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Microsoft ends Windows 10 updates, leaving millions facing tough choices

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1 year ago

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Microsoft’s decision to end Windows 10 updates in mid-October has sparked concern among consumer groups and left many users anxious about having to buy new computers to avoid cyber threats.

Here is what you need to know about the upcoming end of support for Windows 10.

What happens on October 14?

Computers running Microsoft’s 2015 version of Windows 10 will no longer receive updates after October 14. These updates regularly patched the operating system to protect it from frequent cyberattacks, explained Martin Kraemer, a security expert at American firm KnowBe4.

What does this mean for users?

Microsoft has urged customers to upgrade to Windows 11, released in 2021. For those whose hardware is incompatible, the company offers a $30 one-year extension for Windows 10 security updates.

Consumer groups have criticised this move. US watchdog Consumer Reports said, “The lack of backwards compatibility for certain Windows 10 machines sold only a couple of years ago is a blow to consumers’ pocketbooks,” as many face forced upgrades.

In Europe, French group End Planned Obsolescence (HOP) has petitioned for free updates until 2030, while Germany’s Verbraucherzentrale consumer federation warned that the decision “worries consumers and limits free purchase choices.”

They added that increased new computer purchases harm the environment by generating hard-to-recycle electronic waste.

How many users are affected?

Microsoft did not provide figures on how many users cannot upgrade. Consumer Reports estimated 650 million Windows 10 users worldwide in August, while the US group PIRG suggests up to 400 million computers are incompatible with Windows 11.

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What are the risks?

Users who cannot upgrade and do not pay for extended support face greater cyberattack risks. Kraemer said, “By receiving no updates, you’re no longer protecting yourself against the most recent cybersecurity risks.”

Though the risk increase is hard to measure individually, Windows 10 users as a group become prime targets. Paddy Harrington of consulting firm Forrester added that unsupported Windows 10 may prevent installation of the latest third-party software. “Application vendors rely on the operating system to provide features and functions,” he explained. Without updates, apps may not work properly.

What options do users have?

Recent antivirus software alone may not fully protect an unsupported operating system. Harrington said, “It’s better than doing nothing, but should only be a temporary fix while finding a permanent solution.”

Users wanting to keep their current hardware might switch to another operating system, such as Linux, an open-source alternative already popular for servers and the foundation for Google’s Android OS.

“As long as your applications, management, and security tools support that OS, it’s a good choice,” Harrington said.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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5 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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