After nearly a decade of dominance, Windows 10 will officially lose support tomorrow, October 14. Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, exposing millions of PCs to potential cyber threats. The company has been alerting users for months, yet many remain uncertain about the best course of action as the deadline approaches.
The impact of this change is significant. Windows 10 remains one of the most widely used operating systems globally. According to Forbes, nearly 200 million computers are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations that fail to meet Microsoft’s strict requirements. For these devices, the options are limited: users can either enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program for continued critical updates for another year, or continue using Windows 10 without protection against emerging security threats.
What users should do next depends on their PC. If your device is eligible, upgrading to Windows 11 is the recommended path. Otherwise, joining the ESU program provides temporary relief. But either choice comes with risks. The report emphasizes, “Shifting to Windows 11 or even joining the ESU comes with the chance of glitches and data loss, and relying on an unprotected Windows 10 machine makes backup even more essential.” Users are advised to back up their data—either through cloud services or external drives—to safeguard important files in case of system issues.
Microsoft also stresses proper disposal for older machines. If you plan to give away, recycle, or resell your PC, the company advises wiping your hard drive using Windows 10’s built-in erase feature. The rationale is straightforward: “You don’t want your personal information ending up in someone else’s hands,” similar to precautions taken when parting with smartphones.
Security experts warn that once official support ends, hackers are likely to target unpatched Windows 10 devices. Consumer advocacy groups have voiced concerns that millions of users may not be able to afford new machines, even as Microsoft encourages upgrades to its latest devices with AI-powered features such as Copilot. With many PCs expected to remain on unsupported Windows 10, the system could quickly become a prime target for cyberattacks.
