The cybersecurity firm ESET urges Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11 or Linux to mitigate significant security threats. Support for this operating system will end in October 2025, rendering it vulnerable to attacks.
Thorsten Urbanski, a security expert at ESET, emphasizes: “We strongly advise against waiting until October. Transition to Windows 11 or an alternative operating system as soon as possible, particularly if updating your current device is unfeasible. Otherwise, users risk data loss and exposure to cyberattacks.”
Starting October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates. Vulnerabilities discovered after this date could pose serious threats, increasing the likelihood of data breaches and the spread of malicious software.
According to StatCounter, Windows 10 currently powers approximately 63% of all home devices, while Windows 11 lags behind at about 34%. Interestingly, gamers appear to adapt more quickly to new operating systems.
Steam statistics reveal that nearly 55% of gamers have already adopted Windows 11, while 42% remain on Windows 10. In contrast, the transition among office and home users is slower, as their devices continue to perform reliably, negating an immediate need for an upgrade.
Urbanski considers the current situation even more perilous than the migration from Windows 7 in 2020. At the end of 2019, only 20% of users were still on Windows 7, while over 70% had switched to Windows 10. In comparison, the delay in transitioning now presents significant risks.
One of the primary reasons for the slow adoption of Windows 11 is its hardware requirements, particularly the necessity of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This prerequisite restricts upgrades for older devices that could otherwise support the new OS if not for this constraint.
Nevertheless, Microsoft insists that the TPM requirement is “non-negotiable,” citing its role in ensuring key security features, such as cryptographic key protection, credential security, and Secure Boot.
For those unable to upgrade, Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses can expect to pay $61 for the first year, $122 for the second, and $244 for the third, totaling $427 over three years. Private users have access to a more affordable program at $30 per year, though the costs may become burdensome for households with multiple devices.
