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The deadline is nearly here \u2014 what happens now?<\/p>\n
NurPhoto via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Republished on October 12 with a new report into what millions of users can expect from a Windows 10 PC over the coming months.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of millions of Microsoft users are understandably confused. If you\u2019re running Windows 10 because you can\u2019t or won\u2019t<\/a> upgrade, what exactly happens on October 14\u2014just two days from now? Does the end-of-life \u201csecurity disaster<\/a>\u201d hit immediately?<\/p>\n First, some assurance. Yes, you need to opt into Microsoft\u2019s free extended support program<\/a> before October 14 to ensure your security updates are seamless and there\u2019s no period when you\u2019re off support. But you should already have October\u2019s update, so this probably won\u2019t impact you for a month, although losing support is a risk to avoid.<\/p>\n Second, some clarity. Yes, you should act before October 14, but you can opt into that ESU program at any time until it expires on October 14, 2026. Be warned, though, you won\u2019t receive security updates from October 14, 2025 until you do opt in. Once you do, all updates you have missed will be installed on your Windows 10 PC.<\/p>\n ForbesSamsung Surprises Galaxy Users With Android Upgrade ChangeBy Zak Doffman<\/a><\/p>\n There are some suggestions that if you miss the deadline, you can\u2019t opt into the program. That\u2019s not the case, but Microsoft<\/a> does warn \u201cdevices will be more vulnerable and susceptible to viruses and malware before enrollment.\u201d<\/p>\n Enrolling in that ESU does not stop you upgrading your PC to Windows 11 if you change your mind. As long as the PC is eligible, of course. But on this, the security and privacy experts at Kaspersky have some interesting new advice.<\/p>\n \u201cMicrosoft\u2019s recent updates to restrict workarounds for local account creation in Windows 11 raise implications for user privacy,\u201d the team told me, \u201ceven if the intent is to improve security through features such as automatic updates.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRequiring a Microsoft account during setup integrates the device into Microsoft\u2019s ecosystem, which can result in the transmission of data, including activity logs, application usage patterns, location information (if activated).\u201d<\/p>\n By contrast, \u201cWindows 10 does not mandate a Microsoft account for installation. Users can create a local account by disconnecting from the internet during setup, which directs the setup to an offline mode and bypasses the account prompt.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s increasingly unlikely that we\u2019ll see any further U-turns from Microsoft before October 14. The ESU is already (essentially) free for a year and some of the requirements have been lessened further in Europe. Now it\u2019s critical that all Windows 10 users don\u2019t forget to opt in, although a Windows 11 upgrade is still safer.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Windows Central<\/a> has published a reminder that Microsoft\u2019s free ESU is not the same as a 12-month extension to business as usual for the retiring OS. The ESU is for security updates and nothing more \u2014 it makes the OS safer but not better.<\/p>\n When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, \u201dyour computer won\u2019t suddenly stop working. You can continue using the device as usual, and your files, apps, and features will remain accessible. However, once those cumulative updates stop, the operating system will no longer receive patches to protect it against new security vulnerabilities.”<\/p>\n This will make using the PC much riskier \u2014 and that will happen as soon as actively exploited vulnerabilities are discovered and patched post October 14. Unless there has been a material change in the Windows threat landscape, you can expect this kind of warning with a few weeks, maybe as soon as November\u2019s ESU update.<\/p>\n As Windows Central emphasizes, \u201cMicrosoft is discontinuing the development and maintenance of the operating system, meaning that no further bug fixes, performance updates, or new features will be made available. Software developers and hardware manufacturers may also begin dropping support for Windows 10 as they continue to shift focus to Windows 11 and future versions.”<\/p>\n ForbesGoogle Confirms Upgrade Decision For Millions Of Gmail UsersBy Zak Doffman<\/a><\/p>\n