Sunset for Windows 10 updates sparks worry over cyber attacks

Microsoft’s plan to halt updates for its Windows 10 operating system in mid-October has raised hackles among campaign groups and left some users worried that they must buy new computers to be safe from cyber attacks.

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WHAT HAPPENS ON OCT 14

Computers running Microsoft’s 2015-vintage Windows 10 will receive no further updates from the American tech giant from Oct 14.

Such downloads were used to “patch the operating system because it had become the target of many cyber attacks”, said Dr Martin Kraemer, a computer security expert with American firm KnowBe4.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR USERS

Microsoft has urged its customers to upgrade to the latest version of its operating system: Windows 11, released in 2021. But the company is also offering a US$30 (S$39) one-year extension of Windows 10 security updates for users whose computer hardware is not compatible with the new operating system.

Consumer groups have blasted the move.

“The lack of backwards compatibility for certain Windows 10 machines sold only a couple of years ago is a blow to consumers’ pocketbooks” as they face being forced to upgrade, US campaign organisation Consumer Reports said last week.