In a major cybersecurity alert, Microsoft has issued an urgent warning affecting approximately 450 million Windows users who need to take immediate action to protect their systems. The warning comes after the discovery of a serious vulnerability that could leave PCs exposed to cyber attacks.
Security firm ESET recently uncovered a previously unknown Windows flaw that, when combined with a browser vulnerability, allowed attackers to successfully compromise computers. While both security holes have now been patched, users must update their systems to stay protected.
The timing of this security threat is particularly concerning as Windows 10 support is scheduled to end in October 2025. Currently, around 850 million users are running Windows 10, with an additional 50 million using even older Windows versions. While 450 million users have PCs capable of upgrading to Windows 11, approximately 400 million Windows 10 users must find alternative solutions before support expires.
In response, Microsoft has announced a $30 extended support option to extend Windows 10 support for an additional 12 months. If all eligible users opt for this extended security update, it could represent a $12 billion revenue opportunity for Microsoft.
The recently discovered vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-49039, carries a severe risk score of 8.8 and allows malicious code execution through the Windows Task Scheduler. When combined with a browser flaw (CVE-2024-9680), attackers can compromise systems without any user interaction.
The Russia-backed cyber group RomCom has already exploited these vulnerabilities, targeting Ukrainian government entities and various industrial sectors in the US and Europe. Their attack method involved creating malicious websites that automatically downloaded and executed harmful code when visited.
Users have several options to maintain system security:
- Upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware meets requirements
- Pay for extended Windows 10 support
- Purchase new hardware compatible with Windows 11
- Explore technical workarounds for upgrading older systems
Industry analysts predict a surge in PC sales during 2025, driven primarily by Windows 10's end-of-life cycle rather than demand for AI capabilities. The global laptop market is expected to grow by 4.9% to 183 million units in 2025.
As Microsoft continues alerting users about the upcoming end of Windows 10 support, the recent security breach serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with running unsupported operating systems. Users are advised to evaluate their options and take necessary steps to maintain system security before support expires next year.