The Impending End of Windows 10 Support: What It Means for Users in Germany
ESET Germany has sounded an alarm regarding the imminent conclusion of support for Windows 10, which currently runs on approximately 65% of personal computers, equating to about 32 million devices within the country. This situation raises significant security concerns, as many users remain on an outdated operating system that will soon leave them vulnerable to threats. The cybersecurity firm advocates for users to transition to Windows 11 as a proactive measure.
Expert Insights from ESET’s Thorsten Urbanski
Thorsten Urbanski, an IT security expert at ESET Germany, emphasizes the urgency of this transition:
It’s five minutes to twelve to avoid a security fiasco for 2025. We strongly advise all users not to wait until October, but to switch to Windows 11 immediately or choose an alternative operating system if their device cannot be updated to the latest Windows operating system. Otherwise, users expose themselves to considerable security risks and make themselves vulnerable to dangerous cyber attacks and data loss.
The situation is more dangerous than when support for Windows 7 ended in early 2020. At the end of 2019, only about 20 percent of users still relied on Windows 7. Over 70 percent had already adopted Windows 10. The current landscape is alarmingly precarious; cybercriminals are well aware of the user statistics and are poised to exploit the vulnerabilities that will emerge post-support.
Microsoft’s Recommendations and Extended Support Costs
In a bid to raise awareness, Microsoft is actively discouraging users from continuing to install Windows 10 from official sources. The tech giant is working to entice gamers by highlighting the enhanced gaming features available with Windows 11. However, for users who find themselves unable to upgrade, ESET points out the financial implications of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
Microsoft has already announced that there will be extended, paid support for Windows 10. What is new is that private users can also buy this service. However, the costs are high and double with each year of use.
Security Recommendations and Alternative Options
Alongside recommendations to upgrade to Windows 11, ESET has provided general security guidelines for users on outdated hardware:
Always use the latest version of Windows, even if the change is difficult at first. Old versions like Windows 7 or XP pose a high security risk and should be replaced urgently. The switch from Windows 10 should also be planned. ESET recommends switching to Windows 11 as quickly as possible. Alternatively, a Linux distribution can also be a good option, especially for older hardware.
As a footnote, Microsoft has reiterated that users should consider acquiring new PCs if they wish to run Windows 11, as the system requirements remain stringent and have not been relaxed.
Further Reading
For more insights and information, you can access the full blog post on ESET Germany’s official website here.
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