It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since Microsoft announced Windows 10 end of life. Now, with the official sunset date of October 14, 2025, rapidly approaching — marking the end of security updates for Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education — many businesses still haven’t upgraded from Windows 10 to 11.

According to the latest data by StarCounter, as reported by PCWorld, Windows 10 is still running on 54.23% of Windows computers worldwide as of March 2025. While that number may seem concerning, the good news is that the adoption of Windows 11 is steadily growing.

As the end of support for Windows 10 draws near, businesses must make critical decisions about their IT infrastructure. For IT managers and decision-makers, understanding the implications of the Microsoft Windows 10 end of life is crucial — especially when it comes to security and compliance risks.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what Microsoft Windows 10 end of life means, the security threats it introduces, and the steps businesses need to take to successfully upgrade from Windows 10 to 11.

What is Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life?

The “Microsoft Windows 10 end of life” refers to the point in time when Microsoft will stop supporting and releasing security updates for Windows 10. Historically, each major Windows operating system has a defined lifespan, after which it is no longer patched for vulnerabilities or issues. While Windows 10 has served businesses for nearly a decade, Microsoft is now phasing it out in favor of Windows 11.

Starting October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially cease providing updates, security patches, and support for Windows 10. This means any security vulnerabilities discovered after this date will go unpatched, leaving businesses at increased risk of cyberattacks. It’s crucial for companies to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 before this happens.

Why Does This Matter to Windows 10 Users?

The absence of security patches is one of the most significant concerns with staying on Windows 10 post-sunset. Cybercriminals continually find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems. When updates and patches are no longer available, businesses leave themselves open to these vulnerabilities, making it easier for attackers to breach their systems.

As explained by Dan Mallard, Director of Client Success at IronEdge, once an operating system no longer receives patches, the risk skyrockets. “You have a static piece of code that attackers can target, and they know Microsoft won’t patch it again. This makes it an ideal target for cybercriminals,” he noted. Simply put, once Microsoft Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, any unpatched vulnerabilities will remain open, leaving businesses exposed.

Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11: What Businesses Need to Know

For businesses still relying on Windows 10, upgrading to Windows 11 should be an urgent priority. But what does this transition look like, and how should organizations approach it?

1. Security Benefits of Windows 11

While the upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 may not seem like a huge leap in terms of user experience, there are notable security enhancements. Windows 11 takes advantage of modern security features, such as TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot, which help safeguard against various attacks, including malware and rootkits.

Moreover, Windows 11 is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft products, creating a more unified and secure ecosystem. This includes integration with Microsoft’s AI-driven Copilot, which provides a more efficient, secure experience across apps like Outlook and Edge. For businesses, these security enhancements mean greater protection against evolving threats.

• Compatibility Concerns and Challenges

The transition from Windows 10 to 11 may not be as straightforward as some expect. A significant challenge lies in hardware compatibility — some older devices may not meet the system requirements for Windows 11. For example, Windows 11 requires a minimum of 64GB of storage and a 64-bit processor, along with the aforementioned TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot settings enabled.

This means that businesses may need to upgrade or replace certain machines to make the switch to Windows 11. “We have to go through each client’s machines, determine which are capable of running Windows 11, and then either push the update or recommend replacements for machines that can’t handle it,” says Mallard.

• The Risk of Delaying the Upgrade

Many businesses may be tempted to delay the upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 due to budget constraints or lack of immediate need. However, waiting too long can have severe consequences. As the cutoff date approaches, businesses may face delays in procuring new devices or may encounter rising costs due to global supply chain issues, such as tariffs on hardware components.

Delaying also leaves businesses vulnerable to increased security risks, as well as potential compliance issues. Companies relying on cyber insurance or subject to regulatory compliance standards (such as HIPAA, PCI, or SOC) may find themselves out of compliance if they continue using unsupported systems. As Mallard noted, “If you have Windows 10 after the cutoff date, you’re immediately out of compliance, and that can have serious legal and financial repercussions.”

Key Windows 10 End of Life Security Risks Post-Sunset

The most significant risk of staying on Windows 10 after the official sunset is the lack of security updates. Cybercriminals thrive on exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities. Without the protection of regular updates, businesses with Windows 10 machines will become prime targets.

Additionally, businesses may face compliance violations, as many industries have stringent regulations that require up-to-date, secure IT systems. The failure to upgrade to a supported operating system can result in penalties, loss of business opportunities, and even legal action. For example, any HIPAA covered organization that is using Microsoft services and does not upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 by October 2025 will be in violation of HIPAA.

How to Prepare for the Transition

As the Windows 10 end of life date approaches, businesses must take proactive steps to ensure a smooth upgrade from Windows 10 to 11:

1. Assess Compatibility: Identify which devices are capable of running Windows 11. Any machine that doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements may need to be replaced.
2. Plan for the Migration: Don’t wait until the last minute to upgrade. Start migrating in stages to avoid disruptions. Consider working with an IT services provider to manage the transition smoothly.
3. Ensure Compliance: If your business is subject to regulatory compliance (HIPAA, PCI, SOC, etc.), make sure your systems are compliant with the latest security standards. Running an unsupported OS like Windows 10 will immediately put your business out of compliance.
4. Upgrade Your Software: Some legacy or proprietary software your business uses may not be compatible with Windows 11. Before making the switch, check with your software vendors to ensure compatibility or explore alternatives.
5. Prepare for Costs: Expect potential cost increases in hardware and labor as you transition. Procurement delays, especially related to global supply chain issues, could also create additional hurdles.
6. Prioritize Security: Ensure that your business is adequately protected during the transition. Work with IT professionals to test and ensure all systems are secure before making the move.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The Windows 10 end of life is a wake-up call for businesses that have delayed updating their IT infrastructure. The risks associated with continuing to use an unsupported operating system far outweigh the short-term savings of postponing the upgrade. By upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 early, businesses can ensure they remain secure, compliant, and competitive in an increasingly digital world.

As the deadline nears, the window of opportunity for smooth, cost-effective upgrades is closing fast. Now is the time to act!

Let a managed IT services provider help your business with Windows 10 sunset. The IronEdge team of information systems and network security professionals is ready and eager to support you.

Contact IronEdge for your Windows 11 upgrade needs.  

Get Started: Contact IT Service Specialists| IronEdge Group