CERT-In Advises Users to Prepare for Windows 10 End of Support and Transition to Windows 11

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, alerting a significant shift for users still relying on the decade-old operating system.In response, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory suggesting users to prepare for the change and safeguard their data.

According to CERT-In, users should upgrade to Windows 11 to continue receiving critical security updates.For those who cannot upgrade immediately—particularly businesses and large organizations—a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program is available as a temporary solution.

The primary concern is security.Once support ends, Windows 10 will no longer receive security patches, leaving systems running it vulnerable to potential cyberattacks.Hackers are likely to target these outdated machines, potentially resulting in data theft, malware infections, and other threats.

However, the transition to Windows 11 is not as easy for everyone.Many older PCs will be unable for the free upgrade due to Microsoft's TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) hardware requirement.This has created a challenge for users, as over 60% of Windows PCs worldwide still run Windows 10, which is significantly higher than the share during the Windows 7 to 10 upgrade period.

Windows 11 isn't entirely new; it's been out for a while and features a more modern, clean interface, AI-powered tools, and improved performance.The Start menu is now in the center of the taskbar, and most tools function as standalone applications.

For Indian users, now is the time to assess their current systems, back up important data, and consider upgrade or replacement options before the deadline.

Information referenced in this article is from News 18