Windows 10 support will officially end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop releasing security updates, fixing bugs, and providing technical support.
You can keep using Windows 10, but you’ll be doing it without a safety net. And cybercriminals know it.
If you’re responsible for IT, your team is looking to you to keep things running, keep data protected, and keep the business moving forward. The time to plan for Windows 10’s end of Support is now.
What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends
After October 14, 2025, you will stop receiving security patches, bug fixes, and technical support from Microsoft. Your systems will no longer be protected against new threats, and any technical issues may go unresolved.
Over time, software vendors will phase out support for Windows 10, making it difficult to run the latest applications or hardware. Your business could find itself limited by technology that is out of step with current requirements and security standards.
Some organizations may use Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program if more time is needed to complete their migration. ESU is a paid, temporary solution that covers only the most critical security patches. The price increases each year, so relying on ESU adds significant long-term cost. Most businesses will benefit from planning a full upgrade to Windows 11 rather than treating ESU as a solution.
Why Inaction on Windows 10 End of Support Puts Your Organization at Risk
Every organization running Windows 10 faces real risk after support ends. Without protection and ongoing updates, your business becomes more vulnerable to threats and operational issues almost immediately.
Cybersecurity risk
An unsupported OS is a magnet for cyberattacks. Once support ends, any new vulnerability remains unpatched indefinitely. Attackers are aware of End of Support dates. They actively stockpile exploits.
For instance, after Windows XP’s End of Support, attackers exploited an IE browser flaw within weeks, and the infamous “WannaCry” ransomware in 2017 ravaged PCs running out-of-support Windows. Windows 10’s turn is next. Even a small business with a handful of PCs becomes a soft target if one unpatched machine is connected to your network.
Compliance and legal headaches
Many regulations and industry standards demand that organizations use supported, up-to-date software. Using an outdated OS could put you out of compliance with frameworks like HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS, or cyber insurance requirements.
For example, data protection laws and cyber insurers often flag unsupported systems as uninsurable or non-compliant. In regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, defense contracting, etc.), auditors will not consider an unsupported OS “reasonable security,” so audit failures and penalties become a real possibility.
No SMB wants to explain to regulators (or customers) that a breach occurred because they chose to run obsolete software.
Device and app incompatibilities
As Windows 10 ages past End of Support, compatibility will crumble. New business applications, hardware, and cloud services will increasingly be built for Windows 11 and beyond. Windows 10 users will face mounting issues: modern apps or updates might refuse to install, drivers for new printers and devices may not be available, and some vendors will drop support for their software on Windows 10.
Over time, this can leave organizations stuck on older versions of critical software or unable to adopt new tools, harming productivity. Even day-to-day performance can degrade: An old OS on newer hardware may not fully utilize advances, and conversely, very old PCs running Windows 10 will get ever slower compared to modern systems.
All of this can cause downtime and frustration that far outweigh the temporary inconvenience of a well-planned OS upgrade.
Cost concerns
The cost of ignoring the End of Support deadline can hit the bottom line in multiple ways.
First, the security risk carries financial exposure: a successful ransomware attack or data breach can mean hefty remediation costs, ransom payments, legal liabilities, and lost business. A ransomware attack today can cost an average of $5 million. SMBs are less likely to survive such an incident. Even without a breach, running obsolete IT can jeopardize customer trust and contracts (clients may drop an agency that can’t meet security requirements, for example).
Second, delaying upgrades tends to increase overall costs. Hardware and IT services will likely become more expensive as the deadline nears (basic supply and demand). Analysts warn that if you wait until late 2025, you’ll be scrambling for new PCs at the same time as everyone else, leading to hardware shortages and “last-minute” premium pricing. You may also incur rush fees for IT support to migrate under duress. Additionally, maintaining Windows 10 past End of Support can incur hidden costs: you might pay for Extended Security Updates, invest in additional security layers as band-aids, or suffer more frequent outages (which hurt productivity and revenue). In short, upgrading in a planned way now is far cheaper than reacting to emergencies later.
