Windows 10 has been a reliable workhorse for businesses for nearly a decade, but its time is running out. Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and if your business is still relying on it after that date, you could be opening the door to serious financial, operational, and legal risks.
While it may seem easier (and cheaper) to delay an upgrade, the reality is that the cost of doing nothing can far exceed the cost of migrating to a supported system. Let’s take a look at why.
No more security updates = new threats every day
Once Windows 10 reaches end-of-life, Microsoft will stop releasing critical security updates. That means new vulnerabilities will be discovered by hackers – and left unpatched.
Cybercriminals actively look for outdated systems to exploit. It’s not a matter of if your business will be targeted – it’s a matter of when. And when that happens, you’re on your own.
A data breach or ransomware attack can bring your business to a halt, costing thousands in downtime, lost data, and recovery efforts – not to mention damage to your reputation.
Compliance risks: A lawsuit waiting to happen
If you’re in a regulated industry like healthcare, finance, legal, or government, continuing to use an unsupported operating system could put you out of compliance with major regulations like:
- HIPAA (Healthcare)
- PCI-DSS (Payment Processing)
- GDPR (General Data Protection)
- GLBA (Finance and Banking)
Many of these frameworks require the use of supported, up-to-date software to ensure sensitive information is protected. If you suffer a breach while running Windows 10 after support ends, you could face hefty fines and legal action for failing to maintain compliance.
Real-world risks: Lessons from the past
We’ve seen this story before. When Windows 7 went end-of-life in 2020, many businesses chose to wait. A Michigan medical practice that delayed upgrading was later hit with a ransomware attack that exposed patient records. The practice was fined $150,000 for HIPAA violations – and spent months rebuilding systems and trust.
Outdated systems don’t just make headlines – they make victims.
Total cost of ownership: It’s more expensive than you think
At first glance, keeping old systems may seem cost-effective. But when you factor in the hidden costs – security breaches, downtime, lost productivity, non-compliance fines, and expensive emergency IT support – the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for unsupported systems skyrockets.
Modern systems are faster, more secure, and easier to manage.
Over time, they reduce your risk and lower your maintenance costs, making them a smarter investment.
Hidden productivity drain
Old systems don’t just create risk – they slow your team down. Unsupported systems often struggle with performance, compatibility, and reliability.
That translates into lost time, frustration, and inefficiency, especially when employees can’t access the tools or software they need.
If your team is spending 15-30 minutes a day dealing with tech issues, multiply that by every employee, every day. Over a year, it adds up to a massive loss in productivity – and profit.
It’s time to plan ahead
Upgrading from Windows 10 isn’t just a technical decision – it’s a business decision.
Whether you’re a five-person law firm, a small medical office, or a local manufacturing shop, staying on Windows 10 past its end-of-life is a gamble that could cost you far more than an upgrade.
At Tech Experts, we help small businesses like yours plan secure, cost-effective transitions to modern systems – without disruption.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to protect your business, stay compliant, and keep moving forward.