Which? is warning Windows 10 users to act now to avoid security
risks, as new survey data suggests a quarter of people with a
device running Windows 10 intend to continue using the operating
system when support is withdrawn on 14 October.
Huge numbers of people stand to be affected when support is
withdrawn: based on a nationally representative survey carried
out in September 2025, Which? estimates that 21 million people*
still own and use a laptop or computer running Windows 10 in the
UK.
Worryingly, Which? found a quarter of people (26%) running
Windows 10 intend to continue using it after updates cease -
which could ultimately leave them vulnerable to security attacks
and scam attempts in the future.
Two in five (39%) said they intended to upgrade their existing
device to a newer version of Windows, one in seven (14%) said
they'd replace their computer, 6 per cent would convert to an
alternative operating system like Linux, 4 per cent had
alternative plans and one in ten (11%) were unsure.
Hackers and criminals often target unsupported software to
exploit weaknesses and steal data, so the consumer champion is
urging users to act as soon as possible to ensure they remain
protected.
If your PC supports Windows 11, you can currently upgrade from
Windows 10 for free. It's easy to make the switch, and users
should find Windows 11 largely familiar. For those unsure if
their computer is compatible (lots of older models won't be),
Which? has a free tool to help you check**.
If you're not able to upgrade, the next best option in most cases
will be to take advantage of a free one-year Windows 10 extension
being offered by Microsoft as part of its Extended Security
Updates (ESU) programme. This will allow users some breathing
space to assess their long-term alternatives, whether that's
switching to a different operating system, or buying a new
computer or laptop that runs Windows 11.
Crucially, the one year extension won't happen automatically -
users have to opt in. You can enrol for free if you agree to back
up your Windows settings to OneDrive. Otherwise, you can redeem
Microsoft loyalty points (if you have earned any), or pay a
one-off fee.
If you're ready to make the switch to a new laptop or PC, then
it's also worth thinking about what to do with your old one.
Which?'s survey indicated that seven in ten people (72%) are
unaware that under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
directive, the retailer is required to help you safely and
responsibly dispose of your old computer if you're buying a new
one - so it's well worth keeping this in mind if your old device
is no longer needed.
Lisa Barber, Editor of Which? Tech, said:
“Our research suggests millions of people may be unprepared for
the phasing out of Windows 10 next week. If you have a home
laptop or PC running Windows, now is the time to check which
version you're using and if it's Windows 10 or older, make a plan
of action.
“If you don't act, you could become more vulnerable to hackers
and scams.
“Luckily, in most cases there will be a free and easy solution
available to you - whether that's upgrading to Windows 11, or, if
your computer is older and not compatible, opting for the
one-year free extension to Windows 10 as a temporary measure.
After this you can either switch to a different, free operating
system such as Linux, or buy a new device compatible with the
latest version of Windows. The Which? website has free, step by
step advice to make the transition simple.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
Survey data
- Which? surveyed 2,008 adults in the UK between 5-8 September
2025. Fieldwork was carried out online by Deltapoll and the data
has been weighted to be representative of the UK population (aged
18+).
- *39% of survey respondents indicated that they use Windows 10.
Based on the 2024 ONS-mid year population estimates, this is
equivalent to 21 million people. Of those still using Windows
10, 26% said they'd continue to use it without support,
equivalent to 5.4 million people.
Advice and tools for next steps
