Khaberni - Microsoft has launched an urgent warning for users of the "Windows 10" operating system as the date for the end of its official support on October 14 approaches, warning that devices that have not been upgraded to "Windows 11" or registered in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will be more susceptible to cyberattacks and malware.
Yousef Mehdi, an executive at Microsoft, stated in a post on the company blog, that Microsoft will not provide any security updates, new features, or technical support for "Windows 10" devices after this date, indicating that continuing to use the system will greatly expose the devices to cybersecurity threats.
According to StatCounter Global Stats, more than 40% of Windows users worldwide still rely on "Windows 10", putting millions of devices at risk of imminent security exposure.
Lisa Barber, technology editor at Which?, said: "Our research indicates that millions of users have not prepared yet for the discontinuation of Windows 10 next week, and ignoring the update could make them more vulnerable to hacks and cyberattacks."
Microsoft urges users to check if their devices are eligible for the free upgrade to "Windows 11" through the following path:
Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
For devices not eligible for the upgrade, their owners can join the ESU program, which provides critical security updates for an additional year until October 13, 2026, without enhancements or direct technical support.
Mehdi concluded by saying that moving to the newer system is "a natural part of the software lifecycle", emphasizing that continuing to use Windows 10 beyond the specified date could affect the performance of applications and increase the risks of digital security.
