The end of support for Windows 10 is rapidly approaching. On October 14 — just six months from now — Microsoft will stop providing security updates for the still widely used operating system.
As many users remain hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11, Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has issued a public warning to those who plan to stick with Windows 10. In its statement, the BSI strongly recommends switching operating systems in a timely manner to avoid serious security vulnerabilities.
Once the support cutoff arrives, Microsoft will no longer patch security flaws in Windows 10 — unless users enroll in the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will extend support for up to three additional years. Without these critical updates, systems will be more prone to errors and increasingly vulnerable to attacks. Nora Kluger, a digital consumer protection expert at BSI, explained the implications:
“Security updates are essential for IT safety, as they fix vulnerabilities that attackers could otherwise exploit. Continuing to use Windows 10 beyond the end of its support period poses significant security risks. Users should switch to an operating system that will continue receiving comprehensive security updates over the next six months. This can be Windows 11, but alternatives like macOS or Linux are also valid options.”
To avoid a last-minute scramble this fall, BSI advises users to begin the upgrade process to Windows 11 as early as possible. That said, there’s currently no indication that Windows 10 will become unsafe before its official end-of-support date.
A Real Threat
Microsoft has also reiterated its concerns, warning users that they may need to upgrade their Windows 10 devices to meet Windows 11 requirements — or, in some cases, even consider retiring their current machines, even if they’re still fully functional.
This is due to the strict hardware requirements of Windows 11, which many devices — even relatively recent ones — fail to meet. The transition can be particularly frustrating for users who rarely upgrade their hardware or cannot afford to do so.
Another critical point raised by the BSI involves data backup. Before upgrading or replacing their system, Windows 10 users should ensure all important data is securely saved. To assist with this, the BSI has published a step-by-step guide to help users create proper backups before making the switch.
In summary, while Windows 10 remains secure for now, the looming end of support means users must take action soon — whether that means upgrading to Windows 11, switching to a different OS, or simply backing up their data and preparing for the transition.