Microsoft's planned end of security updates for Windows 10 this October is creating widespread concern among users and organizations, particularly affecting an estimated 240 million computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. This looming deadline presents significant security risks for individuals and creates a serious dilemma for PC charities that provide refurbished computers to those in need.
Critical Security Vulnerabilities Demand Immediate Updates
Microsoft's recent Patch Tuesday addressed twelve critical security flaws, with six actively exploited vulnerabilities that could affect up to 240 million Windows 10 users. These exploits include buffer overflow attacks, virtual hard disk vulnerabilities, and kernel subsystem exploits that could give attackers complete control over victims' systems. America's Cyber Defense Agency has issued a stark warning: update before April 1st or consider turning off your computer for safety. With over 600 organizations already affected by just one of these vulnerabilities, the immediate risk is substantial, highlighting the importance of keeping systems updated.
The Impending End of Windows 10 Support
Microsoft has confirmed that security updates for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. While the company recommends upgrading to Windows 11, this isn't possible for many users due to hardware limitations. Windows 11 requires relatively recent hardware, including 8th generation Intel processors (from 2017) or AMD Ryzen 2000 series (from 2018) and newer, along with TPM 2.0 compatibility. This means even computers manufactured as recently as 2019 might be ineligible for the upgrade despite having adequate RAM and storage.
Charities Face Impossible Choices
PC refurbishment charities are particularly affected by this situation. These organizations provide affordable or free computers to low-income individuals, seniors, and students who cannot purchase new devices. With Windows 10 security updates ending, these charities must decide whether to distribute soon-to-be-insecure Windows 10 computers, switch to unfamiliar operating systems like Linux, or discard otherwise functional hardware.
PCs for People, one of the largest non-profit computer refurbishers in the U.S., has already discontinued Windows 10 distribution a year ahead of the cutoff. We will distribute Linux laptops that are 6th or 7th gen. If we distribute a Windows laptop, it will be 8th gen or newer, explained CEO Casey Sorensen. The organization now sends older computers to e-waste recyclers, contributing to the estimated 7 million pounds of e-waste they process annually.
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| Refurbished computers face uncertain futures as security updates for Windows 10 are set to end |
The Linux Alternative
Some charities are turning to Linux Mint as an alternative operating system for older hardware. Linux Mint offers a Windows-like interface and will be supported until 2029. While the transition may be manageable for tech-savvy users, it presents challenges for seniors and others accustomed to Windows. Many popular applications like Microsoft Office, Slack, and Photoshop Elements aren't available on Linux, requiring users to adapt to alternatives like LibreOffice and GIMP.
Environmental Impact
The forced obsolescence of Windows 10-compatible hardware could have devastating environmental consequences. Canalys Research estimates that discarding these 240 million incompatible computers would generate approximately 1.1 billion pounds of e-waste, equivalent to 320,000 cars. With recycling rates for e-waste in the U.S. estimated at only 14 to 40 percent, much of this hardware could end up in landfills.
Security Experts Warn of Risks
Security professionals are unequivocal about the dangers of running Windows 10 after support ends. Deploying Windows 10 at this time is a bad idea, warns Chester Wisniewski, Director and Global Field CISO for Sophos. He notes that Windows 10 and 11 share much of their codebase, meaning vulnerabilities patched in Windows 11 will likely affect Windows 10 as well, but without updates, users will be somewhat defenseless against them.
Limited Options for Continued Security
Microsoft does offer an Extended Security Update program for Windows 10 after October 2025, but at USD$61 per year, this solution is unlikely to be adopted by most home users or charities. With Windows 10 still accounting for 58.7% of all Windows installations compared to Windows 11's 38.1%, a significant portion of users will likely continue using an unsupported operating system.
The Road Ahead
Unless Microsoft changes its position by extending Windows 10 support or relaxing Windows 11 hardware requirements, millions of users face difficult choices in the coming months. For individual users with compatible hardware, upgrading to Windows 11 remains the safest option. Those with incompatible systems must weigh the risks of continuing with an unsupported Windows 10, transitioning to Linux, or purchasing new hardware—a choice that many, particularly those served by PC charities, simply cannot afford to make.