Windows 10 Support Ends: millions of PCs Face Increased cyber Risk
Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10,leaving a substantial number of computers vulnerable to escalating cyber threats. The final security update highlighted the severity of the situation,addressing between 172 and 193 vulnerabilities,including critically concerning Zero-day vulnerabilities - flaws actively exploited by attackers before a patch was available.
Among the critical issues addressed are CVE-2025-59230, a privilege escalation vulnerability within the Windows Remote Access Connection Manager, and a meaningful issue in the outdated agere modem driver (CVE-2025-24990). Rather than attempt a repair, Microsoft opted to completely remove the Agere modem driver component from systems. Cybersecurity expert Ben McCarthy of Immersive explained this decision, stating, “This clearly shows that sometimes removing old pieces of code is safer than constant patching.”
The cessation of support introduces what experts are calling “Forever Day” vulnerabilities - security gaps in Windows 10 that will never be patched. cybercriminals are already leveraging a tactic of analyzing patches released for Windows 11 to identify and exploit corresponding weaknesses in unsupported Windows 10 installations.
This risk is demonstrably real.The 2017 WannaCry attack disproportionately impacted organizations running outdated systems. charaka Goonatilake of Panaseer warns of a similar scenario, stating, “Using Windows 10 after October is like leaving an open front door in an unsafe neighborhood.” Data indicates the scale of the problem: over 40 percent of all Windows devices were still operating on Windows 10 just days before support ended.
Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a paid option for users with hardware incompatible with Windows 11. This program provides critical security updates for a maximum of three years, but is explicitly positioned as a temporary measure, not a long-term solution.Microsoft is offering the frist year of ESU free to private users who link thier system to a Microsoft OneDrive account. Without upgrading or participating in the ESU program, Windows 10 devices are increasingly susceptible to malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
[Advertisement:YourPCisconsidered”incompatible”forWindows11?Thereisalegalwaytostillswitchsafely-withoutnewhardwareandwithoutlosingdataAfreePDFreportshowstheprocessstepbystepsothatprogramsandfilesarepreservedPracticalalternativetotheESUprogram[Advertisement:YourPCisconsidered”incompatible”forWindows11?Thereisalegalwaytostillswitchsafely-withoutnewhardwareandwithoutlosingdataAfreePDFreportshowstheprocessstepbystepsothatprogramsandfilesarepreservedPracticalalternativetotheESUprogram[Advertisement:YourPCisconsidered”incompatible”forWindows11?Thereisalegalwaytostillswitchsafely-withoutnewhardwareandwithoutlosingdataAfreePDFreportshowstheprocessstepbystepsothatprogramsandfilesarepreservedPracticalalternativetotheESUprogram[Advertisement:YourPCisconsidered”incompatible”forWindows11?Thereisalegalwaytostillswitchsafely-withoutnewhardwareandwithoutlosingdataAfreePDFreportshowstheprocessstepbystepsothatprogramsandfilesarepreservedPracticalalternativetotheESUprogramGet the free report now]
The end of Windows 10 support is expected to significantly expand the global cyber attack surface.As each month passes, unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate, creating a lucrative environment for malicious actors. Security professionals anticipate the emergence of automated exploit tools specifically targeting vulnerable Windows 10 systems.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has already added the recently patched zero-days to its catalog of known exploited vulnerabilities, mandating patching for federal agencies – a clear indication of the severity of the threat for all users.
The message is unequivocal: The Windows 10 era is over. Failure to migrate to a supported operating system immediately exposes users to a heightened risk of cyberattacks, with the potential costs of inaction far exceeding the expense of an upgrade.
