A WARNING has been issued to 21million Brits who need to update their PCs before October 14 or risk their data being exposed to hackers and viruses.
Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 from next Wednesday meaning millions of Brits will be left without vital security updates.
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It is estimated that 21 million people in the UK still own a computer that operates on Windows 10, according to a poll from Which?
The survey revealed that a quarter of these users plan to continue using Windows 10 after next week’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Without the latest security updates, the outdated systems will be left more vulnerable to hacks and viruses.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.
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.
For those who can’t quite afford a new device but still want to keep their data safe, Microsoft recommends signing up to the extended security updates (ESU) programme for one year.
Windows 10 PCs on the programme can still receive critical security updates but they won’t get technical support or the latest software.
The company said on their website, antivirus apps can help but “it’s not enough on its own, Without regular security updates from Microsoft, the operating system remains exposed to new threats.
“Think of antivirus as a lock on the door, but without ongoing security updates, the doorframe itself might be weak.”
For the millions of Brits who will continue to use Windows 10 they can still access Microsoft 365 apps such as Word and Excel, but users might notice a gradual drop in performance.
The apps will only receive the latest security on Windows 10 for the next three years, ending October 2028.
Microsoft promises that Windows 11 is its most secure update yet as it employs AI to detect which apps are safe to download and run on your PC.
Another option is to make the move to Google’s operating system ChromeOS, as recommended by Which?
The system is free to install and lighter than Windows making it more likely to work on older devices.
If you already use Google’s online apps such as docs and sheets this could be a viable option.
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