If your business is still running on Windows 10, the first thing to say is that you are not alone. As of late 2025, around 21 million people in the UK have continued to use Microsoft’s old operating system – often because they don’t feel they have the time or the resources to upgrade.
We get it. Updating operating systems across an organisation is a hassle.
With a million things to do during the working week, undertaking a new IT project often feels like a bridge too far.
BUT – and it’s a big but – ignoring the need to update your operating system could leave you extremely vulnerable to cyber attacks, compliance issues, reputational damage and even at risk of compromising your cyber insurance. Each of these risks is far more costly than putting time into effective IT work and moving to what is a faster, more advanced and safer version of Microsoft’s operating system.
This is because Microsoft stopped its Windows 10 support in October 2025 and so the old system is now more exposed to security risks without active patching, bug fixes or technical support. Running old systems isn’t just an IT concern; it’s something that can impact your data, your finances and your reputation.
The biggest security risk for your business of staying with Windows 10
Released back in July 2015, Windows 10 has had a good run. However, like all technologies, it reached the end of the line and had to be cut as it approached retirement age. While machines running on Windows 10 may still appear to be fine and fit for purpose, they are anything but.
Here are some of the key risks businesses face by holding on to Windows 10 for too long:
No more security updates
Security patches are what help to keep systems protected from new threats. Once an operating system reaches end-of-life, those updates stop. That means that any newly discovered vulnerabilities stay unpatched – leaving the door wide open for cyber criminals who actively target outdated systems.
Greater exposure to hacks
Outdated operating systems are a major target for cyber attacks, including ransomware and phishing. A single breach could lock an entire organisation out of systems or expose sensitive customer data – a situation that no business wants to face.
Compliance headaches
If your business deals with personal or financial data, then using old software may not be in compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations. This can lead to fines or legal action, as well as increased cyber insurance costs and reputational damage in the event of a data breach.
Compatibility issues
Over time, newer software and tools stop supporting older operating systems. That means you could miss important updates, features and security improvements – which are likely to slow down your team and impact business growth. It can also increase operational costs because those organisations sticking to Windows 10 have to invest time and resource into developing workarounds, combatting downtime and managing reduced efficiency.
How does this affect your business day-to-day operations?
The risks are not only technical but also operational and practical. Without a doubt, the loss of files or the downtime of systems could even result in business closure if a cyber attack hits – that’s not scare-mongering, it’s simply an outcome that’s been seen time and again across many industries. Apart from operational disruption, a breach can also lead to the loss of customer trust, a negative impact reputation and the expenses incurred during the recovery process.
Usually, the expense involved in fixing a problem is much more than the cost of preventing an issue in the first place.
Reasons why upgrading is safer
If your business is working towards Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, unsupported operating systems like Windows 10 can become a major issue. Cyber Essentials requires organisations to keep devices and software supported and protected with the latest security updates. Once Windows 10 reaches end of support, devices running it will no longer meet the required standard. For businesses handling sensitive data, working with larger supply chains and bidding for contracts this will impact compliance, certification status and cyber insurance requirements.
So, needless to say, making an upgrade to Windows 11 is not simply a matter of keeping up with IT trends. It’s a way of protecting your business, improving productivity and building confidence. Newer operating systems come with security features integrated into them, which can protect your business against the latest threats.
Besides, your business will be able to see an increase in your system’s efficiency and work output levels by being able to work with the newest hardware and software platforms.
If you’re still using Windows 10, it’s time for an upgrade. Our team can assess your current environment, identify unsupported devices and help you plan a smooth upgrade. All you need to do is get in touch with us today.
