Microsoft Windows users are facing increasing security risks as the end of support for older versions of Windows approaches. Recently, Microsoft warned 50 million users of outdated operating systems such as Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8.1 that they are no longer receiving essential security updates or technical support.
While these versions still power millions of PCs globally, Microsoft has advised users to upgrade to newer systems, specifically Windows 11, for better security. As Microsoft stated, “Devices running an unsupported version of Windows will still function,” but they won’t receive “technical support of any issue, software updates, [or, more critically] security updates or fixes.”
The warning also extends to the 900 million users of Windows 10. Microsoft will cease support for this version in October 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyberattacks unless they upgrade. Although Windows 10 users have another year before the security updates stop, Microsoft is urging them to consider transitioning to Windows 11.
However, one of the main hurdles is that many older PCs are not compatible with Windows 11, requiring users to buy new hardware.
Microsoft is promoting the purchase of new computers and the use of its cloud service, OneDrive, to facilitate the upgrade to Windows 11. However, many users are resistant to upgrading due to the costs and the lack of a secondary market to sell their outdated PCs.
As a result, the adoption of Windows 11 has been slow, and there are concerns about how Microsoft will handle the transition when support for Windows 10 ends.
The tech giant has made it clear that running an unsupported version of Windows leaves users vulnerable to cyberattacks, viruses, and spyware.
Despite monthly security alerts and updates for current Windows versions, the risk for users on unsupported systems continues to grow. With Microsoft’s recommendation to upgrade sooner rather than later, millions of users will need to make crucial decisions about their computer systems as the 2025 deadline approaches.