Still Running Windows 10? Here's Why That's Now a Serious Risk
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more security patches, no more bug fixes, and no more technical support for the operating system that still runs on hundreds of millions of business computers worldwide.
If your business is still running Windows 10 machines, those computers are now accumulating unpatched vulnerabilities with every passing month. Attackers know this, and they’re actively targeting organizations that haven’t made the move. It’s not a question of if those systems will be exploited — it’s a question of when.
As of mid-2025, half of all enterprise devices were still running Windows 10. Every one of those machines that hasn’t been upgraded is now a potential entry point for attackers.
What “End of Support” Actually Means
It’s important to understand that your Windows 10 computers won’t suddenly stop working. They’ll boot up and run applications just like before. But behind the scenes, the security foundation has crumbled.
Every month, Microsoft discovers and patches new vulnerabilities across its products. After the end-of-support date, those patches stop coming for Windows 10. Any new vulnerability found in the operating system — and there will be many — will remain permanently unpatched on your machines.
This isn’t theoretical. Attackers have already been exploiting Windows 10 vulnerabilities to deploy ransomware. One notable example involved a zero-day flaw in the Common Log File System driver that was actively used by threat groups to escalate privileges and launch ransomware across IT, finance, and retail companies.
Running unsupported software also creates compliance problems. If your business handles sensitive data or operates in a regulated industry, auditors and regulators increasingly view unsupported operating systems as unacceptable risks.
The Extended Security Updates Trap
Microsoft does offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a paid stopgap. For businesses, the cost starts at $61 per device for the first year, doubles to $122 the second year, and doubles again to $244 the third year. That escalating cost structure is by design — Microsoft wants to push organizations toward Windows 11, not subsidize indefinite use of an aging platform.
ESU is a bridge, not a destination. It only provides security patches, not feature updates or long-term compatibility guarantees. Third-party software vendors are also beginning to drop support for Windows 10, meaning your business applications may stop working properly over time regardless of the ESU program.
Planning Your Migration
If you haven’t started your Windows 11 migration, the time to act is now. Here’s what a smart transition plan looks like:
- Inventory your hardware: Not every computer can run Windows 11. The new OS requires TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and a compatible processor. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to audit your fleet and identify which machines need to be replaced.
- Prioritize by risk: Migrate machines that handle sensitive data, financial transactions, or customer information first. These are the highest-value targets for attackers.
- Phase the rollout: Don’t try to upgrade everything at once. A phased approach — 20% of machines per quarter, for example — spreads the cost and reduces the risk of widespread disruption.
- Test your applications: Before upgrading, verify that your critical business applications and peripherals work correctly on Windows 11. Compatibility issues are less common than they were during previous OS transitions, but they still happen.
- Back up everything: Before any upgrade, create complete backups of all systems. This provides a safety net in case something goes wrong during the migration.
An MSP like Loricus can handle the entire process for you — from the initial hardware audit through deployment and employee training — so your team can stay focused on running your business.
Need help with your Windows 11 migration? Contact Loricus today to schedule a free consultation.