devices, while Windows 11 lags behind at 34%. Even among gamers, Windows 10 remains popular, with 42% of players using it according to the latest Steam survey.
ESET warns that the end of Windows 10 support could lead to security, software, and hardware compatibility issues. Organizations that fail to upgrade risk breaching cybersecurity regulations.
Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements have contributed to its low adoption rate. Microsoft has no plans to relax these standards, potentially leaving millions of systems with older processors unable to upgrade.
Industry analysts predict a surge in PC sales as the October deadline approaches, with businesses and individuals buying devices pre-installed with Windows 11. For those not ready to upgrade, there are options to maintain security.
Businesses can purchase Extended Security Updates for $61 per device for the first year, with costs doubling annually. Individual users can pay $30 for critical updates for one additional year.
Third-party provider 0patch has committed to offering unofficial security patches for Windows 10 until 2030, providing a solution for those unable to upgrade immediately.
