Still Running Windows 10? Cybercriminals Thank You.

When Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, unpatched vulnerabilities will become permanent entry points for cybercriminals.
After Windows 7 lost support, malware infections surged by 125%—Windows 10 users can expect a similar wave of attacks.
In 2023, the average cost of a data breach hit $4.45 million, making outdated systems a massive financial liability.
Running an unsupported OS can lead to compliance violations, higher cyber insurance costs, and legal risks for businesses.

You’re making hackers’ jobs way too easy.

October 14, 2025, should have a flashing red warning sign on your calendar. Why? That’s when Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10, cutting off security updates and leaving businesses wide open to attack. But let’s be real: plenty of companies will ignore it, thinking they can “get by” on an outdated OS.

They’re wrong.

The last time this happened—when Windows 7 hit its end-of-life—cybercriminals had a field day. Attacks surged. Ransomware skyrocketed. And businesses that dragged their feet paid the price. The same thing is about to happen with Windows 10, and if you’re not planning your exit strategy now, you’re already behind.

Windows 10’s Expiration Is an Invitation to Attack

Here’s what happens when an OS goes past its expiration date:

1.Security holes don’t disappear—they multiply. Hackers don’t stop looking for vulnerabilities just because Microsoft stops patching them. In fact, once Windows 10 support ends, every new exploit becomes a permanent weakness. No more fixes. No more updates. Just open season on unpatched systems. And without access to Windows cybersecurity tools, businesses will be left defenseless against emerging threats.

2.Cybercriminals love predictable targets. Once attackers know a system is outdated, they tailor their exploits accordingly. This isn’t theory—it’s exactly what happened whe Windows 7 was left unsupported. In period after Microsoft ended Windows 7 support in 2020, malware infections on XP machines spiked by 125%. Attackers reverse-engineered old patches, found similar vulnerabilities, and launched massive cyberattacks. Windows 10 will be no different.

3.Malware developers are already preparing. Security researchers have seen this pattern before. Hackers hoard zero-day exploits, waiting until support ends so they can unleash them with no fear of patches closing the gaps. Companies still relying on outdated systems will struggle without a modern enterprise cybersecurity architecture to protect their networks.

If your business is still running Windows 10 after October 2025, you’re basically leaving your front door unlocked—with a neon sign saying, “Come on in.”

Regulatory Compliance? Good Luck With That.

Compliance requirements aren’t flexible when it comes to security. HIPAA and PCI DSS mandate up-to-date protections, and running an unsupported OS could put your business at risk of non-compliance. Without critical security updates from Windows 11 security, organizations may find themselves more vulnerable to data breaches, which can lead to regulatory scrutiny and potential legal consequences.

The financial impact of a breach is staggering. In 2023, the average global cost of a data breach hit $4.45 million—the highest ever recorded and a 15% increase in just three years. For businesses running outdated systems, that number could be even higher.

Cyber insurance providers are also paying attention. Many evaluate security postures when determining coverage, and running outdated software could result in higher premiums or coverage limitations. The risk isn’t just about cybersecurity—it’s about protecting your business from financial and legal exposure.

“We’ll Upgrade Later” Is a Losing Strategy

IT leaders love to say they’ll “wait and see” before making major upgrades. But let’s talk about the hidden costs of delay—and why that thinking is not going to win out in this situation. System downtime is one of the biggest risks. When an unpatched system gets compromised, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can cripple your entire business. Meanwhile, IT teams will be stuck putting out fires instead of innovating, dragging down productivity.

And let’s not forget last-minute spending. Waiting until the eleventh hour means scrambling to buy hardware, retrain employees, and migrate systems under pressure, which always costs more when you need things done fast. Without a planned Windows 11 update, businesses risk falling behind, both in security and operational efficiency.

The smartest businesses aren’t waiting. They’re planning their transition now, on their own terms—not when an exploit forces their hand.

What to Do Right Now

If your business is still on Windows 10, here’s your clear action plan:

Audit your systems. Identify every machine that’s still running Windows 10. If it can be upgraded to Windows 11, do it. If not, replace it before the security can be breached.
Get security teams involved early. Your cybersecurity team should be leading this transition, so be sure to let their insights lead the charge.
Test critical applications now. Some legacy apps might not play well with the Windows 11 update. The time to figure that out is before you’re out of options. With so many competitors out there, there is likely a comparable app that will keep up to date with the latest Windows software. Try them out before you have to make the switch.
Create a transition roadmap. Every delay increases your exposure and can make the transition messy because you’re in a hurry. Map out timelines, resources, and budgets for the move—before you’re in crisis mode.

Final Warning: Hackers Are More Prepared Than You Are

The question isn’t if Windows 10 users will be targeted—it’s when. Cybercriminals already have the playbook for attacking unsupported systems. The longer businesses wait, the easier they make it. Without updated Windows cybersecurity tools and a strong enterprise cybersecurity architecture, companies are gambling with their own security.

Don’t be the company that learns this lesson the hard way. Update, upgrade, or get left behind.

Thomas Koll is the CEO and Chairman of the Board at Laplink Software, maker of PCmover—the top selling data migration tool for PCs. He joined Laplink in 2003 to guide the company’s strategic direction following a successful tenure as CEO and Chairman of Infowave Software. Prior to that, Thomas spent over 13 years at Microsoft, where he served as Corporate Vice President of the Network Solutions Group. In that role, he led Microsoft’s global telecommunications strategy and was instrumental in forging key partnerships in mobility, broadband, and hosting. Thomas holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Berlin and previously taught International Politics at the Otto-Suhr-Institute.