As the end of official support for Windows 10 approaches, a mounting chorus of technology experts is warning of significant risks for millions of users worldwide. This milestone, marked by the cessation of free security updates, technical assistance, and software patches from Microsoft, is more than a routine technological sunset—it's a moment loaded with cybersecurity peril, economic burden, and environmental consequence. The urgency is especially pronounced in regions like New Zealand, where local analysts, such as Jamie Hall of Ingram Micro and Nick Gelling from Consumer NZ, are sounding the alarm for both businesses and everyday citizens.
On 14 October, Microsoft will officially end free support for Windows 10. While systems on the OS will continue to run, the lack of critical security updates will leave them progressively vulnerable. Devices will become increasingly susceptible to cyber threats—ransomware, phishing schemes, and new malware variants will no longer face Microsoft’s defensive updates. Jamie Hall emphasizes this exposure, highlighting that unsupported software often falls outside the coverage of cybersecurity insurance policies. For organisations, this raises not only direct risks from threats but also secondary liabilities—legal, financial, and reputational—that come with unprotected digital infrastructure.
Nick Gelling from Consumer NZ notes an additional social dimension: “Older members of society and those who can't afford new hardware are especially at risk.” In New Zealand, hundreds of thousands of computers could be stranded on Windows 10, unable to upgrade due to hardware constraints. The pattern is not unique to New Zealand; analysts estimate up to 400 million Windows 10 devices worldwide could be permanently ineligible for Windows 11.
E-waste is a colossal global problem. The United Nations Global E-waste Monitor estimates over 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated annually worldwide. The sudden obsolescence of hundreds of millions of computers—many of which are otherwise fully functional—could trigger a catastrophic spike in discarded electronics. Landfills swell, leaching toxic heavy metals and rare earth minerals into local ecosystems. Moreover, the demand for replacement machines drives further resource extraction, manufacturing emissions, and logistical energy use.
Moreover, unsupported systems increasingly lose compatibility with newer software and peripherals, impairing productivity and integration. When mission-critical work is interrupted by software that can no longer be patched, businesses face a stark reckoning: scramble to upgrade under pressure or risk the consequences of exposure.
Multiple sources have questioned the rigidity of Windows 11’s hardware requirements, noting that Windows 10 ran smoothly on systems several years older than those eligible for the new OS. Some independent developers have demonstrated unofficial workarounds, allowing Windows 11 to run—albeit unsupported—on older hardware. While these tinkering solutions provide hope to enthusiasts and skilled users, they aren’t viable at scale, especially for businesses and the non-technical public.
There’s also a transparency issue. The difference in support timelines for consumers and businesses feels arbitrary, raising uncomfortable questions about Microsoft’s motivation—are these commercial decisions being prioritized over equitable access and environmental responsibility? While extended support is costly for Microsoft, the company’s willingness to offer multi-year coverage to paying business customers shows the technical infrastructure is plainly in place.
Sustainability advocates have seized on this moment to challenge all major tech vendors to consider proactive recycling programs, hardware buybacks, and continued support for legacy devices—preferably in partnership with governments and NGOs. Several EU policy proposals now include “right to repair” incentives that could mandate longer OS and security support lifecycles for hardware still in functional condition.
Microsoft’s approach, while technically prudent in driving innovation and lowering overall risk, risks sidelining those without the means or knowledge to comply. Meanwhile, the environmental costs of displacing so much functioning hardware come into sharpest focus at moments like this.
The best course of action is, as experts suggest, to act early: audit your technology, weigh your options, and plan for a responsible, informed transition. For those unable to upgrade, credible free alternatives exist—though they require some adjustment and support. Finally, both Microsoft and the wider tech sector must reckon with their role in balancing progress with sustainability, equity, and digital inclusion. It’s a challenge that demands honest dialogue, creative solutions, and—most of all—a recognition that technology must serve all, not only those with the newest gear.
Source: RNZ Tech experts fear cybercriminals will exploit end of Windows 10 support
The End of an Era: What Happens After Windows 10 Support?
