Support for Windows 10 ended on 14 October 2025 – since then the system no longer receives security updates. That means a higher risk of cyber attacks, reduced compatibility with new technologies and the gradual ageing of your device. What options do you have and why is upgrading to Windows 11 the best choice?
We have put together an overview of everything important you should know if your business still runs Windows 10.
End of support for Windows 10: What does it mean and what to do about it?
Windows 10 still runs on hundreds of millions of computers worldwide. On 14 October 2025, however, Microsoft officially ended support for it – security updates and technical support have stopped. The system no longer receives patches against new threats, which poses a serious risk to home users and businesses alike. Businesses can buy Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee, but only until October 2028 at the latest – it buys time, it does not solve the problem. Outdated systems are among the most common entry points for attackers – which is why regular updates matter so much.
Staying on an unsupported system is not just a security issue. Compatibility with new applications and drivers will gradually get worse, which can mean problems when using new versions of popular programs or connecting modern hardware. Software and hardware manufacturers will increasingly focus on Windows 11, gradually turning Windows 10 into an ageing platform.
Summary of the risks if you don’t switch to Windows 11:
- Security updates are no longer available, which increases the risk of cyber attacks.
- Software and applications are no longer being optimised for Windows 10, which can make the software you bought unstable or unusable.
- New hardware is not fully supported, as manufacturers focus on Windows 11, which can make peripherals stop working (webcam, network card, graphics card, Bluetooth, docking station, printer, motherboard and more).
Microsoft no longer provides technical support, so you have to solve any problems yourself or switch to a supported system.
What are the risks of using Windows 10 after the end of support?
Staying on Windows 10 after the end of support carries considerable risks that can have serious consequences for home users and businesses. The biggest threat is security. Without security updates, the system is vulnerable to new threats. According to a BitSight study, companies whose computers mostly run outdated systems are almost three times as likely to suffer a data breach. The WannaCry attack in 2017 showed what this looks like in practice: according to the FBI, around 98 % of infected computers were running Windows 7 without updates. A similar scenario threatens Windows 10 – attackers target known security flaws that Microsoft will no longer fix.
The main danger is the spread of ransomware, where attackers encrypt the files on your computer and demand a ransom. According to the US intelligence community (ODNI), the number of reported ransomware attacks rose by 74 % in 2023 and the victims were not only individuals but also large companies, hospitals and schools. Outdated operating systems are an ideal target because they lack protection against the latest threats.
Another problem is gradually declining compatibility. New applications and program updates are optimised for Windows 11, which leads to incompatibility with Windows 10. Software companies keep announcing that their new products will not support older versions of the system. For example, Adobe states that it follows Microsoft’s lifecycle when supporting its applications – new versions will therefore gradually require Windows 11. Similarly, hardware manufacturers will stop developing drivers for older operating systems, which means new devices such as printers, graphics cards or motherboards may not work properly on Windows 10, or at all.
Web browsers and online services will also gradually move away from supporting outdated systems. After support for Windows 7 ended, for example, Google Chrome offered updates only for a limited time and then ended support completely. The same is expected for Windows 10. This means users may run into problems accessing modern websites, internet banking or business applications.
What are your options?
With the end of support for Windows 10, users and companies have to decide which way to go. One option is to stay on Windows 10, but that means exposing yourself to increased security risks and gradually losing compatibility with modern software and hardware. Another option is to switch to Windows 11, which brings a higher level of security, support for new features and compatibility with modern hardware and software.
Need help switching to Windows 11? Don’t hesitate to turn to us. We will take care of everything for you.
Contact us today.
The MindBe Team
Sources: Microsoft – Windows 10 end of support, BitSight, FBI (IC3), ODNI.
