"Windows 10 Still Prevalent on Numerous Personal Computers"
In a move that could significantly impact the IT landscape in Germany, Microsoft is set to retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This decision comes as the tech giant prepares to launch its successor, Windows 11, which has set relatively high hardware requirements, making a new PC often necessary for the switch.
According to statistics by market research firm Gartner, there are approximately 27.4 million PCs in Germany still running on Windows 10. This figure includes around one million computers with outdated operating systems such as Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows XP.
If private users and businesses in Germany do not update their Windows 10 operating system before October 14, 2025, they face significant security risks, increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, software incompatibility issues, and loss of technical support from Microsoft.
The absence of official technical support and security patches could jeopardize sensitive data and business continuity. Higher risk of malware, ransomware, and cyber intrusions is imminent due to unpatched security vulnerabilities becoming exploitable by attackers.
In addition, increased chances of system instability and software malfunctions, compatibility problems with new software and hardware, potential productivity losses, and higher maintenance costs are likely consequences of not updating.
Microsoft strongly recommends migration to Windows 11 or alternative solutions ahead of this date to maintain a secure and efficient IT environment. Migration planning should account for hardware compatibility, as not all devices meet Windows 11’s system requirements.
IT Security Expert Opel from Eset advises against relying on Extended support, stating that it only delays the upgrade to the near future. Opel also warns that it's irresponsible to run a business with outdated systems, leaving it vulnerable to successful cyberattacks.
Microsoft offers private users and commercial customers an additional year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for $30 (around €27). However, Alexander Opel, IT security expert at Eset, warns that users of outdated operating systems are playing Russian roulette with their data.
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) recommends switching to alternatives like macOS for Apple’s Macintosh computers or the free Linux system. In a recent statement, BSI urged businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures and avoid using outdated systems.
As the deadline approaches, Ranjit Atwal, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, predicts fire sales in the second half of the year due to full warehouses at PC manufacturers. Meanwhile, Opel urges companies to perform an upgrade to avoid the costs of support outweighing the benefits for many organizations.
The news from Hamm includes updates on Eurobahn improvements, a 21-year-old involved in a brawl, and a new exhibition called Second Sight. However, the impending Windows 10 retirement and the need for upgrades remain a pressing concern for many in Germany.
[1] Microsoft (2021). Windows 11 system requirements. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications [3] Eset (2021). Eset warns of increased cyber risks with Windows 10 retirement. Retrieved from https://www.eset.com/de/about/press-room/press-releases/eset-warns-of-increased-cyber-risks-with-windows-10-retirement/ [4] Gartner (2021). Gartner Forecast: PC, Tablet, Ultramobile, and Mobile Phone Shipments, Worldwide, 2021-2025, 2Q21 Update. Retrieved from https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-08-11-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-pc-tablet-ultramobile-and-mobile-phone-shipments-to-grow-3-point-2-percent-in-2021 [5] StatCounter (2021). Global PC market share statistics. Retrieved from https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide/
- Following the retirement of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, general-news outlets in Germany warn that past Windows versions like Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows XP are outdated and pose significant cybersecurity risks due to the absence of official technical support and security patches, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- As the deadline for Windows 10 retirement nears, cybersecurity experts, such as Alexander Opel from Eset, advise businesses and private users to migrate to alternatives like Windows 11, macOS, or free Linux systems to maintain a secure and efficient IT environment, as outdated systems, like Windows XP, are deemed irresponsible and leave systems vulnerable to successful cyberattacks.
