Windows 10 Has Reached Its End
- Samuel Kader
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of the most foundational security issues many organizations still face: unsupported operating systems.The clock is ticking on Windows 10 — and if your business is still running it in production, you need a plan.
Why This Matters Now
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will formally end support for Windows 10 (version 22H2). What this means:
After that date, Windows 10 will no longer receive feature updates, monthly security patches, or technical support from Microsoft.
Devices running Windows 10 will still function, but their risk profile increases significantly — unpatched vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and compliance challenges become far more likely.
For organizations, continuing to operate on an unsupported OS undermines cybersecurity hygiene and may expose your firm to data breaches or audit findings.
Because this coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s an opportune moment to make sure leadership, IT teams, and staff are aware of what comes next.
Key Risks of Staying on Windows 10
Increased vulnerability to cyber threats:
Without regular patching, attackers can easily exploit known vulnerabilities left unaddressed.
Software and hardware incompatibility
Over time, business-critical software and newer hardware will stop supporting Windows 10, leading to workflow disruptions.
Compliance exposure
Cybersecurity and data privacy frameworks such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and ISO 27001 require supported and updated systems — running Windows 10 post-support could put compliance at risk.
Unplanned downtime and higher costs
The longer migration is delayed, the higher the costs and disruption when an urgent upgrade or device replacement becomes unavoidable.
What Should Your Organization Do (Step-by-Step)
1. Inventory & Assess
Identify all devices still running Windows 10.
Evaluate hardware compatibility for Windows 11 (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, CPU support).
Flag systems that rely on legacy applications or critical dependencies.
2. Decide: Upgrade, Replace, or Extend
Upgrade if hardware meets Windows 11 requirements.
Replace older hardware with new, supported devices.
Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) if immediate migration isn’t possible. Note: ESU is only a temporary measure — not a long-term fix.
3. Plan & Execute Migration
Develop a realistic rollout timeline to avoid disruption.
Back up all important data and verify restoration capabilities.
Test critical business applications before full deployment.
Keep remaining Windows 10 systems patched and isolated until fully transitioned.
4. Verify & Secure Post-Migration
Confirm all systems are updated and receiving regular security patches.
Remove or securely wipe retired Windows 10 machines.
Update your IT asset inventory and incident response plan to reflect new systems and security controls.
Final Takeaway
The end of Windows 10 support is more than a software deadline, it’s a cybersecurity milestone. As we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month, use this as a catalyst to strengthen your organization’s defenses and modernize your systems.
Now is the time to take action. Schedule a high-level discovery call with one of our cybersecurity specialists to review your current environment and plan your path forward to a secure, supported future.
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