Microsoft Windows Deadline: Microsoft Windows users face a critical deadline: in just 30 days, support for Windows 10 will officially end, leaving nearly 600 million PCs without essential security protections. The final update arrives on October 14, after which devices that remain on Windows 10 will be exposed to growing cyber threats unless users upgrade to Windows 11, enroll in extended support, or find alternative solutions. With the clock ticking, experts warn that ignoring this deadline could leave millions of computers dangerously vulnerable.
Microsoft has issued a stark reminder to Windows users: the end of Windows 10 support is now just one month away. Beginning October 14, the company will stop releasing security patches for its most widely used operating system, putting hundreds of millions of devices at risk.
The announcement affects an estimated 600 million Windows 10 users worldwide. While Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, many PCs cannot meet the strict hardware requirements, leaving owners with limited choices.
What Happens After October 14?
Once support ends, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive updates that protect against the latest exploits and malware. Cybersecurity experts warn this is a serious risk, as hackers routinely target outdated operating systems. “Out-of-date operating systems can be left vulnerable to attack,” said Jake Moore of ESET. “When computers are left without patch management from Microsoft, they miss out on all the latest security updates which would keep them protected.”
What Options Do Users Have?
Microsoft is offering a temporary lifeline. Eligible users can enroll in a free 12-month Extended Security Update (ESU) program by saving their PC settings to OneDrive. This option buys extra time but is only available if activated before October 13.
For more advanced users, a controversial workaround called Flyby11—recently restored on GitHub—allows Windows 11 to run on unsupported hardware. However, Microsoft has discouraged this approach, warning that such devices may not function reliably and could still face security issues.
Experts Urge Immediate Action
Security specialists stress that users should not continue running an unsupported system. “It is important to make sure computers are set to auto-update,” Moore said. “But when they are at their end of life, it is vital that they are updated to the latest Windows operating system to stay protected from the latest threats.”
As the deadline approaches, Microsoft is expected to ramp up its reminders with pop-ups, notifications, and emails urging users to act before it’s too late.
