End of Windows 10 support this year threatens over 60% of active Windows PCs

Result: Security experts continue to sound the alarm about the impending end of support for Windows 10 this October. Despite Microsoft’s best efforts, only about 30% of its users have upgraded to Windows 11 since its launch in 2021. The remaining majority face difficult choices as continuing to receive official security updates will be expensive and many Windows 10 devices don’t meet Strict Windows 11 hardware requirements.

Thorsten Urbanski, ESET Security Expert, warns that ending support for Windows 10 could put most Windows devices at risk. Without free, official security updates, millions of corporate and personal systems could become highly vulnerable to cyberattacks and other security threats.

As Windows 10 approaches its 10th anniversary, it remains the most widely used Windows operating system. ESET estimates that approximately 65% ​​of devices in Germany (around 32 million) are still running Windows 10.

Global data from StatCounter paints a similar picture: as of December 2024, Windows 10 accounted for 62% of Windows devices. In contrast, Windows 11’s share has only grown to 34% since its debut in 2021. Surprisingly, Windows 10 has even increased its share of users in recent months. . Although Windows 11 is a little more popular among gamers, the latest version Steam survey shows that 42% of gamers continue to use Windows 10.

ESET warns that the end of official support for Windows 10 could lead to more than just security issues. Companies and individuals may also encounter software and hardware compatibility issues. Organizations that fail to update on time risk breaching cybersecurity regulations, exacerbating the problem.

Windows 11’s relatively strict hardware requirements are the main reason for its low adoption rate. Microsoft has made it clear that this is the case. no plans to rest these standards. The company recently confirmed that all Windows 11 devices must include TPM 2.0 security, potentially excluding millions of systems with older processors. Even those who are eligible for Windows 11 have recently collided Problems when clicking on Microsoft update prompts.

Industry analysts predict that the October deadline could lead to increased PC salesas businesses and individuals buy devices with Windows 11 pre-installed. For those who don’t want or can’t upgrade immediately, there are other security options.

Businesses can purchase advanced security Upgrades cost $61 per device for the first year, but the cost will double each year thereafter. Individual users have the option to pay $30 for critical updates for an additional year.

Meanwhile, third-party provider 0patch has promised to offer unofficial security patches for Windows 10 until 2030. The company has a proven track record as it continues to release updates for Windows 7, suggesting that it will likely continue with its plans for Windows 10.