Hundreds of thousands of New Zealand computers could become vulnerable to cyberattacks next week as Microsoft ends free support for Windows 10, a consumer advocate has warned.
From October 14, the tech giant will stop providing security updates and technical support for Windows 10 - ten years after its release.
Consumer NZ estimates 30% of New Zealand computers still run the operating system, meaning a significant number of users could be exposed to malware and hacking attempts.
Microsoft has urged consumers to upgrade to Windows 11, but many older PCs don't meet the strict hardware requirements to run the new software.
That leaves users with few options: replace their device, switch to a free alternative operating system, or enrol in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.
Consumer NZ product test writer Nick Gelling told 1News that Windows 10 computers would still work come Tuesday.
"It’ll simply stop receiving the free security updates that keep you safe from online attacks. As time goes on, you're opening yourself up to more and more risks."
Gelling said the “first and best option” for users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 is to enrol in the ESU programme, which extends protection until October 2026.
However, the programme was not automatic and some users had reported difficulties enrolling, he said.
"Because it isn't automatic, many of the more vulnerable computer users will slip through the crack."
'Surge in e-waste'
Consumer NZ has been calling for Microsoft to extend support for Windows 10 since earlier this year and, while the ESU programme has now been made free for individual users, Gelling said it still risked leaving many behind.
"Hundreds of thousands of New Zealand consumers who are tied to the Windows ecosystem and want to stay safe online may feel they have little option but to throw out computers that still work."
He said this could trigger a surge in e-waste as users discard functioning computers in favour of newer models that can run Windows 11.
"Globally, the Windows 10 cut-off could be one of the most wasteful events in modern tech history."
The exact timeline of Windows 10 becoming an unsafe "Wild West" was "nearly impossible to predict", Gelling said.
"It might stay under control for a few months or even a year. But equally, it could be that malicious actors are waiting for October 15 to unleash their next spying tool on the largest possible number of unsecured users. We just don't know, but it is a matter of time."
With support ending from Tuesday, Gelling said the responsibility should fall to Microsoft to ensure users weren't left behind.
'Life cycle'
In a blog post, Microsoft executive vice president Yusuf Mehdi said phasing out older operating systems and upgrading to new ones was a "natural part of the life cycle".
"Microsoft will no longer provide security and feature updates and technical support for Windows 10 PCs. While these devices will continue to function, they will no longer receive regular security updates, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats, such as malware and viruses."
He said applications running on Windows 10 may no longer be supported as the platform would no longer receive feature updates. "As a result, some apps may experience decreased functionality."
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