On 14 October, Microsoft will officially end free support for Windows 10. While systems on the OS will continue to run, the lack of critical security updates will leave them progressively vulnerable. Devices will become increasingly susceptible to cyber threats—ransomware, phishing schemes, and new malware variants will no longer face Microsoft’s defensive updates. Jamie Hall emphasizes this exposure, highlighting that unsupported software often falls outside the coverage of cybersecurity insurance policies. For organisations, this raises not only direct risks from threats but also secondary liabilities—legal, financial, and reputational—that come with unprotected digital infrastructure.Cybersecurity: The Exploitable Gap
The cybersecurity landscape is especially concerning. Cybercriminals habitually target unsupported operating systems because they know new vulnerabilities will go unpatched. Multiple independent security studies, such as those conducted by ESET and Kaspersky, confirm a marked spike in attacks against outdated Windows versions following their end-of-support dates. The forecasting from local experts aligns with global threat intelligence: out-of-date Windows installations will rapidly turn from trusted workhorses into risky liabilities.Nick Gelling from Consumer NZ notes an additional social dimension: “Older members of society and those who can't afford new hardware are especially at risk.” In New Zealand, hundreds of thousands of computers could be stranded on Windows 10, unable to upgrade due to hardware constraints. The pattern is not unique to New Zealand; analysts estimate up to 400 million Windows 10 devices worldwide could be permanently ineligible for Windows 11.
The Upgrade Dilemma: Compatibility, Cost, and Choice
Microsoft’s solution is clear and consistent: upgrade to Windows 11. But for many users, particularly those with devices older than a few years, this recommendation is easier said than done. Windows 11 imposes significantly stricter hardware requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0 chips and more modern CPUs. While these specifications improve security and performance—a point reinforced by independent reviews from tech outlets like Ars Technica and Windows Central—they leave millions of functional PCs behind.Alternatives to Windows 11: Chrome OS Flex and Linux
For those unable to upgrade to Windows 11, experts suggest alternative operating systems such as Chrome OS Flex or Linux distributions like Linux Mint. Chrome OS Flex, developed by Google, can breathe new life into aging PCs with minimal hardware requirements and a familiar interface for those coming from Windows environments. Linux Mint, renowned for its user-friendliness and active community support, offers another secure, free alternative. While there is a learning curve, especially for users habituated to Windows, both alternatives deliver robust security updates and continuity—with the added bonus of extending the hardware’s usable life.Extended Support: Not a Universal Lifeline
Recognizing the potential disruption, Microsoft is offering an extra year of extended support for Windows 10—but with significant caveats. Consumers can extend security updates for 12 months for around US$30, but business customers may have access to up to three years of paid extended coverage. Consumer NZ and other advocates question why Microsoft limits this facility, especially given that the price per device will be prohibitive for some families and small businesses. This arrangement points to a deeper issue: the technical capability to extend support clearly exists, but the willingness to deploy it equitably does not.Environmental Impact: The Hidden Cost of the Upgrade Mandate
Beyond direct user consequences, the looming end of Windows 10 support carries broader ecological ramifications. As Nick Gelling points out, Microsoft's sustainability goals—including an ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2030—are undermined by policies that inadvertently encourage hardware obsolescence and, consequently, a surge in electronic waste.E-waste is a colossal global problem. The United Nations Global E-waste Monitor estimates over 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated annually worldwide. The sudden obsolescence of hundreds of millions of computers—many of which are otherwise fully functional—could trigger a catastrophic spike in discarded electronics. Landfills swell, leaching toxic heavy metals and rare earth minerals into local ecosystems. Moreover, the demand for replacement machines drives further resource extraction, manufacturing emissions, and logistical energy use.
Business Risk: Insurance, Compliance, and Continuity
One frequently overlooked aspect is business risk management. Many organizations carry cybersecurity insurance policies with clauses explicitly excluding coverage for unsupported software. As Jamie Hall notes, failure to upgrade could leave businesses not only more exposed to attacks but also potentially in violation of contractual obligations to clients, vendors, and regulatory authorities. The consequences could range from costly downtime to severe legal penalties, depending on jurisdiction and industry.Moreover, unsupported systems increasingly lose compatibility with newer software and peripherals, impairing productivity and integration. When mission-critical work is interrupted by software that can no longer be patched, businesses face a stark reckoning: scramble to upgrade under pressure or risk the consequences of exposure.
