"Windows 10 Remains Operative on Multiple PCs: Russian Roulette Implication"
Starting from October 14, 2025, computers running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. This change brings significant risks for users, particularly enterprises with critical systems.
According to IT security expert Alexander Opel from ESET, using an outdated operating system is akin to playing Russian roulette with data. The risks include increased vulnerability to malware, cyberattacks, and security breaches, as new threats will not be patched. Additionally, software and hardware incompatibility, potential instability, and reduced functionality over time are other potential issues. Lack of official technical support for troubleshooting further compounds these problems.
These risks are particularly concerning for businesses, as they could make continued use of Windows 10 a liability. Opel advises companies to perform an upgrade as the costs of support are likely to outweigh the benefits for many organizations.
Regarding alternatives, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends using other secure and supported operating systems after Windows 10’s end of life. While exact BSI recommendations were not included in the search results, German federal guidance typically endorses then-current supported versions of Windows, such as Windows 11, and open-source operating systems like Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, or enterprise versions like SUSE Linux Enterprise or Red Hat Enterprise Linux). These alternatives are favored for their security updates and support lifecycles, helping organizations maintain a secure infrastructure.
Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a temporary measure, but this is costly and not a long-term solution. For private users, Microsoft offers an additional year of ESU for $30 (around €27) as an option for those who refuse to upgrade to Windows 11.
It is essential to note that it is irresponsible to operate a business with outdated systems, as it opens a door for successful cyberattacks. Gartner predicts a "period of uncertainty" in the purchase of new PCs due to increased economic and geopolitical risks, and there will be fire sales in the second half of the year due to full warehouses of PC manufacturers. Ranjit Atwal, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, warns that this period will likely result in a lack of new PCs available for purchase.
In Germany, there are approximately 24.7 million PCs still running on Windows 10, and over one million computers with outdated operating systems like Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows XP. The outdated Windows 10 is used by around 57% of all Windows computers in Germany. The German branch of Eset, a security company, based its calculations on its own telemetry data and verified the results with the "StatCounter" statistics service.
In conclusion, continuing with Windows 10 post-October 14, 2025, exposes systems to security and compatibility risks. Migrating to Windows 11 or a recommended secure Linux distribution aligns with BSI principles for maintaining secure IT environments, especially in public and critical sectors. If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, consulting the official publications or website of the BSI for the most precise and updated recommendations is advisable.
- The absence of security updates and technical support for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, makes it a risky choice for businesses, as they could become vulnerable to malware, cyberattacks, and security breaches.
- To mitigate these risks and maintain a secure infrastructure, Alexander Opel from ESET advises companies to consider upgrading to other secure and supported operating systems, such as Windows 11 or open-source Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian.
