Windows 10 end of support: Hackers are waiting for October 2025.

Windows 10 is dying in 2025: What happens if you ignore the warning?

Microsoft sets the clock on Windows 10

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 10 officially ends on October 14, 2025. That date is not far away, and it marks the beginning of serious risks for millions of users who plan to continue running the operating system. At first glance, many may think, “My computer works fine, why worry?” The reality is far more troubling.

Once support ends, Windows 10 machines will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, or new features. The installer downloads will also be pulled offline. This leaves users vulnerable to malware, data breaches, and system failures with no safety net.

For many, this sounds like a minor inconvenience. In truth, it could expose personal files, banking details, and entire networks to cybercriminals. Understanding the dangers and preparing ahead is essential if you plan to continue with Windows 10 or move to a safer alternative.

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What end of support really means

When Microsoft ends support, Windows 10 will not stop working. Your computer will still boot and run software. The problem is that known and unknown vulnerabilities will no longer be patched. Hackers are always probing old systems. Even today, five years after Windows 7 support ended, new exploits continue to be discovered. That should be a warning.

Without security updates, every month that passes increases the chance that attackers will find a weakness in Windows 10. For a home user, this could mean ransomware encrypting your files or stolen passwords leading to drained bank accounts. For a business, it could mean lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.

Another risk is that system tools you depend on, such as Windows reset or recovery functions, may fail. If your machine cannot repair itself, you may need to reinstall Windows completely. Without an installation disc or USB recovery drive, that may become impossible once Microsoft takes the downloads offline.

Why browsers and apps may stop working

Even if you think you can ignore the risks and keep Windows 10, time will work against you. Internet browsers, office software, and antivirus tools are constantly updated to meet new standards. Developers stop supporting outdated operating systems because they cannot patch against vulnerabilities on an unsupported platform.

That means Chrome, Edge, and Firefox may eventually stop releasing versions that run on Windows 10. Banking apps, games, and cloud services may lock you out. At that point, your computer could still power on but be functionally useless for modern tasks.

Microsoft’s US$30 lifeline: Extended Security updates

For users unwilling to upgrade, Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) programme at US$30 per year. This option allows you to continue receiving critical security updates beyond October 2025. While the cost is small, Microsoft has not confirmed how long this programme will last.

Realistically, it may be two to three years at most before ESU is discontinued. The company’s priority is moving users to Windows 11 or beyond. This means ESU should only be seen as a short-term bandage, not a long-term solution.

Options for Windows 10 users

1. Buy a new computer

The most straightforward option is to purchase a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed. Most machines built after 2020 meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements, including the security chip (TPM 2.0). A new machine ensures years of updates and compatibility with future applications.

If you are considering a purchase, look at models with at least 16 GB of RAM and a solid-state drive (SSD). These specifications will keep your system responsive and extend its usable lifespan.

2. Upgrade your current machine to Windows 11

If your hardware meets the requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. To check compatibility, run Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool. If your machine is capable, upgrading ensures that you stay supported while avoiding the expense of a new PC.

3. Switch to Linux

For users with older hardware that cannot run Windows 11, Linux is a free and secure alternative. Distributions such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint are user-friendly and work well for web browsing, office tasks, and media. While gaming support is still weaker compared to Windows, Linux is becoming increasingly powerful thanks to tools like Proton for Steam games.

4. Pay for Microsoft’s Extended Security updates

As mentioned, paying US$30 per year keeps Windows 10 updated temporarily. This option is ideal if you need time to save for a new computer or plan a smoother transition.

The critical importance of creating a Windows 10 installation disc

Even if you plan to use Windows 10 until the last possible day, you should not rely on Microsoft’s website to provide installation files after October 2025. Once support ends, the downloads will likely be removed, as they were for Windows 7 and XP.

Without an installer, if your system crashes or becomes corrupted, your only option may be to pay a technician. This could cost hundreds of dollars. Thankfully, creating your own installation media is free and only requires a small flash drive.

Step-by-step guide: Creating a Windows 10 USB installer with Ventoy

What you need:

A blank 8 GB USB flash drive (minimum)
A reliable internet connection
Around 30 minutes of time

Steps:

Download the Media Creation Tool
Open your browser and search for “Download Microsoft Media Creation Tool”. Go to Microsoft’s official site and download the tool.
Choose installation media
Launch the tool, accept the licence terms, and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file).
Select USB flash drive
Insert your flash drive. Ensure it is empty, as this process deletes all data on it. Select the drive in the setup tool and click Next. The system will download Windows 10 and create the bootable installer.
Label and store safely
Once complete, remove the flash drive, label it clearly (e.g., “Windows 10 Installer”), and keep it in a safe location.

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Creating a Ventoy disk for more flexibility

While the Media Creation Tool is excellent, Ventoy offers greater flexibility. Ventoy is a free utility that lets you copy multiple ISO files onto a single USB stick. This means you can carry both Windows 10 and Windows 11 installers, plus Linux distributions, all on one drive.

Here’s how to do it:

Download Ventoy from its official site.
Install it on your USB flash drive. This process will format the drive.
Copy any ISO files (such as Windows 10, Windows 11, Ubuntu) directly onto the drive.
When you boot from the USB, Ventoy will give you a menu to choose which installer to run.

This makes Ventoy ideal if you manage multiple machines or want a backup plan that covers different operating systems.

Why you should make two copies

USB drives are cheap, and their failure rate, while low, is not zero. If you plan to rely on Windows 10 in the future, create two separate installation drives and store them in different locations. Losing one or having it corrupted would otherwise leave you in the same vulnerable position.

The long-term view: Windows is now a service

Microsoft has shifted its business model toward Windows as a service. Instead of major upgrades every decade, operating systems are updated continuously. This benefits Microsoft financially and gives them tighter control over the ecosystem. It also means that old versions will be retired quickly.

If you are determined to stay with Windows, understand that you will face this same situation again with Windows 11 when its time comes. Preparing installation media and planning ahead will save you headaches.

Final warning: ignoring the deadline is a gamble

After October 2025, continuing to use Windows 10 without extended support is like leaving your front door unlocked in a high-crime neighbourhood. Yes, your system may run fine at first, but vulnerabilities will stack up over time. Hackers will know millions of machines are unpatched and will target them aggressively.

You must decide whether to pay the $30 for temporary updates, create your own installation media for emergencies, switch to Linux, or upgrade to new hardware. Doing nothing is the worst option.