How Windows 10 End of Support Affects Different Types of Organizations
Every organization faces a different set of challenges when Windows 10 reaches end of Support. The risks and priorities can look very different depending on your industry, your resources, and how your teams use technology every day.
Nonprofits
Mission-driven organizations need every dollar to go further and can’t afford security lapses or compliance issues. Many nonprofits qualify for Microsoft discounts and low-cost hardware programs, but those deals require planning. Upgrading can help protect your organization’s reputation, keep donor data secure, and help you focus on delivering your mission without technology setbacks.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing relies on specialized systems that cannot afford unplanned downtime. A single outdated PC can put an entire line at risk. Every device needs to be reviewed, including those in the plant, so security gaps do not become production stoppages.
Construction
Construction teams cannot afford device failures, lost data, or slow rollouts. Construction companies run a mix of hardware, and projects rarely pause for upgrades. Careful planning and phased rollouts keep jobsites moving and ensure the business stays compliant and protected.
Marketing and Media
Creative agencies depend on high-performance workstations and tight deadlines. A surprise software incompatibility or data breach can damage client relationships. Staying current with Windows 11 keeps your team running the latest software and protects sensitive client data.
Despite their differences, every organization faces the same core risk: disruption. Customers trust you to deliver. Upgrading now protects your ability to serve them, keeps your team moving, and avoids the chaos of an unplanned crisis.
What to Do Now to Prepare for Windows 10 End of Support
Windows 10 End of Support is coming fast, but a clear migration plan will keep your business protected and ready for what’s next. Here are the first steps to set your organization up for a smooth and secure transition.
- Lean on your partners. Microsoft and its partners (including Apex Digital Solutions) offer workshops, assessments, and proven upgrade plans to keep the transition smooth and cost-effective.
- Take inventory. List every device still running Windows 10. Don’t forget machines tucked away in back rooms, production areas, or remote offices. Device management platforms, remote monitoring tools, and IT asset management software can help automate this process.
- Check Windows 11 compatibility. Most PCs bought in the last 3-4 years are ready. Older devices may not support the security features required for Windows 11. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or ask us for a readiness assessment.
- Plan your upgrades or replacements. Create a schedule and budget. Tackle high-risk or high-priority systems first. For nonprofits and eligible businesses, research available Microsoft grants, discounts, and refurbished hardware.
- Prep your people. Let your staff know what to expect, how the upgrade will help them, and who to contact with questions. Good communication reduces friction and keeps your team on board.
Windows 10 End of Support FAQ
October 14, 2025. After that, there are no security updates or support from Microsoft.
You can, but every day you’re on an unsupported system, your risk grows. No updates mean no protection from new threats.
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) are a paid, short-term safety net, but the cost rises each year and only covers the most critical patches. It’s meant for organizations that need a little more time, not as a long-term solution.
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or contact Apex Digital Solutions. We can audit your devices and give you a clear report.
For small organizations, it might take a few weeks. For larger or more complex environments, plan for several months from planning to rollout. Starting early gives you flexibility and control.
How Apex Digital Solutions Can Help with Windows 10 End of Support
We have seen what happens when businesses properly plan for these events, and what happens when they do not. The Apex Digital Solutions team is committed to making your transition to Windows 11 clear, organized, and painless for your staff.
We can:
- Complete a full Windows 10 inventory and compatibility assessment for your organization.
- Develop a phased upgrade plan that matches your operations and cash flow.
- Source and deploy new hardware if needed.
- Manage all logistics and provide direct support so your team stays productive.
- Set up every device for modern security and compliance needs.
- Train and support your users, so the upgrade delivers clear benefits without disrupting their work.
Our team stays with you from the first inventory to the last device upgrade. We remain available for support after your migration is complete. Book a consultation with the Apex Digital team to get started >
Conclusion
You don’t have to tackle Windows 10 End of Support alone. With the right plan and the right partner, you can protect your business, keep your team productive, and step confidently into the next chapter. Reach out to Apex Digital Solutions to build your path forward together.
