“It's five to twelve”
Millions of Windows PCs in Germany are missing important update
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After five years, a larger update for Windows PCs was once again in 2025. Simply having the devices run with Windows 10 makes them vulnerable to cyber attacks. An expert warns clearly.
Computer experts warn a switch from the elderly Windows 10 software to a future-proof PC operating system. According to the security company ESET, 32 million computers are currently running in Germany with Windows 10, which is only supported by Microsoft free of charge until October 14, 2025.
At the end of the support, Microsoft no longer provides free security updates: Computer with Windows 10 is more susceptible to cyber attacks, since new security gaps are no longer closed. In addition, users can no longer expect free support from Microsoft.
Over a million “Windows dinosaurs”
“It is five to twelve to avoid a security fiasco for 2025,” said IT security expert Thorsten Urbanski from Eset. He urgently advised all users not to wait until October, but to switch to Windows 11 immediately or to choose an alternative operating system if the respective device cannot be updated to the latest Windows operating system. “Otherwise, users expose themselves to considerable security risks and make themselves susceptible to dangerous cyber attacks and data loss.”
When switching to a modern and safe system, users in Germany are comparatively late this time. Urbanski pointed out that in the run-up to the comparable support end of Windows 7 in 2020, a significantly higher proportion had already installed the Windows 10 at the time. Eset still records over a million “Windows dinosaurs” that run with the completely outdated and unsafe Windows versions 8.1, 8, 7 or even XP.
Microsoft recommends switching to Windows 11 if the high hardware requirements are met. However, it is also possible to switch to the free operating system Linux or the new purchase of Apple Mac computers. Microsoft has announced that after the deadline in October there will be an extended paid support for Windows 10. What is new is that private users could also buy this service, said Urbanski. “However, the costs are high and increase twice every year.”
