End of Windows 10 – The danger of not migrating

Windows 10 has been a reliable foundation for business operations for nearly a decade, but its end-of-life is fast approaching. As of 14^th October 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for the operating system. That means no more updates, no more security patches, and no official assistance from Microsoft. 

Many businesses are still running Windows 10 across their networks. While this may seem manageable for now, remaining on an unsupported operating system introduces serious risks, from cybersecurity threats to compliance issues. In this blog, we’re going to be explaining what the end of Windows 10 means, the dangers of not migrating, and how to begin preparing for a smooth transition so you’re not left scrambling in October. 

 

What happens when Windows 10 support ends? 

When Microsoft ends support, Windows 10 won’t simply stop working. Systems will still boot, software will still open, and employees may not notice any immediate change. However, the big difference lies in what’s no longer happening behind the scenes: 

• No more security updates – Newly discovered vulnerabilities will go unpatched. 

• No performance or stability fixes – Existing bugs will remain unresolved. 

• No new driver or hardware support – Future devices and peripherals may not work properly. 

• No technical support – Microsoft will no longer offer help for issues on Windows 10. 

For businesses, this creates an environment where systems are increasingly outdated and exposed. Over time, compatibility with software and business applications will also degrade, making operations more difficult to maintain. 

 

What are the risks of staying on an unsupported operating system? 

Running unsupported software creates a predictable pattern, where vulnerabilities appear, and criminals exploit them. Without updates, even basic security risks become permanent holes in your defences. 

Several major cyberattacks in recent years have traced their origins back to unsupported systems. A well-known example is the 2017 NHS ransomware attack in the UK, where outdated systems (including Windows XP) left hospitals vulnerable. That incident disrupted critical health services and highlighted just how damaging unsupported software can be, even for large institutions. 

For businesses of any size, staying on Windows 10 after its end-of-life means facing increased exposure to: 

• Malware and ransomware attacks 

• Unauthorised system access 

• Data theft or loss 

• Compliance violations (especially in regulated industries) 

• Expensive downtime or recovery costs 

These risks are especially worrying for medium-sized businesses, which often have limited IT staff and constrained budgets. A single attack could cause major operational disruption or reputational damage that’s difficult to recover from. 

Planning your migration: Where to start 

Migrating from Windows 10 to a supported operating system (such as Windows 11) doesn’t need to be disruptive, but it does require a bit of thought and planning.  

Here’s how to approach it: 

Assess current systems 

• Take inventory of all devices running Windows 10. 

• Identify which machines meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. 

• Note any software or tools that rely on Windows 10 specifically. 

Plan for hardware upgrades 

• Some older devices will not support Windows 11 due to new requirements like TPM 2.0 and updated CPU support. 

• Budget for phased hardware replacements where necessary. 

Test and validate 

• Run a small pilot to test Windows 11 in your environment. 

• Confirm compatibility with business-critical applications and internal tools. 

Backup and secure data 

• Ensure all devices are backed up before beginning the migration process. 

• Use the transition as an opportunity to review cybersecurity policies. 

Train staff as needed 

• While Windows 11 shares many similarities with Windows 10, the interface and some workflows have changed. 

• Providing brief training sessions or reference guides can smooth the adjustment. 

Work with IT professionals 

• Whether you have an internal IT team or work with a managed service provider, planning with experienced professionals will reduce risks and ensure the process is efficient and secure. 

Final thoughts 

The end of Windows 10 is a significant milestone. Putting off the migration may seem easier in the short term, but the cost of waiting can be high, both in terms of cybersecurity and operational efficiency. Now is the time to get ready to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. 

Need some support with your organisation’s cyber security? Contact us today to find out how we can help.