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Microsoft recently reminded Windows 10 users that support for the operating system will end on October 14, 2025.
Microsoft 10 launched in July 2015, and the company was obliged to give 10 years of support. Windows 10 is the most popular Windows OS, accounting for 54% of market share or more than $800 million users, according to Statista. In 2024, Microsoft Windows ran on 1.6 billion active devices.
For users wishing to continue using Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support date, Microsoft offers a one-year Extended Security Update (ESU) program priced at $30. However, without ESU or an upgrade to Windows 11, users will face increased security risks.
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The tech giant, which celebrated its 50th birthday this month, has not provided as much information about the ESU program for regular users as it has for business customers. This may be a strategic move to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 rather than opting for the ESU, writes Windows Latest.
The winding down of support is particularly important, given a new emerging cybersecurity threat that could pose a major risk to Microsoft's customers.
"Extremely serious threat" to millions of Microsoft Windows users
An updated version of malware known as Neptune RAT (Remote Access Trojan) presents an “extremely serious threat” to millions of Windows users.
Cyfirma, a Singapore-based cybersecurity firm, recently issued a warning regarding the malware, which has spread across platforms such as GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube. The malware is often marketed as the “Most Advanced RAT,” according to Cyfirma.
Cyfrima describes Neptune RAT as a “sophisticated and highly dangerous” piece of malware capable of bypassing traditional security measures, stealing passwords, and even destroying Windows operating systems. The RAT can compromise over 270 applications, including browsers, and features both ransomware capabilities and live desktop monitoring.
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Designed to disrupt and steal sensitive data, Neptune RAT applies high-level anti-analysis techniques to maintain a presence on the victim’s system for a long period of time.
Once established, it can fully take control of a device, extracting sensitive information and receiving further instructions from its handlers.
The worst part: the developer suggests that there is an even more powerful version of this malware.
“Ethical Purposes," yet targets Chrome, Opera, Brave & More
Neptune RAT’s creator, who made it available without the source code, claims it is intended for “educational and ethical purposes,” though the malware’s capabilities make it hard to believe that explanation.