The end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, raises security concerns for the 32 million users in Germany still on this OS. Without updates, systems will be vulnerable to threats like malware. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which is free and straightforward if hardware requirements are met. For those delaying the transition, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for a fee, providing essential security patches for an additional year.
Impact of Windows 10 Support Ending
As reported by ESET, there are approximately 32 million computers in Germany still operating on Windows 10, which poses significant security concerns. With Microsoft set to discontinue support for this operating system in favor of Windows 11, it’s crucial to understand the implications of this transition.
Understanding the Consequences of Support Termination
If you are one of the many users yet to upgrade to Windows 11, the end of support for Windows 10 directly affects you. After October 14, 2025, this operating system will no longer receive any feature or security updates, nor will Microsoft provide technical assistance. This is a standard procedure for Windows versions, as seen recently with the discontinuation of update support for Windows 8.1 in early 2023.
It’s important to note that devices will not suddenly stop working after the support deadline. However, the absence of security updates increases the risk of exposure to new threats, including malware and trojans. Any security vulnerabilities discovered post-support will remain unaddressed, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation.
Thus, while users are not required to switch to Windows 11 immediately, it is highly recommended to do so to protect against critical security threats and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, as time progresses, more third-party applications will likely cease support for Windows 10.
Steps to Upgrade to Windows 11
Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be done without losing any data. If you possess a licensed version of Windows 10 on your computer and it meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11, an upgrade option will appear in the Windows Update menu. This upgrade may take several hours but remains free for Windows 10 users for an extended period.
Alternatively, you can create a USB installation drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool, boot from it via the UEFI menu, and reinstall the operating system. Most contemporary PCs meet the minimum specifications necessary for Windows 11.
In the event your device does not meet these requirements, you will need to consider purchasing a new computer to utilize Windows 11.
Receiving Updates Post-Support
If you prefer to stick with Windows 10 a little longer, Microsoft has a solution for you. Through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, Windows 10 users can obtain critical and essential security updates for an additional year.
Participating in this program incurs a one-time fee of $30 (approximately 29 euros), with sign-ups anticipated to commence next year. This program will be available for both private and business users. However, it’s important to understand that only critical security patches will be provided, while less critical updates and feature enhancements will not be included in the ESU program.