As Microsoft prepares to end official support for Windows 10 in October 2025, concerns are growing among both general users and businesses. Despite repeated warnings, a recent report by cybersecurity company Kaspersky reveals that more than half of all PC users and nearly 60% of corporate users are still running Windows 10.
Majority of Users Still on Windows 10
According to anonymized OS data collected from Kaspersky Security Network users, 53% of all computers worldwide continue to operate on Windows 10, even though the end-of-life (EOL) date is fast approaching.
Surprisingly, only 33% have upgraded to Windows 11, showing reluctance among users to switch to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Even more concerning, 8.5% of devices are still running Windows 7, an operating system that lost official support back in 2020.
Why This Matters: Cybersecurity at Risk
Once an operating system reaches its end of life, security patches stop being released, leaving known vulnerabilities open to exploitation. Hackers and cybercriminals often target outdated systems since they are easier to breach.
Kaspersky’s experts emphasize that outdated OS use is especially dangerous in corporate environments. Businesses still relying on Windows 10 or Windows 7 could face:
- Higher vulnerability to cyberattacks
- Incompatibility with modern security tools
- Increased business continuity risks
In particular, 59.5% of enterprise systems and 51% of small business devices still run Windows 10. Both groups also include around 6% of users who remain on Windows 7.
Expert Opinions
Oleg Gorobets, a cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky, compared outdated operating systems to “a house with a rotting fence that can be knocked down with just a single kick.”
He explained that many users believe upgrading to a new OS only brings cosmetic interface changes, while complicating workflows. However, from a cybersecurity standpoint, refusing to upgrade could put both personal data and business-critical infrastructure at severe risk.
Recommendations from Security Experts
To reduce risks, Kaspersky recommends several immediate steps:
- Upgrade to the latest version of Windows and ensure automatic updates are enabled.
- For general users and small businesses: use exploit-prevention technologies to minimize the danger of unpatched vulnerabilities.
- For corporate IT teams: establish a testing process for security updates before company-wide deployment to prevent workflow disruptions.
What Happens After October 2025?
Microsoft has confirmed that after October, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. This does not mean devices will stop working, but it does mean they will become increasingly unsafe. Users could also experience compatibility issues with new software and hardware.
Businesses are urged to prioritize migration strategies now rather than waiting until it’s too late. The cost of upgrading may seem high, but the potential financial and reputational damage from a cyberattack is far greater.
Final Thoughts
The persistence of Windows 10 highlights a global hesitation toward upgrades, but experts warn that ignoring the end of support could have serious consequences. As the October deadline approaches, both individuals and companies must weigh the risks of staying behind.
For now, the message from cybersecurity specialists is clear: Upgrade before it’s too late.
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