Millions of laptops issued urgent warning to check | Tech News

The clock is operating out, with merely 24 hours remaining earlier than Windows 10 turns into out of date.

Microsoft’s deadline for ending free help arrives tomorrow, October 14, 2025, leaving solely hours earlier than computer systems nonetheless working this outdated system face heightened vulnerability to glitches and alarming cyberattacks.

For more than a yr, Microsoft has been alerting customers about this shutdown, with the tech giant stating: “The October 2025 monthly security update will be the last update available. After this date, devices running these versions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats.” It comes as the FBI despatched a warning to Gmail and Outlook customers over a tornado ransom assault. 

While many would possibly assume most customers have already upgraded to Windows 11, hundreds of thousands apparently nonetheless have Windows 10 operating on their machines.

Recent figures from client watchdog Which? recommend that more than 2 million people within the UK nonetheless own and operate a laptop computer or desktop powered by Windows 10.

Even more troubling, Which? found that a quarter of customers (26 p.c) operating Windows 10 plan to keep utilizing it after updates stop – probably exposing them to security breaches and fraudulent schemes down the road.

If you fall into this class, specialists strongly advise both upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESUs), which is able to defend older machines by way of continued patches. “For the first time ever, we’re introducing an ESU program for personal use as well,” introduced the Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Windows.

You can signal up without spending a dime in the event you agree to back up your Windows settings to OneDrive. Alternatively, you’ll be able to redeem Microsoft loyalty factors (when you have any), or pay a one-time price.

To get ESU in your Windows 10 system:

• Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your system meets the conditions, you will see a hyperlink to enroll in ESU.

• Once you choose Enroll now, you will provoke the ESU enrollment. If you might be signed into Windows with a native account, you can be prompted to signal into your Microsoft account.

If you might be already backing up your PC Settings, you will note a immediate to enroll your system.

• If you are not backing up your Windows settings, you’ll be able to select in order for you to begin backing up your settings, redeem Rewards or make a one-time buy to enroll in ESU.

With tomorrow’s deadline quickly approaching, it isn’t a time to ignore issues, because it may put your PC and knowledge in jeopardy.

“Our research suggests millions of people may be unprepared for the phasing out of Windows 10 next week,” warned Lisa Barber, Editor of Which? Tech.

“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.

“Luckily, usually there can be a free and straightforward resolution obtainable to you – whether or not that is upgrading to Windows 11, or, in case your pc is older and never suitable, choosing the one-year free extension to Windows 10 as a short-term measure. After this you’ll be able to both change to a completely different, free working system similar to Linux, or buy a new system suitable with the newest model of Windows. The Which? web site has free, step-by-step advice to make the transition easy.”