Microsoft has pulled the plug on Windows 10 support, leaving hundreds of millions of computers around the globe in a precarious position. After nearly ten years of service, the operating system will no longer receive security patches, software updates, or official technical assistance from Microsoft.

This development creates a massive security gap. Every Windows 10 machine now operates without the protective shield of regular security updates, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals who actively hunt for unpatched systems. History shows us that outdated software becomes a goldmine for hackers deploying malware, ransomware, and sophisticated attack campaigns.

The Scale of the Problem

The numbers paint a concerning picture. Research indicates that approximately 200 million devices worldwide continue running Windows 10 but cannot transition to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. These machines now face an uncertain future, caught between expensive upgrade paths and mounting security threats.

Critical Vulnerabilities Already Exposed

Security researchers have documented thousands of exploitable weaknesses in Windows 10 through public vulnerability databases like ExploitDB. Several critical flaws demand immediate attention:

CVE-2025-29824 presents a serious “use after free” vulnerability within the Common Log File System Driver. This flaw carries a CVSS severity rating of 7.8 and has already been weaponized in active ransomware campaigns targeting businesses and individuals alike.

CVE-2025-29809 exposes a dangerous weakness in Windows Kerberos authentication. The insecure storage implementation allows attackers with local access to circumvent security controls, potentially gaining unauthorized system access.

CVE-2025-24997 involves a null pointer dereference issue buried in the Windows Kernel Memory. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can trigger denial-of-service conditions, causing system crashes and operational disruptions.

CVE-2025-24993 represents a particularly dangerous heap-based buffer overflow within the NTFS file system. Security agencies have flagged this as “known exploited” with an EPSS probability score reaching 2.19%, indicating active exploitation in the wild.

CVE-2025-24984 has emerged as the most concerning threat, involving sensitive information disclosure through NTFS log files. With an alarming EPSS score of 13.87%, this vulnerability tops the list of actively exploited weaknesses and has been added to the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

These vulnerabilities create multiple attack vectors. Hackers can escalate their privileges, execute malicious code remotely, or compromise entire network infrastructures. The absence of security patches transforms these known weaknesses into permanent backdoors for cybercriminals.

Why Windows 11 Isn’t Available to Everyone

Microsoft’s official guidance recommends upgrading to Windows 11, which continues receiving active security support and includes enhanced protection features. However, this solution remains out of reach for millions of users.

Windows 11 imposes strict hardware requirements that many older computers cannot meet. Machines lacking TPM 2.0 chips, sufficient RAM, or compatible processors face automatic disqualification from the free upgrade program. This technical barrier leaves a substantial portion of the user base stranded on an unsupported platform.

Available Paths Forward

Users facing the Windows 10 end of life scenario have several options, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks:

Upgrading to Windows 11 provides the strongest security posture if your hardware meets the requirements. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to verify upgrade eligibility. Compatible systems can transition at no cost, immediately restoring security update protection.

Purchasing New Hardware becomes necessary for users with incompatible devices. Modern PCs ship with Windows 11 pre-installed and include hardware security features like TPM 2.0 that strengthen overall system protection. While this option requires upfront investment, it ensures long-term security and performance improvements.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) offers a temporary lifeline through Microsoft’s paid subscription program. This service delivers critical security patches for one additional year, buying time for users planning future transitions. However, the subscription costs may prove prohibitive for individual consumers and small organizations operating on tight budgets.

Continuing with Unsupported Windows 10 remains technically possible but increasingly dangerous. Systems will continue functioning normally for basic tasks, but the growing vulnerability gap exposes users to escalating risks. Microsoft strongly recommends implementing rigorous data backup procedures and exercising extreme caution when choosing this path.

Office Applications Also Affected

The support termination extends beyond the operating system itself. Microsoft Office users face parallel challenges:

Office 2016 and Office 2019 have lost support across all operating systems, leaving users without security updates or bug fixes for these productivity suites.

Office 2021, Office 2024, and LTSC editions will technically run on Windows 10, but Microsoft provides no support or updates for this configuration. Users should anticipate compatibility issues and security gaps.

Microsoft encourages migration to Microsoft 365 subscription plans or transferring existing licenses to Windows 11 machines. Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 will reach their support end dates in October 2026, creating another transition deadline on the horizon.

Data Protection Must Be Your Priority

Whether upgrading immediately, enrolling in Extended Security Updates, or continuing with an unsupported system, comprehensive data backup becomes absolutely critical. The transition process itself carries risks of data loss, while unsupported systems face increased vulnerability to ransomware and system failures.

Implement regular backup schedules using both local external drives and cloud storage services. Test your backups periodically to ensure successful restoration when needed. Consider the 3-2-1 backup rule: maintain three copies of your data, stored on two different media types, with one copy kept off-site.

Before disposing of old hardware, use Microsoft’s built-in secure erase tools to completely wipe hard drives. Simple file deletion leaves recoverable data that could expose sensitive personal or business information. Microsoft and participating manufacturers offer trade-in programs and environmentally responsible recycling services for old equipment.

The Cybersecurity Implications

The Windows 10 end of life situation creates a massive attack surface that cybercriminals will certainly exploit. Historical patterns show dramatic increases in targeted attacks following operating system support terminations.

Ransomware operators actively scan for vulnerable systems, knowing that unpatched machines offer easier entry points. Business networks containing even a single Windows 10 device face potential compromise that could spread throughout the organization.

Security experts warn that the 200 million devices unable to upgrade represent a cybersecurity crisis in slow motion. As time passes without patches, newly discovered vulnerabilities will accumulate, creating an ever-expanding list of exploitable weaknesses.

Key Takeaways

• Immediate Action Required: Windows 10 no longer receives security updates, leaving all installations vulnerable to known and future threats.
• 200 Million Devices at Risk: Hardware limitations prevent millions of machines from upgrading to Windows 11, creating a massive security gap.
• Critical Vulnerabilities Active: Multiple high-severity flaws, including CVE-2025-24984 with a 13.87% exploitation rate, are already being weaponized by attackers.
• Limited Options Available: Users must choose between upgrading to Windows 11 (free but hardware-dependent), purchasing new computers, paying for Extended Security Updates, or accepting significant security risks.
• Office Applications Also Affected: Office 2016 and 2019 have lost support entirely, while newer versions run without updates on Windows 10.
• Data Backup is Essential: Regardless of your chosen path, implement comprehensive backup strategies immediately to protect against data loss from cyberattacks or system failures.
• Time-Sensitive Decision: Delaying action increases risk exposure as new vulnerabilities emerge without available patches.

Making Your Decision

The Windows 10 end of life announcement forces difficult decisions for individual users, families, and organizations worldwide. Those unable to transition to Windows 11 face particularly challenging circumstances, choosing between costly Extended Security Updates or operating vulnerable systems.

The expanding threat landscape, combined with documented evidence of active exploitation, demands prompt action. Whether through hardware upgrades, data protection measures, or security program enrollment, users must respond to this new reality before cybercriminals turn these vulnerabilities into successful attacks.

Time works against everyone remaining on Windows 10. Each passing day without security updates increases risk exposure and narrows available options. Evaluate your situation honestly, choose the most appropriate path forward, and implement your decision without delay. Your digital security and data protection depend on it.