Millions in UK at risk of cyber-attacks as Windows 10 ends updates, Which? finds | Cybercrime
Nearly 5 million British computer users risk being left vulnerable to cyber attacks and scams after Microsoft stops updating its decade-old Windows 10 system next week, consumer campaigners have warned.
A quarter of the estimated 21 million UK residents using a device running Windows 10 plan to continue using the device after updates have ended, according to a survey by Which One, and so they will be at risk of online security breaches, including malware and viruses. More than a third of those who do not plan to take action and are therefore at risk of becoming vulnerable are people over the age of 55.
It is predicted that this move will also add to the mountain of e-waste, where millions of computers worldwide will become obsolete unless they can be updated, and many customers will seize the opportunity to purchase new hardware. Microsoft encourages consumers to use recycling initiatives.
The issue affects hundreds of millions of consumers and businesses using Windows 10 worldwide. Industry predictions It suggests that 13% of computers currently running the software will need to be replaced.
For other devices, the solution is relatively simple and involves upgrading to Windows 11 if a PC supports it. Alternatively, Microsoft is offering a one-year extension to Windows 10 to give users time to consider alternatives.
But which poll? He noted that 39% of existing users will update their Windows packages, while 26% say they plan to continue using version 10 after updates are stopped.
Where? “Millions of people may be unprepared for Windows 10 to be phased out next week,” said Lisa Barber, editor of the magazine. Technology magazine. “If you have a laptop or PC running Windows at home, now is the time to check which version you’re using and see if it’s Windows 10 or older. If you don’t take action, you could become more vulnerable to hackers and scams.”
One blogMicrosoft vice president Yusuf Mehdi said that once security and feature updates and technical support for Windows 10 PCs are stopped, the devices “will be more vulnerable to cyber threats such as malware and viruses.”
“Apps running on Windows 10 may no longer be supported because the platform no longer receives feature updates,” he said. “As a result, functionality may be reduced in some applications.”
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1. What’s happening to Windows 10?
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, security fixes, or technical assistance to Windows 10 computers. This means that computers running the software will continue to work but will become more vulnerable to viruses and malware, may slow down, and may lose some functionality. Microsoft says the more current system, Windows 11, “meets current demands for increased security by default”.
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2. What is the risk?
If Windows users do nothing, they could become particularly vulnerable to hackers lured by large-scale systemic vulnerabilities. “They will target people, exploit vulnerabilities and try to steal your data,” Barber said.
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3. How can I reduce the threat?
The simplest move is to update to Windows 11 for free. If your computer is less than four years old, it will probably work. Check your computer’s specifications to find out. According to Which, the minimum requirements are 4 GB Ram and 64 GB storage? online tool To check compatibility. You need to find the name of your computer’s processor, but the tool helps you find it. Another solution is to switch your computer to a different operating system, such as Linux or Google’s Chrome OS.
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4. What if my computer doesn’t have the necessary hardware to perform the upgrade?
Doing nothing can leave you vulnerable to malware and other security breaches. One option is to enroll in Microsoft’s one-year program. extended security updateIt will provide protection until October 13, 2026. Another alternative is to buy a new computer that supports the latest software updates, possibly using retailers’ trade-in schemes to reduce cost.
