The Risks of Staying with Windows 10 and What to Expect in the Coming Years

Windows 10 has been a reliable operating system for millions of users worldwide since its release in 2015. Many individuals and businesses have grown comfortable with its interface, features, and compatibility. Yet, as technology evolves, sticking with Windows 10 without upgrading or switching to newer systems carries increasing risks. Understanding these risks and the timelines involved can help users make informed decisions about their digital future.

Windows 10 desktop showing update alerts

Windows 10 desktop showing update alerts

Why Staying with Windows 10 Can Be Risky

Windows 10 has served well, but it is no longer the focus of Microsoft's innovation. The company has shifted its attention to Windows 11 and beyond, which means Windows 10 will gradually lose support and updates. This shift creates several risks:

• Security vulnerabilities: Without regular security patches, Windows 10 systems become more exposed to malware, ransomware, and hacking attempts.

• Software incompatibility: New applications and updates may not support Windows 10, limiting functionality and productivity.

• Hardware limitations: New hardware components and drivers may not be optimized for Windows 10, causing performance issues.

• Compliance and support challenges: Businesses may face compliance risks if they use unsupported software, and technical support options will diminish over time.

  
  

Understanding these risks helps users weigh the costs and benefits of continuing with Windows 10.

Microsoft’s Support Timeline for Windows 10

Microsoft has announced clear timelines for Windows 10 support, which are critical to consider:

• End of mainstream support: October 13, 2020

This phase included feature updates and security patches. It ended in 2020, meaning no new features are added.

• End of extended support: October 14, 2025

After this date, Microsoft will stop providing security updates and technical support for Windows 10. This is the most crucial deadline for users.

Once extended support ends, Windows 10 will become increasingly vulnerable to security threats. Users who continue to operate on Windows 10 past this date will do so without official protection.

What Happens After October 2025

After October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security patches. This creates several practical problems:

• Increased risk of cyberattacks: Hackers often target unsupported systems because they know vulnerabilities will not be fixed.

• Software vendors dropping support: Many software developers align their support with Microsoft’s lifecycle. Popular applications may stop working or stop receiving updates on Windows 10.

• Hardware compatibility issues: New devices and peripherals may not have drivers compatible with Windows 10.

• Compliance risks for businesses: Organizations in regulated industries may face penalties for using unsupported software.

  
  

Users should plan to upgrade or migrate before this deadline to avoid these issues.

The Cost of Delaying the Upgrade

Delaying the move away from Windows 10 can lead to higher costs and complications:

• Emergency upgrades: Waiting until after support ends may force rushed upgrades, increasing downtime and expenses.

• Data loss risks: Unsupported systems are more vulnerable to attacks that can compromise or destroy data.

• Reduced productivity: Compatibility issues with new software and hardware can slow work and cause frustration.

• Higher IT support costs: Maintaining outdated systems often requires more technical support and troubleshooting.

  
  

Planning an upgrade now spreads out costs and reduces risks.

Options for Moving Forward

Users have several paths to consider as Windows 10 support ends:

Upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 11 offers new features, improved security, and better support for modern hardware. However, it has stricter system requirements, including:

• UEFI BIOS

• Compatible 64-bit processor

• 4GB RAM minimum

• 64GB storage minimum

• TPM 2.0 security chip enabled

• SecureBoot capable

  
  

Users should check if their current hardware meets these requirements before upgrading.

Continue Using Windows 10 with Caution

For some, staying with Windows 10 past 2025 might be necessary temporarily. In this case, users should:

• Use strong antivirus and firewall protections

• Avoid connecting to unsecured networks

• Limit use of sensitive applications

• Regularly back up important data

  
  

This approach carries risks but can buy time for a planned transition.

Preparing for the Transition

To minimize disruption, users should prepare for the move away from Windows 10 well before 2025:

• Assess hardware compatibility: Determine if current devices support Windows 11 or require upgrades.

• Inventory software needs: Identify critical applications and check their compatibility with new systems.

• Backup data: Regularly back up files to external drives or cloud storage.

• Plan training: For businesses, prepare staff for changes in software and workflows.

• Schedule upgrades: Avoid last-minute transitions by setting a timeline for upgrades or migrations.

  
  

Early preparation reduces stress and technical problems.

Real-World Examples

• A mid-sized company delayed upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and faced a ransomware attack after support ended. The attack caused weeks of downtime and significant financial loss.

• A freelance graphic designer upgraded to Windows 11 early, benefiting from improved performance and security features, which helped maintain client trust.

  
  

These examples highlight the importance of planning and understanding riskS.

For a technical appraisal of your current hardware and software, please fee free to call us at Southwell Computer Centre Ltd. 01636 815676. 25 years of first-hand experience means we have a reputation that you can trust.