Microsoft has announced that it will end free security support for Windows 10 from October 14. This decision threatens millions of users of Windows 10. Consumer Reports has written to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, urging him to reverse this move. The organisation says those who lack hardware capable of running Windows 11 will find their computers vulnerable to attacks.
Consumer Reports argues that 46.2 per cent of people worldwide are still using Windows 10. Millions of these devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11. Hardware shortages are a major reason for this. The organisation says ending support in such a situation is irresponsible.
Consumer Reports also called Microsoft “hypocritical.” The organisation says the company urges customers to keep their systems secure, while simultaneously leaving older devices vulnerable. Furthermore, users will have to pay $30 (about Rs 2,644) annually to maintain security. The organization says this is unfair to consumers who have already purchased devices that are still working properly.
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The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has also objected to this decision. The organisation estimates that 400 million computers, or approximately 400 million, will become obsolete. This will generate significant e-waste. PIRG says this move is dangerous for both the environment and society.
The biggest problem for users is the upgrade. Installing Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and a new processor. Older computers do not meet these requirements. As a result, many people will be unable to upgrade even if they wish.
Microsoft has offered a paid extension as an option. Users who wish can avail of an additional year of security updates for $30. This means they will receive security until October 2026. However, this is the first time consumers are being charged additional fees.
The company has also offered two additional options. First, users can save their data to OneDrive using the Windows Backup app. Second, they can redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points to get one year of security updates. However, critics say these options are insufficient.
Experts say that businesses are given three years of support, while ordinary users only get one year. This discrimination will harm consumers. Consumer groups say that if companies can get more time, ordinary people should also have the same access.
Both Consumer Reports and PIRG believe that this decision will increase digital inequality. Poor and middle-class users will not be able to purchase new devices. They will be left with the choice of either using insecure computers or spending unnecessary money.
This will also harm the environment. PIRG says millions of computers will end up in scrap even though they are still fully functional. This will increase electronic waste and worsen the pollution problem.
The October 2025 deadline is approaching. Microsoft has yet to officially respond to Consumer Reports and PIRG’s appeal. But the debate is raging. The question is whether the company will prioritise security or impose new burdens on consumers.
