forbes.com
End of Windows 10 Support Exposes Millions to Security Risks
Microsoft's October 14, 2025 end of support for Windows 10 will leave at least 240 million vulnerable PCs without security updates, prompting a push for Windows 11 upgrades while many PCs remain incompatible.
- What are the immediate security risks associated with the end of Windows 10 support?
- On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will cease receiving security updates, leaving hundreds of millions of PCs vulnerable to attacks.
- How does the incompatibility of 240 million PCs with Windows 11 impact the overall cybersecurity landscape?
- Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 as a solution, citing a 62% drop in security incidents among its users. However, 240 million PCs are incompatible with Windows 11, leaving users with limited options.
- What long-term strategies should individuals and organizations adopt to mitigate the risks associated with outdated operating systems?
- The impending end of Windows 10 support highlights the importance of regular OS updates for cybersecurity. The large number of incompatible PCs underscores the digital divide and potential for increased cyberattacks on vulnerable systems.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing significantly favors Windows 11. The headline emphasizes the imminent security risks of using Windows 10, creating a sense of urgency that pushes readers towards the Microsoft-promoted solution. The repeated mention of the 62% drop in security incidents for Windows 11 users, without providing comparative data or methodology, further reinforces this bias. The article also uses strong language such as "honeypot" and "exponentially safer" to highlight the dangers of sticking with Windows 10.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language to promote Windows 11. Terms such as "honeypot," "unimaginable," "threat," and "exponentially safer" are emotionally charged and create a sense of fear and urgency around using Windows 10 after the support deadline. These terms are not objectively descriptive and could be replaced with more neutral alternatives, for example, instead of "honeypot", use "vulnerable".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the security risks of using Windows 10 after October 2025 and the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11. However, it omits discussion of alternative operating systems (like Linux) that could provide a secure and cost-effective solution for users whose PCs are incompatible with Windows 11. It also doesn't mention potential drawbacks or costs associated with upgrading to Windows 11, such as hardware requirements beyond TPM 2.0 or potential compatibility issues with existing software.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice as either upgrading to Windows 11 or facing significant security risks. This ignores the possibility of other solutions, such as using alternative operating systems or investing in enhanced security measures for Windows 10. The implication that the only two options are Windows 11 or facing extreme danger is misleading.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights that those with older PCs (likely lower income) will be disproportionately affected by the end of Windows 10 support, creating a digital divide. Upgrading to Windows 11, while free for compatible PCs, mitigates this inequality by providing access to security updates and features for a wider range of users. However, the significant number of incompatible PCs exacerbates the existing digital divide.