Microsoft has issued a stark warning to Windows users, cautioning that they face a “security fiasco” that is more dangerous than any before. This critical alert comes as 800 million PC owners risk losing security updates with Windows 10 reaching end-of-life in October 2025. The warning, mainly targeted at the German market, highlights that “65 percent of all devices in German households” still run Windows 10.
ESET, a security firm, strongly advises all users to immediately switch to Windows 11 or choose an alternative operating system if their device cannot be updated. Otherwise, users expose themselves to significant security risks and become vulnerable to cyberattacks and data loss. Microsoft has confirmed a $30 one-year extension for Windows 10 home users, allowing more time to upgrade, while enterprises can extend support at a higher cost.
However, the numbers show a persistent and concerning trend of users clinging to Windows 10, possibly influenced by the extension offering. The current situation with Windows 10 is comparable to the end of support for Windows 7 in early 2020 but is potentially more dangerous due to the sheer number of affected devices. Around 400 million PCs globally lack the necessary hardware requirements to upgrade to Windows 11, putting them at heightened risk for data loss, espionage, and ransomware attacks.
As October approaches, security experts expect continual warnings across the industry. Microsoft’s main concern is the reversal of the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11.
Updating from Windows 10 necessary
The persistence of Windows 10’s market share is worrying, and Microsoft will likely continue pushing for upgrades through constant reminders within the operating system. Data from Statcounter shows Windows 10’s market share has increased to 62.7 percent, up from the previous month, whereas Windows 11’s share has dropped to 34.12 percent, down from 34.94 percent in November 2024. This trend concerns Microsoft, especially given that Windows 11’s market share is still more significant than a year ago when it stood at 26.54 percent.
A significant factor in the slower adoption rate of Windows 11 is not just its stringent hardware compatibility requirements—demanding a relatively recent CPU and TPM 2.0—but also the continued increase in Windows 10’s market share. Some users who initially tried Windows 11 have reverted to Windows 10, while many new hardware preinstalled with Windows 10 also contribute to this trend. With Windows 10 set to lose free support in less than a year, affected users must purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) or continue using the operating system at the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities.
Microsoft has yet to respond to comments about whether they would change Windows 11 hardware
Microsoft has yet to respond to comments on these figures and whether it would consider changing Windows 11’s hardware requirements or extending support for Windows 10. ESET’s IT security expert, Thorsten Urbanski, emphasized the urgency of transitioning away from Windows 10, stating, “It’s five minutes to twelve to avoid a security fiasco for 2025. 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.”
ESET suggested switching to a Linux distribution for users with older, unsupported hardware as a viable alternative.
“Always use the latest version of Windows, even if the change is difficult at first. Old versions such as Windows 7 or XP pose a high-security risk and should be replaced urgently,” the firm stated in a blog post.
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