As the clock ticks down to the end of free security updates for Windows 10 on Tuesday, Berlin’s administration faces a pressing financial burden. With approximately 45,000 of their total 95,000 computers still operating on this older software, the city is staring down a potential bill amounting to millions of euros.
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The Immediate Cost of Staying Secure
Following Microsoft’s decision to terminate free support services for Windows 10, organizations including municipalities and businesses that wish to continue receiving vital security updates will be required to pay a service fee. For the first year, this fee is set at about 52 euros per computer. With 45,000 computers in need of these updates, Berlin’s administration could be looking at an expenditure of around 2.25 million euros. Moreover, this fee is set to double in the second year and increase again in the third, should the use of Windows 10 persist.
Global Impact and Consumer Concerns
This issue extends beyond Berlin or even Germany. Microsoft has recently advised all users to upgrade to Windows 11, released in 2021. However, a significant number of devices do not meet the technical specifications required for this newer version. Consumer Reports in the United States highlighted that many devices sold even in 2022 and 2023 are not compatible with Windows 11, rendering them obsolete just three years post-purchase. Globally, an estimated 650 million individuals were still using Windows 10 as of August, according to Consumer Reports. Another estimate suggests that up to 400 million computers would be unable to transition to Windows 11.
In Germany specifically, over 30 million computers are still running on Windows 10, as reported by the German Consumer Center in May. This widespread usage underscores the potential vulnerability of numerous systems to cyber threats without ongoing updates.
Challenges and Workarounds for Users
The discontinuation of updates for Windows 10 not only exposes users to increased cybersecurity risks but also complicates the use of new software and hardware. Developers are less likely to focus on compatibility with an outdated operating system, which could also mean an end to technical support directly from Microsoft. Users may find themselves relying on third-party solutions, self-help options, or online forums to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
In response to the concerns of private customers about having to purchase new devices or pay for updates, Microsoft has made concessions for users in Europe and the USA. At the end of September, the company announced that users in the European Economic Area—which includes the 27 EU countries along with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—would begin receiving notifications on their Windows 10 PCs about opting into a program for extended update support. Similarly, in the USA, users can continue receiving free updates by utilizing the Windows Backup function.
The situation in Berlin serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of software lifecycle policies, affecting not only budgets but also the cybersecurity posture of major organizations and the general public alike. As we move forward, the decisions made today will set the precedent for how we manage legacy technology in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
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Ned Winslow is passionate about technological innovations. He writes about AI, cybersecurity, startups, and big tech companies. He makes technology understandable for everyone, with a critical eye on its impacts.
