Windows 10 has been a great operating system (OS) since it was released on July 29, 2015 and has bolstered millions of PCs around the world. It is well known for its reliable and user-friendly design, and has gone through multiple updates from version 1507 to the final version 22H2.
but, Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 will reach end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.While we find it easier to use a familiar system, EOS has serious risks for businesses that process sensitive data and rely on a stable infrastructure. In this article, we will investigate the risk of staying in Windows 10 after support ends.
Impact of Windows 10 after EOS
Once the operating system reaches EOS, it becomes essentially outdated in the eyes of software providers. For Microsoft, this means:
No more security patches: New vulnerabilities discovered after the EOS date remain absent.
No bug fixes or updates: If you encounter performance issues or crashes, Microsoft will not resolve them.
There is no technical support: Microsoft’s custom support team will no longer be useful to run Windows 10.
This shows a clear line between unsupported and unsupported systems, and older versions put the system at risk.
Also Read: Windows 11 24H2: New Features and Deployment Guide
Risk of using Windows 10 after EOS
As soon as Microsoft aborts operating system updates and security patches, it becomes an attractive target for cybercriminals and hackers.
Improved security vulnerabilities
One of the most pressing dangers of using an unsupported OS is exposure to cybersecurity threats. Without regular security updates, your system will remain vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, phishing attacks, and zero-day exploits. Hackers often target older systems because they know that security flaws will not be fixed.
For organizations, this means putting customer data, financial records and internal operations at risk. A single violation can result in reputational damage, legal consequences, and economic losses.
Compliance and regulatory issues
Many industries, such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce, must follow strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Running an unsupported operating system can mean that even if other security measures are strong, they cannot meet these criteria.
A non-compliance violation can result in fines, legal penalties, or disqualification from contracts requiring modern infrastructure.
Software compatibility issues
Once a software company releases a new version of the app, it can work on older systems. This may prevent your organization from using the latest versions of critical tools, such as office software, security programs, and other business apps. As many software companies are currently focusing on Windows 11, if you are still using Windows 10, you may miss out on new features, updates, and security improvements.
Hardware driver limitations
The latest hardware components, such as the latest CPU, GPU, and other devices, work best on Windows 11. If you continue to use Windows 10, you may face issues like poor performance, driver issues, and system instability. Upgrading your hardware can also be difficult. This allows organizations to use expensive or ineffective solutions.
Higher maintenance and operational costs
Operating an outdated, unsupported system always leads to downtime. After EOS, IT teams will no longer have access to official Microsoft support or assistance for troubleshooting issues related to Windows 10. Microsoft may provide extended support to businesses that wish to continue using Windows 10 Post-EOS. If you provide these support, it will be offered at a higher price. Additionally, special fixes and temporary solutions may be required to make your critical systems work. This can exhaust a lot of time and resources. This means that if something goes wrong, IT staff will have to rely on their own expertise and third-party solutions.
Real-world case studies
History shows that unsupported systems pose real risks. for example, May 12, 2017, Wanna Cree Ransomware Attack It exploited vulnerabilities in outdated Windows systems, unstable hospitals, businesses and government agencies around the world.
Many affected organizations were still using Windows XP, an OS beyond EOS. The cost of inaction causes serious damage.
The same risk applies to Windows 10 from October 2025 onwards. Once support is over, attackers will monitor opportunities to exploit unmigrated systems.
Also Read: 3 Ways to Upgrade to Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
Conclusion
Staying on Windows 10 after support ends may seem like a short-term convenience, but it opens the door to serious, long-term risks. From increasing vulnerabilities to cyber threats and compliance issues, to software limitations and increased maintenance costs, the results can be critical.
Upgrading to a supported operating system Windows 11 will keep your system safe, compliant and ready to meet future demands. To get started, here is a step-by-step guide to upgrading Windows 11. The best time to plan your transition is before it’s too late.
