What Businesses Need to Know After End of Support
One year after Windows 10 reached end of support, many businesses are still relying on it every day. Employees can log in, access applications, send email, access company data, and keep operations running without any obvious problems. On the surface, everything appears to be working exactly as it should.
That is exactly what makes the risk so easy to overlook, because Windows 10 still functions. The issue is that Microsoft no longer provides bug fixes or technical support for Windows 10, and devices not enrolled in its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program no longer receive the security updates needed to protect them from evolving threats.
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and compliance requirements continue to tighten, unsupported devices can quietly become one of the weakest points in an organization's technology environment. Businesses should consider how much longer they can afford to wait.
The Security Risks Continue to Increase on Windows 10
When Microsoft support ended for Windows 10, security updates stopped for every device not enrolled in ESU. Newly discovered vulnerabilities on those devices are no longer being patched, leaving them exposed to threats that attackers can exploit.
Cybercriminals actively target systems that are known to be unsupported because they understand those vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed. While security tools such as antivirus software, endpoint detection, and firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, they cannot replace security updates delivered by the operating system itself.
Over time, unsupported systems become increasingly attractive targets for ransomware, malware, data theft, and other cyberattacks. Organizations that continue operating unsupported Windows 10 devices are asking older technology to defend against modern threats, a challenge that becomes more difficult with every passing month.
Extended Security Updates: A Short-Term Option
Microsoft’s paid ESU program delivers critical and important security updates to enrolled Windows 10 devices running version 22H2. For businesses, ESU costs $61 per device for the first year through Microsoft Volume Licensing, and the price doubles each year for a maximum of three years. Because ESU is cumulative, organizations enrolling now must also pay for the first year, going back to October 2025. It does not include new features, non-security fixes, or general technical support. ESU is a bridge to Windows 11, not a replacement for it.
Windows 10 Operating System Risks that Are Often Overlooked
Cybersecurity concerns tend to receive most of the attention, but unsupported operating systems can create significant operational challenges as well.
As vendors shift their support toward newer operating systems, organizations may encounter:
- Application compatibility issues
- Hardware support limitations
- Increased troubleshooting and maintenance costs
- Reduced system reliability
- Unexpected downtime
- Productivity losses for employees
A system failure does not need to involve a cybersecurity incident to become costly. Lost productivity, delayed customer service, interrupted operations, and emergency replacement costs can all affect the bottom line.
For many organizations, the operational risks associated with unsupported technology eventually become just as significant as the security risks.
Compliance and Cyber Insurance Considerations
Organizations operating in regulated industries may face additional concerns when relying on unsupported operating systems.
Cyber insurance is another area that deserves attention as many compliance frameworks require businesses to maintain secure and supported technology environments. Running unsupported software can create challenges when demonstrating adherence to security standards, internal controls, and risk management requirements.
Following a cyber incident, insurance providers may review whether reasonable security controls were in place at the time of the event. Unsupported operating systems can raise questions during claims investigations and may increase scrutiny.
Why Develop a Planned Migration to Windows 11?
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding Windows 10 end of life is that if nothing has happened yet, the risk must be low, but in reality, the opposite is true.
The longer a business waits to migrate to Windows 11 increases risk and exposure. As business requirements evolve, new vulnerabilities are discovered. Eventually, organizations may find themselves forced into an accelerated migration because of a security incident, hardware failure, software incompatibility, or compliance requirement.
Planned migrations are almost always less disruptive and less expensive than emergency projects. Organizations that take a proactive approach maintain control over timelines, budgets, and business impact. Organizations that delay often end up responding to circumstances they can no longer control.
Evaluate Your Technology Roadmap
Every unsupported device represents a growing security, compliance, and operational risk. While Windows 10 may continue functioning today, businesses that wait too long may find themselves dealing with avoidable disruptions, increased costs, and unnecessary exposure. Now is the time to evaluate your technology roadmap.
Business leaders should:
- Identify all remaining Windows 10 devices
- Assess Windows 11 compatibility
- Determine which systems require replacement
- Review software and application dependencies
- Develop a phased migration plan
- Prioritize business-critical systems
- Establish a realistic budget and timeline
Many organizations are surprised by the number of Windows 10 systems still operating throughout their environments. Conference room computers, warehouse workstations, remote employee laptops, shared devices, and specialty systems are frequently overlooked during upgrade planning.
Even if a complete migration cannot happen immediately, understanding the scope of the challenge allows organizations to make informed decisions instead of reacting under pressure later.
A thorough assessment often reveals technology risks that aren't visible during day-to-day operations.
Is Your Business Still at Risk?
One year after Windows 10 reached end of support, the question is no longer whether organizations should move to Windows 11. It’s when they will migrate. A clear plan and timeline help control costs, reduce risk, and avoid a rushed upgrade after an incident. If you’re not sure how many Windows 10 devices remain in your environment, that’s the place to start. Markgraf Consulting can help you assess where you stand and build a migration plan that fits your budget.