Millions of PC owners get 7-day warning – check your laptop now or you could be at risk

There are only a few days left until Windows 10 is sent to the history books, and ahead of the closure, a major new warning has been issued.

If you have a Windows-powered PC, you might want to check what operating system it is running. There are only 7 days to go until Microsoft ends all free support for its popular Windows 10 platform, and anyone still using it after October 14 could find their devices are at serious risk of bugs and cyber attacks.

Microsoft has been warning users for a while that they need to upgrade to Windows 11 or consider signing up for Extended Security Updates – which will keep Windows 10 PCs safe for the next three years.

Now the team at Which? is offering new advice ahead of the major closure.

According to the consumer champions, it is estimated that 21 million people may still own and use a laptop or computer running Windows 10 in the UK. That’s a pretty shocking statistic that won’t have been missed by cyber crooks trying to cash in.

Even more concerning is that Which? says it discovered that a quarter of people (26%) still running Windows 10 intend to continue using it after updates cease.

Once Microsoft stops providing free support, it will no longer release security updates or critical patches, which means devices still running this OS will be at a significantly greater risk.

As Which? explains, “Hackers and criminals often target unsupported software to exploit weaknesses and steal data.”

The consumer champion is now urging users to act as soon as possible to ensure they remain protected.

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

“If you don’t act, you could become more vulnerable to hackers and scams.

Here’s some advice from Which? on what to do next.

If your PC supports Windows 11, you can currently upgrade from Windows 10 for free. It’s easy to make the switch, and users should find Windows 11 largely familiar.

If you’re not able to upgrade, the next best option in most cases will be to take advantage of a free one-year Windows 10 extension being offered by Microsoft as part of its Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. This will allow users some breathing space to assess their long-term alternatives, whether that’s switching to a different operating system, or buying a new computer or laptop that runs Windows 11.

Crucially, the one year extension won’t happen automatically – users have to opt in. You can enrol for free if you agree to back up your Windows settings to OneDrive. Otherwise, you can redeem Microsoft loyalty points (if you have earned any), or pay a one-off fee.

If you’re ready to make the switch to a new laptop or PC, then it’s also worth thinking about what to do with your old one.