It’s no secret that Microsoft has finally stopped supporting Windows 10, and the tech giant is continuing to warn customers who are still using the PC operating system that they should be upgrading to Windows 11 to stay safe online.As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 users are no longer receiving free software updates like they have done every month since Windows 10 debuted in 2015.The operating system is now ‘end of life’, which means it will continue to function but won’t get important software patches with security fixes.Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Read more: Final lifeline for Windows 10 as Microsoft releases vital free upgrade Read more: RIP Windows 10: Experts warn of urgent issues as Microsoft ends support This technically leaves Windows 10 users open to new bugs that hackers could exploit.
Microsoft says this might leave you at risk.“Modern cyberattacks rarely go straight for the crown jewels,” Microsoft said in a blog post.“Instead, they probe for weak points in the systems that hold the keys: outdated operating systems, legacy infrastructure, and unsupported endpoints.”Although this post is written with businesses using Windows 10 in mind, all the warnings also apply to individual consumers.While still using the unsupported software isn’t a guarantee you’ll run into issues, the message is clear - you need to act.In its latest Digital Defense Report, Microsoft revealed more than 90 percent of ransomware attacks target “unmamaged devices lacking proper security controls”.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTThe only way to keep Windows 10 secure currently is to sign up to Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) programme.You can do this from your PC’s Settings menu.The ESU scheme is free if you are signed in to a Microsoft account and agree to sync your PC’s settings to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud backup service.Once you do this, the firm will continue to send you monthly security patches to keep you safe, but only for an extra year.That means you’re covered until October 2026, after which you’ll need to reconsider.Apple's John Ternus shares insight into the new iPhone Microsoft is still offering all Windows 10 users a free update to the newer Windows 11 operating system, which you can also install via the Settings menu on your computer.
Head to the Windows Update section to see if the download is available.But be aware that Microsoft has minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which means there is a baseline of recommended hardware specifications for running the newer software properly.If your PC doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s not advisable to install Windows 11, as your machine may struggle to work properly.Once you’ve discounted the ESU programme or the free Windows 11 install, the only other option for remaining technically safe by Microsoft’s standards is to buy a new PC that runs Windows 11.“Hackers don’t need to break your strongest lock,” Microsoft said.“They just need to wait until you leave a window open.”You may technically be OK if you run Windows 10 without software updates, especially if you don’t go online much (or at all) with your PC.If you only use it to play local media files, use a word processor or play offline games, you might be safe from harm.But Microsoft’s message is clear: if you are connected to the internet and are running Windows 10, you need to consider upgrading to Windows 11.
While that message is frustrating if you have a Windows 10 computer functioning perfectly well, it’s worth pointing out that Microsoft has supported Windows 10 for free for 10 years.That’s much longer than you can expect most other commercially free software to be supported for.The longest software support promised by Samsung and Google for many of their new Android smartphones is currently seven years.Read next SUBSCRIBE Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.
This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.You can unsubscribe at any time.Read our Privacy Policy
