MILLIONS of Brits have just hours to stop using a vital piece of software or face having their bank accounts emptied.
The end of updates for Windows 10 after tomorrow, October 14, means 21 million users are at risk of being hacked.
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As previously reported, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 and has urged users to upgrade to Windows 11.
One security adviser has described the ending of support for Windows 10 as “uniquely troubling”.
In a statement, Nathan Proctor, senior director of the consumer group PIRG, described the ending of support for Windows 10 as “a looming security disaster for millions of users”.
He said: “Even if cyber criminals discover some way of compromising a device, chances are that researchers will quickly patch those issues.
“When there are no more updates, those quickly-addressed exploits become open doors.”
Hackers ‘rubbing hands in glee’
Another security adviser said ransomware gangs and other malicious actors will be “rubbing their hands in glee” as the deadline approaches.
“Microsoft should reconsider its decision to end support for Windows 10 and prioritise public health and safety,” added Paul Roberts, president of the Secure Resilient Future Foundation.
According to a poll from Which?, it is estimated that 21 million people in the UK still own a computer that operates on Windows 10.
The survey revealed that a quarter of these users plan to continue using Windows 10 after tomorrow’s deadline.
Without the latest security updates, the outdated systems will be left more vulnerable to hacks and viruses.
Computers on the older system won’t receive software updates or technical support from Microsoft either.
Whilst computers will still function, users might experience a slower performance the tech giants warned on their website.
Check eligibility
Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC is eligible.
To check eligibility, go to settings on your device, then Privacy and Security, and click Windows Update.
The computer company urges users to purchase a new PC if their old device cannot use the new Windows 11 system.
Users can use the trade-in programme to get cash-back if they buy a new device after handing in their old one.
Curry’s also offers a similar trade-in programme for shoppers who wish to buy a new computer through the electrical retailer.
Still using Windows 10? What you need to do NOW
You have two options today,
Microsoft is offering personal users the option to update to Windows 11 or sign up to receive extended security updates for 12 months.
To do the former, navigate to the “Privacy and Security” section of your settings and follow the prompts.
Anyone with a PC that is eligible for Windows 11 can upgrade for free.
If you don’t want to upgrade straight away, or your device is too old for Windows 11, you can sign up to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) scheme.
This will continue the most important security updates until October 2026.
It is important to note, however, that ESU does not offer any technical support.
It also does not offer software updates.
Businesses still using Windows 10 will have to pay to upgrade their machines, with the cost depending on which part of the world the company is based.
More information on ESU upgrades can be found here.
