Millions of PCs Face Security Risks as Windows 10 support Ends
A ticking time bomb is set to explode for millions of computer users: October 14, 2025, marks the end of free security updates for Windows 10. Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm, warning of a potential “security fiasco” as millions remain on the aging operating system.
ESET, a leading cybersecurity firm, is urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or consider alternative operating systems like Linux. “It’s five minutes to twelve to avoid a security fiasco for 2025,” explains ESET security expert Thorsten Urbanski. He stresses the urgency, adding, “We strongly advise all users not to wait until October, but to switch to Windows 11 immediately or choose an alternative operating system if their device cannot be updated to the latest Windows operating system.Or else, users expose themselves to considerable security risks and make themselves vulnerable to perilous cyber attacks and data loss.”
the stakes are high. Without free security updates, Windows 10 users will be exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities, increasing their risk of malware infections and data breaches. The sheer number of vulnerable machines is alarming. ESET estimates that in Germany alone, approximately 32 million computers—around 65% of household devices—still run Windows 10. Globally, the situation is even more widespread, with StatCounter data from December 2024 showing nearly 63% of Windows users worldwide still on Windows 10.
While the Steam Hardware & Software Survey suggests a higher adoption rate of Windows 11 among gamers (54.96% vs. 42.39% for Windows 10 as of late 2024),this doesn’t reflect the broader user base. Gamers often upgrade hardware more frequently,while businesses and many consumers may be slower to adopt new operating systems due to compatibility concerns or the perceived lack of immediate need.
Urbanski highlights the severity of the situation: “The situation is more dangerous than when support for Windows 7 ended in early 2020,” he explains. “Even before the official date, at the end of 2019, only around 20 percent of users were still using Windows 7. Over 70 percent were already using the new Windows 10. The current situation is extremely dangerous. Cyber criminals know these numbers very well and are just waiting for the day when support ends.”
The reluctance to upgrade to Windows 11 stems from several factors, including missing features, performance issues, and the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirement, wich prevents some older machines from upgrading.This is further complicated by the fact that many older systems run Windows 10 smoothly, but the lack of a TPM renders them incompatible with windows 11. Microsoft’s stance that a TPM is “non-negotiable” for Windows 11 only exacerbates the problem.
the looming deadline underscores the critical need for proactive cybersecurity measures. Users are strongly advised to assess their systems and plan their upgrades well in advance of October 2025 to avoid becoming easy targets for cybercriminals.
Windows 11’s TPM requirement: A Necessary Evil or Pricey Upgrade?
Microsoft’s insistence on the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for Windows 11 has sparked debate among users. While Microsoft calls the requirement “non-negotiable,” the decision leaves many facing a challenging choice: upgrade or pay for extended support. The TPM chip, a critical security component, enhances protection against malware and unauthorized access by securely storing cryptographic keys and protecting user credentials. It’s integrated with Secure Boot and Windows Hello for Business, bolstering overall system security. But for those with older machines, the upgrade path isn’t always straightforward.
The cost of upgrading or avoiding the upgrade is a significant factor for many. For businesses, the financial implications are substantial. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, providing continued security patches for those unable to upgrade. However, these updates come at a price. Businesses face a three-year cost of $427 per device, escalating from $61 in the first year to $244 in the third.
Consumers aren’t entirely off the hook either. Microsoft provides a less expensive, one-year ESU program for Windows 10 at $30 per device. While seemingly affordable for a single machine, the cost quickly adds up for households with multiple computers. This leaves many consumers weighing the cost of upgrading hardware versus paying for extended support, a decision that impacts household budgets across the country.
The situation highlights a growing tension between technological advancements and the cost of keeping older systems secure. The TPM requirement, while enhancing security, forces users to consider the financial implications of upgrading or maintaining older systems. This is a challenge faced by individuals and businesses alike, underscoring the need for clear and accessible information about upgrade options and the associated costs.
The debate over Windows 11’s TPM requirement underscores the ongoing evolution of computer security and the challenges it presents to both consumers and businesses.The financial burden of upgrading or maintaining older systems is a significant consideration for many Americans, highlighting the need for transparent and accessible information about upgrade options and their associated costs.
