Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, marking a major shift impacting hundreds of millions of users worldwide. Released in 2015, the operating system will no longer receive free security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance, leaving all devices running it vulnerable to exploitation. This decision mirrors previous end-of-life events such as Windows XP, which saw a surge in cyberattacks after losing support.
Rising security threats
Without updates, Windows 10 systems are expected to become prime targets for hackers. Thousands of vulnerabilities have already been documented in public databases like ExploitDB, and several critical flaws have been actively exploited.
Among them are CVE-2025-29824, a “use-after-free” bug in the Common Log File System Driver with a CVSS score of 7.8; CVE-2025-24993, a heap-based buffer overflow in NTFS marked as “known exploited”; and CVE-2025-24984, leaking NTFS log data with the highest EPSS score of 13.87%.
These vulnerabilities enable privilege escalation, code execution, or remote intrusion, many of which have been added to the U.S. CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, signaling the seriousness of the risks.
Limited upgrade paths
Microsoft recommends that users migrate to Windows 11, which features modernized architecture and ongoing support. However, strict hardware requirements mean that roughly 200 million Windows 10 computers worldwide remain ineligible for the upgrade.
For those unable to transition, Microsoft provides three main options: purchasing new hardware compatible with Windows 11, enrolling in a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program (offering patches for one extra year), or continuing to operate unsupported — a risky path exposing systems to severe cyber threats.
The support cutoff extends beyond the OS. Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 have simultaneously reached end-of-life, leaving only newer versions like Office 2021 and LTSC operable but unsupported on Windows 10. Users are encouraged to switch to Microsoft 365 or move licenses to Windows 11 devices. Notably, support for Office LTSC 2021 ends in October 2026.
Data protection tips
Microsoft urges users to back up critical data and securely erase drives before recycling or reselling devices. Participating manufacturers and Microsoft itself offer trade-in or recycling programs to ensure data safety. As cyber risks amplify and hackers exploit obsolete systems, users still on Windows 10 face a critical choice — upgrade, pay for ESU, or risk exposure in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.
