With Windows 10 reaching end of support, organisations face growing cyber security threats and compliance risks. Unsupported systems no longer receive security patches, making them vulnerable to exploits. Businesses operating in regulated industries must also consider the legal and contractual implications of running outdated software.

This article explores the cyber risks of using an unsupported OS, compliance challenges, and the business consequences of non-compliance.

 Increased cyber risks from unsupported Windows 10

When Windows 10 reaches end of support, Microsoft will stop providing security updates. This exposes businesses to:

• Increased vulnerability to attacks – Threat actors target outdated systems with known exploits that will no longer be patched.
• Zero-day exploits with no fixes – New security flaws discovered after support ends will remain unaddressed.
• Expanded attack surface – Legacy applications dependent on Windows 10 may also introduce security gaps.

Without regular updates, organisations must rely on costly third-party security solutions or risk falling victim to cyber incidents.

Compliance challenges of an unsupported OS

Organisations subject to cyber security regulations and frameworks, such as ISO 27001, the Essential Eight, and PCI DSS, must use supported operating systems. Running an unsupported operating system can result in:

• Failure to meet regulatory requirements – Many frameworks require organisations to use supported software with active security updates.
• Legal and contractual risks – Agreements with partners and clients often mandate adherence to cyber security best practices.

Failure to maintain compliance can lead to lost business opportunities, financial penalties, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

Business impacts of non-compliance

Beyond security and regulatory issues, running Windows 10 post-support can impact business operations. Consequences include:

• Loss of business opportunities – Many organisations refuse to work with non-compliant partners, limiting potential contracts.
• Insurance complications – Cyber insurance providers may deny claims if an attack exploits an outdated OS.
• Operational disruptions – System failures and security incidents can lead to downtime and data loss.

Businesses that fail to act risk operational inefficiencies and financial losses.

Windows 10 end of support is not just a technical issue—it is a critical cyber security and compliance concern. Organisations must upgrade to a supported OS or implement extended security updates to mitigate risks. Proactively addressing this transition ensures business continuity, security, and compliance.

Take action now. Review your IT infrastructure and plan your migration strategy before Windows 10 reaches end of support.