The countdown to October 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Windows 10 users as they face a critical decision: upgrade, extend support, or risk significant security vulnerabilities. Recent exploits like CVE-2024-49039 and CVE-2024-9680, leveraged by the RomCom threat group, highlight the risks associated with outdated systems. While Microsoft has addressed these specific flaws with patches, unsupported devices will remain vulnerable to future attacks. To ease the transition, Microsoft offers a $30 support extension for Windows 10 through 2026, but long-term security depends on upgrading to Windows 11 requiring TPM 2.0 compatibility—or investing in new hardware, a shift analysts anticipate will drive a 5% increase in PC shipments by 2025.
Adding to the urgency, Microsoft is steering users toward AI-capable systems with features like Windows Recall, a beta tool exclusive to Copilot+ PCs that offers real-time data recovery but has raised privacy concerns. This push reflects a broader shift in the market, with enterprises and consumers alike weighing the benefits of AI functionality against cost and readiness. As new threats emerge, staying protected means acting decisively whether through timely updates, system upgrades, or strategic hardware investments. With millions of devices still running Windows 10, users must prepare now to avoid being left unprotected in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Essential Steps to Stay Protected Before Windows 10 End-of-Support
Keep Your System Updated: Regularly install the latest Windows updates and ensure browsers and antivirus software are up to date.
Evaluate Upgrade Options: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to confirm Windows 11 compatibility or plan for new hardware if necessary.
Extend Support if Needed: Purchase Microsoft’s $30 one-year extension for Windows 10 to buy time while preparing for an upgrade.
Enhance Security Measures: Enable firewalls, use reputable antivirus software, and activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on critical accounts.
Back Up Your Data: Regularly back up important files to an external drive or secure cloud storage, and test recovery to ensure backups work.
Takeaway
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, millions of users must act now to secure their systems by upgrading, extending support, or investing in new hardware. Staying proactive with updates, backups, and robust security measures is essential to protect against emerging cyber threats.
Stay safe out there.
-Attila Referenced from a report originally published by Forbes
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