The Human Factor: Vulnerable Users and Digital Inequality
Older adults, low-income families, and non-technical users stand to lose the most. Their dependence on affordable, second-hand hardware and their reluctance—or inability—to adapt to new technologies make them prime targets for cybercriminals. Community groups and consumer advocates urge Microsoft to provide clearer, more accessible education, along with broader support options for those left behind. Without such measures, the digital divide—already a pressing social concern—may widen further.Best Practices: Preparing for the Transition
With the deadline approaching, experts recommend a multi-pronged strategy for individuals and organizations:- Assess eligibility for Windows 11: Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool or third-party utilities to determine upgrade compatibility.
- Inventory devices: Catalog all Windows 10 machines and prioritize their replacement or upgrade, paying special attention to business-critical endpoints.
- Prepare for alternative OS migrations: If upgrading isn’t feasible, research Chrome OS Flex and user-friendly Linux distributions such as Mint or Ubuntu. Pilot deployments can help ease the transition.
- Secure sensitive data: Back up information and files before making any changes to your operating system.
- Recycling and responsible disposal: Seek out certified e-waste recyclers and trade-in programs to prevent functional hardware from ending up in landfills.
- Leverage extended support judiciously: Consider Microsoft’s paid extended security options as a short-term bridge, not a long-term solution.
Critical Analysis: Microsoft’s Dilemma and the Wider Tech Industry
Microsoft’s push towards Windows 11 is, in many ways, a continuation of broader trends shaping the tech industry. On one hand, stronger security, better performance, and new features are genuine advantages, benefiting both end-users and the ecosystem. On the other, the hard cut-off for older hardware robs the industry of a chance to moderate e-waste, support vulnerable users, and lessen digital exclusion.Multiple sources have questioned the rigidity of Windows 11’s hardware requirements, noting that Windows 10 ran smoothly on systems several years older than those eligible for the new OS. Some independent developers have demonstrated unofficial workarounds, allowing Windows 11 to run—albeit unsupported—on older hardware. While these tinkering solutions provide hope to enthusiasts and skilled users, they aren’t viable at scale, especially for businesses and the non-technical public.
There’s also a transparency issue. The difference in support timelines for consumers and businesses feels arbitrary, raising uncomfortable questions about Microsoft’s motivation—are these commercial decisions being prioritized over equitable access and environmental responsibility? While extended support is costly for Microsoft, the company’s willingness to offer multi-year coverage to paying business customers shows the technical infrastructure is plainly in place.
Sustainability advocates have seized on this moment to challenge all major tech vendors to consider proactive recycling programs, hardware buybacks, and continued support for legacy devices—preferably in partnership with governments and NGOs. Several EU policy proposals now include “right to repair” incentives that could mandate longer OS and security support lifecycles for hardware still in functional condition.
Conclusion: Navigating the Windows 10 Sunset
The end of Windows 10 support is a complex inflection point, blending real security concerns with broader issues of economic accessibility and ecological stewardship. For individual users and businesses alike, the risks of standing still are clear: growing exposure to cyber threats, legal vulnerabilities, and software obsolescence. Yet, the simplistic narrative of “just upgrade” does not reflect the nuanced reality facing hundreds of millions of users—especially the most vulnerable.Microsoft’s approach, while technically prudent in driving innovation and lowering overall risk, risks sidelining those without the means or knowledge to comply. Meanwhile, the environmental costs of displacing so much functioning hardware come into sharpest focus at moments like this.
The best course of action is, as experts suggest, to act early: audit your technology, weigh your options, and plan for a responsible, informed transition. For those unable to upgrade, credible free alternatives exist—though they require some adjustment and support. Finally, both Microsoft and the wider tech sector must reckon with their role in balancing progress with sustainability, equity, and digital inclusion. It’s a challenge that demands honest dialogue, creative solutions, and—most of all—a recognition that technology must serve all, not only those with the newest gear.
Source: RNZ Tech experts fear cybercriminals will exploit end of Windows 10 support
