The time has come. October 14, 2025 officially marks the end of Windows 10the operating system that dominated the world market for a decade and accompanied billions of users, from corporate desks to home computers. After ten years of service, Microsoft has closed the product life cycle: no more security updates, no technical support, no bug fixes. In practice, Windows 10 will continue to workbut those who use it will remain exposed to increasing risks. Here’s everything you need to know.
The passage
For the Redmond multinational this is a natural transition, part of its policy of continuous renewal of systems. For users, however, it is a critical moment. When an operating system reaches “end of support”, it stops receiving patches and security updates, which turns it into a easy target for hackers. Cybersecurity experts explain that, immediately after the deadline, criminal groups and automated bots they begin to scan the network looking for out-of-date computers. It is a real hunt for vulnerable systems: a weak point is enough to penetrate a network and compromise entire data archives.
Who involves the measure
The risk affects everyone. Large companies often have migration plans, but small and medium-sized businesses, professional firms and private individuals remain the most exposed. A single out-of-date computer connected to the internet can open a security hole in the entire infrastructure. In addition to the technical danger, There are legal implications: in some contexts the use of unsupported software may violate personal data protection regulations, such as GDPR. And if in the past obsolescence could be considered a nuisance, today it equates to an open vulnerability.
The transition to Windows 11
Microsoft has long been encouraging users to plan for the transition. The most direct solution is to switch to Windows 11, the natural successor of the system, free for those who own compatible devices. However, not all computers are able to support it: recent processors are needed, TPM 2.0 security modules and other hardware features. For those who cannot update immediately, there is a program called “Extended Security Updates”, which allows you to continue receiving security updates for another three years, until 2028. Private users can access it for free with a Microsoft accountwhile for companies it is a paid service. It is a sort of “digital parachute”, designed to give time to those who need to renew their fleet.
Those who do not fall into these categories and cannot or do not want to join the program can only evaluate more drastic alternatives: replacing the computer with a more recent model or, in the most extreme cases, isolating obsolete devices from the network, preventing them from connecting to the internet. It is a containment choice, not a solution, but it reduces the risk of attack.