Microsoft is officially ending support for the widely used Windows 10 operating system on Tuesday, October 14. This change is critical because computers still running Windows 10, estimated to be around 43 per cent of all Windows devices globally, will no longer receive essential security updates, making them highly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Who is Affected and Why is it Controversial?
Windows 10 is currently running on hundreds of millions of devices worldwide. This forced migration is drawing criticism from consumer groups who argue it creates unnecessary spending and environmental waste because many functional older computers cannot meet the demanding hardware requirements of the new operating system.
Your Options After the Deadline
Microsoft is offering users two paths forward, depending on their hardware:
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free)
- Who it’s for: Users with devices that meet Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements.
- The Catch: Many older PCs are ineligible for this upgrade path.
2. Extended Security Updates (ESU)
This scheme provides critical security patches until October 2026 for users who cannot or choose not to upgrade. It does not include new features or technical support.
- For Personal Users (Free/Low Cost):
- It is free for residents of the European Economic Area upon registration.
- It is free for other users who update to the latest version of Windows 10, have a Microsoft account, and back up their PC settings.
- Otherwise, there is a small one-time fee of $30 or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- For Commercial Organizations: The cost is $61 per device.
The Core Risk
The biggest danger is the cessation of security patches. Without continuous updates, computers running Windows 10 will lack the necessary defenses against new viruses and malicious software, turning them into easy targets for cybercriminals. Over time, businesses may also struggle with regulatory compliance, and other software programs will gradually stop working as developers drop support for the obsolete system.
