With just three months left until Microsoft officially ends Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, millions of businesses and individuals face a critical decision that will directly impact their cybersecurity posture. With Windows 10 still holding 48.89% of the global desktop market share as of June 2025, compared to Windows 11’s 47.83%, this transition affects nearly half of all Windows users worldwide.
The end of Windows 10 support is a fundamental security watershed that will leave unsupported systems vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Organizations that delay this transition risk exposing themselves to significant cybersecurity risks, compliance violations, and operational disruptions.
The Immediate Security Risks of Staying on Windows 10
Unpatched Vulnerabilities Become Permanent Targets
When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, the most immediate and dangerous consequence is the complete cessation of security updates. Microsoft routinely releases patches for dozens of vulnerabilities each month—for instance, in September 2024, the company addressed 79 vulnerabilities, seven of which were rated as critical. After October 14, 2025, any newly discovered security flaws will remain permanently unpatched.
This creates what cybersecurity experts call an “expanding attack surface”—a growing collection of known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit with impunity. According to recent research, 32% of cyber-attacks in 2024 originated from unpatched vulnerabilities, and this percentage is expected to rise significantly as attackers target the large population of Windows 10 systems.
Elevated Risk of Ransomware and Data Breaches
The cybersecurity landscape has become increasingly hostile, with 59% of organizations experiencing ransomware attacks in recent years. The situation is particularly concerning given that phishing attempts through malicious email incidents have increased by 4,151% since ChatGPT’s launch, demonstrating how AI is being weaponized by cybercriminals.
Unsupported Windows 10 systems become prime targets for these attacks because cybercriminals actively monitor end-of-life software, knowing these systems will become “easy targets” for ransomware, data breaches, and credential theft. The global average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
Compliance and Regulatory Violations
Organizations operating in regulated industries face additional risks beyond direct security threats. Many cybersecurity frameworks including ISO 27001, the Essential Eight, and PCI DSS require organizations to use supported operating systems with active security updates. Running unsupported Windows 10 systems can result in:
Failure to meet regulatory requirements for data protection.
Legal and contractual risks with partners and clients.
Loss of business opportunities as many organizations refuse to work with non-compliant vendors.
Financial penalties and reputational damage from regulatory violations.
Your Options for Maintaining Security
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
The most straightforward path forward is upgrading to Windows 11, provided your hardware meets the system requirements. Windows 11 requires:
1GHz or faster processor with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor
4GB of RAM (8GB recommended)
64GB of storage space.
UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0.
DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver.
For organizations with compatible hardware, this upgrade path provides the strongest long-term security posture and ensures continued access to security updates, new features, and technical support.
Option 2: Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For those unable to immediately upgrade, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Individual users can enroll through three options:
Free enrollment by using Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud.
Free enrollment by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
Paid enrollment for $30 USD for one year of security updates.
For organizations, the ESU program costs $61 per device for the first year, with the option to renew annually for up to three years at increasing costs. However, this should be viewed as a temporary bridge solution rather than a long-term strategy, as ESU only provides security updates—not feature improvements, bug fixes, or technical support.
Option 3: Hardware Replacement
Organizations with older hardware that cannot support Windows 11 may need to invest in new systems. This option, while requiring upfront capital expenditure, provides the most comprehensive solution by ensuring compatibility with modern security features and future software requirements.
Creating Your Migration Strategy
Immediate Assessment and Planning
Organizations should begin with a comprehensive audit of all Windows 10 devices to identify hardware compatibility, software dependencies, and legacy applications that may require updates or replacements. This assessment should include:
Hardware compatibility checks using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool
Software inventory to identify applications requiring Windows 11 compatibility
Data backup verification to ensure critical business information is protected
Timeline development for phased migration to minimize operational disruption
Phased Implementation Approach
Rather than attempting organization-wide migration simultaneously, experts recommend a phased approach:
Pilot testing with a small group of users to identify potential issues
Critical systems first for departments handling sensitive data
Gradual rollout to minimize operational disruption
Continuous monitoring to ensure all systems remain secure throughout the transition.
The end of Windows 10 support represents a critical security decision that will determine your organization’s cyber resilience for years to come. With cybercriminals actively preparing to exploit the massive population of unsupported Windows 10 systems, delaying this transition is catastrophic.
The time for planning has passed; the time for action is now. Whether through upgrading to Windows 11, implementing extended security updates, or investing in new hardware, the cost of preparation pales in comparison to the potential consequences of inaction.
Don’t let your organization become another cybersecurity statistic. At Seraph Cyber, we specialize in helping businesses navigate complex security transitions like Windows 10 end-of-support. Our team can assess your current environment, develop a comprehensive migration strategy, and ensure your systems remain secure throughout the transition.
📧 Contact us today at info@seraphcyber.com to schedule a consultation and protect your organization’s digital future.
