Windows 10 Users Face Critical Security Risks in 2025

Microsoft has issued a stark warning to Windows users about a “security fiasco” that looms as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life in October 2025. 

With 800 million users at risk, the company emphasized that 65 percent of German households still use Windows 10, underscoring the widespread impact of this shift.

Security experts at ESET are urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to an alternative operating system. Failing to do so could expose devices to cyberattacks, data theft, and ransomware. 

ESET’s Thorsten Urbanski called it “five minutes to twelve” for users to act before 2025.

If your computer is too old to run Windows 11, consider switching to a lightweight Linux distribution.

Microsoft granted a $30 one-year extension for home users of Windows 10, while businesses were given an option to extend the support but at a higher fee. It seems that many more are still resistant to the change. 

At this point, Windows 10 is at an increased market share of 62.7 percent, while Windows 11 has decreased slightly to 34.12 percent, showing the alarming trend of delayed migration.

Around 400 million devices can’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, making them more vulnerable than when Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in 2020.

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This time, a much larger number of devices will be left vulnerable. If users keep running Windows 10 after October 2025, they will miss out on crucial security updates. This could lead to unpatched vulnerabilities and increase the chances of cyberattacks.

Despite these warnings, some users who tried Windows 11 have reverted to Windows 10, and many new devices still come pre-installed with the older operating system. Microsoft has yet to comment on whether it will relax Windows 11’s hardware requirements or extend support for Windows 10.

ESET stresses that upgrading to the latest version of Windows is essential for security. “Old versions like Windows 7 or XP pose high risks and should be replaced urgently,” the firm warned. The clock is ticking, and those who don’t upgrade are increasingly vulnerable.