Press release

As Windows 10 updates end, Which? survey reveals millions of users plan to continue using their computer without security support

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.
4 min read
Press Team

Huge numbers of people stand to be affected when support is withdrawn: based on a nationally representative survey carried out in September 2025, Which?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

** If you’re unsure if your device supports Windows 11, you can check using Which?’s free tool.

Listen to the latest Which? Podcast episode (live 00.01 Weds 8th) where Which?’s tech experts talk through the phasing out of Windows 10 and the options available.

Head to the Which? website for free, step by step advice on six key ways you can prepare for the end of Windows 10, from upgrading to Windows 11 to choosing an alternative operating system. Plus, you can find advice on how to dispose of your old device here.

Or, if you prefer one to one help from a tech expert, you can access Which? Tech Support from £4.99 a month.

Microsoft support pages can be found here: Windows 10 Extended Security Updates / End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7

About Which?

Which? is the UK’s consumer champion, here to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. Our research gets to the heart of consumer issues, our advice is impartial, and our rigorous product tests lead to expert recommendations. We’re the independent consumer voice that influences politicians and lawmakers, investigates, holds businesses to account and makes change happen. As an organisation we’re not for profit and all for making consumers more powerful.

The information in this press release is for editorial use by journalists and media outlets only. Any business seeking to reproduce information in this release should contact the Which? Endorsement Scheme team at endorsementscheme@which.co.uk.