Microsoft’s choice to retire Windows 10 next month has sparked pushback from consumer advocates and left many computer owners worried about their digital safety. The move could leave millions either paying extra fees or replacing otherwise functional devices.
After October 14, Microsoft will stop delivering fixes and patches for Windows 10, the system it first launched in 2015. These updates have long served as a protective shield against hackers, explained Martin Kraemer of security firm KnowBe4.
The tech giant is encouraging people to adopt Windows 11, its 2021 successor. Yet some older laptops and desktops can’t run the new system. For those users, Microsoft is offering a paid safety net—an extra year of Windows 10 security updates priced at $30.
Critics argue this punishes customers. Consumer Reports in the US said, “The lack of backwards compatibility for certain Windows 10 machines sold only a couple of years ago is a blow to consumers’ pocketbooks.”
Across Europe, the French group HOP is urging Microsoft to keep delivering updates without charge until 2030. In Germany, the Verbraucherzentrale consumer body argued that the move “worries consumers and limits free purchase choices.” They also cautioned that pushing people toward new computers would worsen the problem of hard-to-manage e-waste.
Microsoft has not given an official count, but Consumer Reports estimated around 650 million people were still using Windows 10 in August. PIRG, another advocacy group, believes roughly 400 million of those systems cannot move to Windows 11.
Without fresh updates, unprotected machines become attractive targets for cybercriminals. Kraemer cautioned, “By receiving no updates, you’re no longer protecting yourself against the most recent cybersecurity risks.”
Beyond hacking, outdated Windows 10 could also struggle with compatibility. Paddy Harrington of Forrester pointed out that newer apps may fail to install or run smoothly: “Application vendors rely on the operating system to provide features and functions.”
Running antivirus software may help but is not a long-term solution. Harrington noted, “It’s better than doing nothing, but should only be a temporary fix while finding a permanent solution.”
One alternative is switching to Linux, a free open-source system already common on servers and the basis of Android. Harrington added, “As long as your applications, management, and security tools support that OS, it’s a good choice.”
AFP
