Whether upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing new hardware, or investing in Extended Security Updates, the message from Microsoft is clear: the time to prepare for Windows 10’s end of support is now. Microsoft has announced that Microsoft 365 apps will continue receiving security updates on Windows 10 for three years after the end of support date, until October 10, 2028. For organizations requiring extended support, Windows 10 virtual machines running in services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and other Microsoft cloud platforms will receive ESU at no additional cost. As the clock ticks down to October 14, 2025, Microsoft has intensified its efforts to alert Windows 10 users about the impending end of support deadline. After this date, the decade-old operating system will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, technical assistance, or time zone updates, leaving millions of devices potentially vulnerable to emerging cyber threats. Despite Windows 10’s continued dominance with approximately 60-70% market share across all Windows versions, Microsoft is holding its 10-year support lifecycle policy firm. Extended Security Updates Program: For the first time, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) to individual consumers at $30 for one year of continued security updates. While Windows 10 devices will continue to function after the deadline, they will become increasingly susceptible to malware, hacking attempts, and compatibility issues with newer software and hardware. Continue using Windows 10 unsupported: While not recommended, devices will continue to function but without security protections. Purchase a new Windows 11 PC: For devices that cannot be upgraded due to hardware limitations, Microsoft recommends buying a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed. Microsoft has provided tools to help with the migration, including Windows Backup and OneDrive for transferring personal files, settings, and applications securely. “As security threats evolve and adapt, so must our operating systems and hardware,” Microsoft stated in a recent blog post. The company emphasizes that Windows 11 was designed to be “the most secure version of Windows ever – by default and design” to help users stay ahead of evolving risks.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Tue, 06 May 2025 12:45:04 +0000