Millions of PCs at risk as Windows 10 updates come to an end

With hackers targeting outdated systems, PC users need to act quickly to avoid malware attacks that could put their data at riskWhile PCs compatible with Windows 11 can upgrade for free, some older devices may not have the specifications needed to make the switch. Those Windows 10 computers will stop receiving vital security updates unless users take action.

Below, we unpack what our survey found and outline the steps you can take to keep your computer secure.

Support for Windows 10 is ending on 14 October 2025, but a Which? survey suggests millions of people in the UK are still using it – and many plan to carry on after updates stop.

While PCs compatible with Windows 11 can upgrade for free, some older devices may not have the specifications needed to make the switch. Those Windows 10 computers will stop receiving vital security updates unless users take action.

Below, we unpack what our survey found and outline the steps you can take to keep your computer secure.

What people told us about Windows 10

To understand how people are preparing for the end of Windows 10, we surveyed more than 2,000 UK adults*. The results suggest huge numbers will be affected when support is withdrawn – we estimate that around 21 million people in the UK still own and use a laptop or desktop computer running Windows 10.

• Worryingly, a quarter of Windows 10 users (26%) told us they plan to keep using the operating system after updates stop, leaving them exposed to potential security threats and scams if they don't take action.
• Meanwhile, two in five (39%) said they plan to upgrade their existing device to a newer version of Windows. 
• One in seven (14%) said they’d replace their computer. 
• Another 6% would convert to an alternative OS like Linux - see should you switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux. 
• One in ten survey respondents (11%) were unsure what their plans were moving forward.