The company is urging users to forget about the old OS.
Microsoft has issued its most alarming warning yet for Windows 10 users who haven’t upgraded to Windows 11. The company has made it clear: Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, and those who remain on the old system risk data theft, attacks, and other dire consequences.
“When your operating system no longer receives critical security updates, it’s like leaving your front door open,” reads the emails that Microsoft began sending to users this week. Those who receive the emails are asked to check whether their PC is eligible for the upgrade or consider buying a new device.
According to Statcounter, Windows 10 continues to be used by about 800 million devices. Microsoft emphasizes that as the end of support approaches, these computers will become “easy targets” for malware and cyberattacks.
The company points out that security updates are like “locks on doors”: they protect against intruders. And given that the March Windows update again fixed zero-day vulnerabilities, the risks of staying on an outdated system are growing.
Microsoft will offer paid extended support for $30 per year for companies and organizations, but this option has not yet appeared in mass messages - perhaps out of concern that many would prefer to pay rather than upgrade.
The transition to Windows 11 remains free for owners of suitable licensed devices. Microsoft emphasizes that the combination of the new system and more modern hardware provides a significantly higher level of protection.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late,” the company warns. “The update will protect your data and provide peace of mind for your digital life.”
Microsoft has issued its most alarming warning yet for Windows 10 users who haven’t upgraded to Windows 11. The company has made it clear: Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, and those who remain on the old system risk data theft, attacks, and other dire consequences.
“When your operating system no longer receives critical security updates, it’s like leaving your front door open,” reads the emails that Microsoft began sending to users this week. Those who receive the emails are asked to check whether their PC is eligible for the upgrade or consider buying a new device.
According to Statcounter, Windows 10 continues to be used by about 800 million devices. Microsoft emphasizes that as the end of support approaches, these computers will become “easy targets” for malware and cyberattacks.
The company points out that security updates are like “locks on doors”: they protect against intruders. And given that the March Windows update again fixed zero-day vulnerabilities, the risks of staying on an outdated system are growing.
Microsoft will offer paid extended support for $30 per year for companies and organizations, but this option has not yet appeared in mass messages - perhaps out of concern that many would prefer to pay rather than upgrade.
The transition to Windows 11 remains free for owners of suitable licensed devices. Microsoft emphasizes that the combination of the new system and more modern hardware provides a significantly higher level of protection.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late,” the company warns. “The update will protect your data and provide peace of mind for your digital life.”