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On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10, marking the end of an era for an operating system that millions of users still rely on. In countries like Germany, 32 million devices (65% of the total) continue to depend on Windows 10, exposing users to severe security risks once updates come to an end.
This situation highlights the urgent need to migrate to more modern systems, such as Windows 11, or to explore alternatives like Linux distributions, especially for older hardware.
A Situation More Serious Than the End of Windows 7
According to Thorsten Urbanski, an expert in cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the era of… at ESET, the current scenario is more alarming than the end of support for Windows 7 in 2020. “Back then, more than 70% of users had already adopted Windows 10 before support expired. Now, a significant majority remains anchored in Windows 10, creating a high-risk landscape for 2025,” Urbanski explains.
The main issue is that, starting October 14, 2025, vulnerabilities discovered in Windows 10 will no longer be patched, leaving devices exposed to attacks such as ransomware, data theft, and espionage. This risk is even greater for companies operating with outdated systems, as they could face legal penalties for violating data protection regulations.
Global and Regional Impact
The usage of Windows 10 remains predominant in many regions, with similar figures in Austria (63%) and Switzerland (56%), totaling over 35 million devices in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Worldwide, millions of users and companies face a similar challenge, underscoring the need for a massive transition to more modern systems.
Why Migration is Urgent
The end of support not only jeopardizes user security but also impacts productivity and technological compatibility. Some of the most common issues include:
- Ransomware and malware attacks: Unsupported systems are a prime target for cybercriminals, who can exploit known vulnerabilities.
- Incompatibility with modern software and hardware: Older systems may not be compatible with new applications or devices, affecting performance and productivity.
- Legal risks: Companies operating with outdated systems may violate data protection regulations, facing fines and reputational damage.
Available Options: Windows 11 or Linux
Microsoft will offer paid extended support for Windows 10, but this solution will be costly and is primarily aimed at businesses. The most logical option for most users is to migrate to Windows 11, which offers better performance, enhanced security, and compatibility with more recent technologies.
For those with older hardware that cannot support Windows 11, Linux distributions represent a viable alternative. Systems like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Fedora are free, secure options capable of extending the life of the hardware.
Essential Measures to Mitigate Risks
The team of experts at ESET recommends adopting a series of security practices to protect devices during and after the end of Windows 10 support:
- Migrate as soon as possible: Upgrade to Windows 11 or consider Linux to avoid relying on an unsupported operating system.
- Keep systems updated: Install regular updates for all programs, firmware, and hardware.
- Implement robust security software: Use solutions with exploit protection and cloud-based analysis to detect unknown threats.
- Perform frequent backups: Safeguard data on external devices or in the cloud to prevent loss in case of attacks.
- Limit administrator permissions: Operate with standard user accounts and restrict the use of accounts with administrative privileges.
- Cybersecurity training: Educate users and employees about best practices to avoid phishing attacks and other common tactics.
The Challenge for Businesses
For organizations, the end of support for Windows 10 is a reminder of the importance of keeping their technological infrastructures updated. Aside from the risk of attacks, businesses may face compatibility issues, productivity losses, and legal penalties if they fail to comply with current regulations.
Planning the migration to Windows 11 or other systems is crucial to ensure operational continuity. Extended support may provide a temporary solution, but it does not replace a full upgrade.
Conclusion: An Opportunity to Improve Digital Security
The end of support for Windows 10 represents not only a challenge but also an opportunity to enhance security and modernize technological infrastructures. Acting now will allow users and businesses to avoid significant risks and reap the benefits of more advanced operating systems.
The transition to Windows 11 or Linux should be viewed as an investment in cybersecurity and productivity. In an increasingly interconnected digital world, taking a proactive approach is not only advisable but essential. 2025 could signal the beginning of a new era in digital security, provided the right decisions are made in a timely fashion.
Source: Security News