Millions in the UK at Risk of Cyber-Attacks as Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Updates, Warns Which?

Published: 08 October 2025. The English Chronicle Online.

Millions of computer users across the United Kingdom are facing a growing cybersecurity threat as Microsoft prepares to end all official updates and support for its decade-old Windows 10 operating system next week. Consumer rights group Which? has issued a stark warning that roughly five million people in the UK could soon become vulnerable to cyber-attacks, online scams, and malicious software once the updates cease.

According to a detailed survey conducted by Which?, approximately one in four of the UK’s estimated 21 million Windows 10 users plan to continue using the software despite the imminent end of support. This means millions of people will soon be using devices that no longer receive crucial security patches, leaving them exposed to hackers, ransomware, and evolving online threats. The report adds that a significant proportion of those who are not taking any action — more than one-third — are over the age of 55, a demographic often targeted by online scammers and fraudsters.

The implications of Microsoft’s decision go beyond digital safety. Experts warn that the move could contribute to a significant increase in electronic waste, as millions of computers around the world become obsolete when their operating systems are no longer secure or functional. Many older machines, which do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, are likely to be discarded. Environmental campaigners and consumer groups fear that this surge in disposal will worsen the already critical e-waste crisis.

Microsoft has defended the decision, citing the need to prioritise innovation, security, and performance in its newer Windows 11 system. The tech giant has urged users to transition to the updated platform or to take advantage of its recycling and trade-in programmes. However, upgrading is not always straightforward. Some computers manufactured before 2018 may not support Windows 11, leaving their owners with limited options other than purchasing a new device or subscribing to Microsoft’s one-year extended support plan for Windows 10, which comes at an additional cost.

Industry analysts estimate that around 13% of the world’s computers still run on Windows 10 — a staggering figure that translates to hundreds of millions of devices globally. For many businesses and households, especially in lower-income areas, replacing these machines will be both costly and disruptive.

Which? emphasised that consumers must act swiftly to protect their personal data and online security. Lisa Barber, editor of Which? Tech magazine, warned that many users were unaware of the risks associated with using unsupported systems. “Millions of people may be unprepared for the phasing out of Windows 10 next week,” she said. “If you have a home laptop or PC running Windows, now is the time to check which version you’re using and if it’s Windows 10 or older, make a plan of action. If you don’t act, you could become more vulnerable to hackers and scams.”

The survey conducted by Which? found that 39% of current Windows 10 users plan to upgrade to the newer version, while 26% intend to continue using the outdated software even after Microsoft halts updates. The remaining 35% said they were unsure or had not yet decided on a course of action. Cybersecurity experts warn that continuing to use an unsupported system is equivalent to “leaving the front door unlocked” — providing cybercriminals with easy access to personal information, passwords, and banking details.

The British government has also expressed concern about the wider implications of outdated software for cybersecurity resilience. Public institutions, small businesses, and schools using legacy systems could all be at heightened risk of breaches, potentially exposing sensitive data. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has previously urged organisations to keep software up to date and to plan ahead for end-of-life software transitions.

Microsoft executive vice-president Yusuf Mehdi addressed user concerns in a recent company blog post, acknowledging the risks but reaffirming the company’s commitment to moving forward. “After security and feature updates and technical support for Windows 10 PCs stop, devices will be more vulnerable to cyber-threats such as malware and viruses,” he wrote. “Applications running on Windows 10 may no longer be supported, as the platform is no longer receiving feature updates. As a result, some apps may experience decreased functionality.”

This end of support marks the conclusion of a major era in personal computing. Launched in 2015, Windows 10 became one of Microsoft’s most successful operating systems, powering millions of personal and professional devices worldwide. It was praised for its stability, familiar user interface, and regular security updates. However, as cybersecurity threats have evolved and hardware technology has advanced, Microsoft has sought to phase out older systems that no longer meet its performance and safety standards.

The shift toward Windows 11, introduced in 2021, represents Microsoft’s broader strategy to modernise computing experiences with stronger security frameworks, artificial intelligence integration, and enhanced user interfaces. Despite these innovations, adoption has been slower than expected, partly due to stringent hardware requirements that exclude many older machines from eligibility.

Environmental advocates have raised alarms over the likely surge in electronic waste following Microsoft’s decision. The United Nations has already declared e-waste the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, with millions of tons of discarded electronics polluting landfills each year. Consumer groups are urging tech companies to provide longer software support cycles or easier ways to repurpose older devices to reduce unnecessary waste.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity professionals recommend that those unable to upgrade should take proactive measures to minimise risk. These include installing reliable antivirus software, backing up important data, using secure browsers, and considering lightweight alternative operating systems like Linux-based distributions for older hardware.

The coming weeks are expected to see a rush of upgrades, replacements, and new purchases as individuals and businesses prepare for life after Windows 10. Yet for many, the end of updates represents not just a technical change, but a broader reflection of how dependent modern life has become on continuous digital maintenance.

As the world moves toward an increasingly online existence, the expiration of Windows 10 serves as a reminder that technology’s convenience comes with a persistent responsibility — to adapt, update, and remain vigilant against ever-evolving cyber threats.