BSI gives tips on the end of support for Windows 10
Germany's highest IT security authority recommends changing or upgrading the operating system after support for Windows 10 ends.
(Image: Erstellt mit KI in Bing Creator von heise online / dmk)
The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is taking the imminent end of support for Windows 10 in exactly six months' time, on October 14, 2025, as an opportunity to provide tips for the time after that. The BSI recommends that anyone still using Windows 10 should upgrade in good time or switch to a different operating system.
The country's highest IT security authority states that the operating system will no longer receive free updates from this date. In particular, "not even those that are security-relevant and, for example, close vulnerabilities". This affects all Windows 10 versions, including Home, Pro and Education. You can upgrade or switch to "Windows 11, for example, a Unix-based operating system such as macOS or a Linux-based operating system" –, although the officials do not describe the somewhat sporty option of installing macOS on non-Mac hardware in more detail. There is no official way to do this.
"Security updates are essential"
A BSI spokeswoman explained: "Security updates are essential for IT security because they close security gaps that could otherwise be exploited by attackers. The continued use of Windows 10 after the end of the support period therefore poses serious security risks."
The IT security authority therefore recommends using the next six months to switch to a system that continues to receive full security updates. The BSI recommends backing up data before the switch to prevent data loss during the process. "To avoid time pressure in the fall, consumers should initiate the upgrade or change of operating system on the affected devices in good time," concludes the BSI's recommendation.
An article from Microsoft last week caused a stir, advising users to recycle old devices when Windows 10 support ends. Many people took this to mean that Microsoft was recommending throwing old devices that are not compatible with Windows 11 in the bin. The article was intended more as an advertisement for the purchase of new hardware and the corresponding bonus and trade-in programs in Microsoft's store and irritated with phrases about "responsible recycling" of old hardware. When purchasing new Surface devices from Microsoft, a discount or cash-for-clunkers program is available in some countries and US states.
(dmk)