Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) and What it Means

Microsoft has announced that October 14, 2025, will be the End of Life (EOL) date for Windows 10.

Windows 10 EOL is set to affect all versions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise.

Research from Lansweeper indicates that only 23.1% of enterprise businesses currently use Windows 11, so we expect a massive swing in the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• • Windows 10 End of Life on October 14, 2025: After this date, Microsoft will stop providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support.
  • Increased security risks: Continuing to use Windows 10 post EOL exposes systems to unpatched vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of cyberattacks.
  • Compliance and Legal Issues: Using an unsupported OS could lead to non-compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, resulting in fines and legal consequences.
  • Start Planning Now: To avoid disruptions, assess hardware, consider upgrading to Windows 11, and back up important data.

What does EOL mean?

End of Life. Meaning that after October 14, 2025:

• • Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates or bug fixes for Windows 10
  • The company will cease technical support for the operating system
  • No new features will be added to the operating system

In short, it means that your operating system will continue to function, however, it will become increasingly vulnerable to security threats and may experience compatibility issues with newer software.

What are the options for Windows users?

If you’re a Windows 10 user, you have a few options to consider:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11: This is Microsoft’s recommended option for compatible devices. The upgrade is free for Windows 10 users.
2. Purchase Extended Security Updates: Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 in 12 month increments for up to three years after the EOL date. This is a paid subscription service.
3. Buy a new PC: If you have an older device, it may not meet Windows 11 requirements. In this case, purchasing a new computer might be necessary.
4. Switch to an alternative OS: You may consider options like Linux, especially for older hardware.

Can I keep using Windows 10?

While you can continue using Windows 10, it’s not recommended.

It’s like driving an older car – it’s functional and gets you where you need to go, but as time passes the broken seat belt or faulty airbag becomes harder to replace.

It lacks modern safety features, and eventually, it might break down without support.

So sure, you could still use it, but newer models (like Windows 11) are more secure, efficient, and better equipped for your future needs.

Let’s take a look at some of the main risks.

What are the main risks of continuing to use Windows 10 after EOL?

In a word: security. But it doesn’t end there.

While there’s no guarantee that you’ll run into trouble, there are several risks to using Windows 10 after October 14, 2025.

Competitive Edge

With no ongoing security patches and updates from Microsoft, Windows 10 will only get less secure as time passes. This will leave the OS vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches.

Newly discovered vulnerabilities that are certain to remain unpatched are like shooting fish in a barrel for cybercriminals.

Compliance Issues

In some cases, using an unsupported OS may lead to non-compliance with regulations such as:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
• Privacy Act 1988
• Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

This carries heavy fines, legal action, reputational damage, operational disruption, and loss of business.

There is also a substantial risk that the use of unsupported software such as Windows 10 could lead to:

• Audit failures
• Cyber insurance complications such as an increase in premiums, denial of coverage, or result in claim rejections
• Contractual breaches, as some contracts require supported software, especially with government agencies or large corporations.
• Inability to meet industry standards

Lack of Technical Support

Users will not receive any technical support for Windows 10 EOL. This means that users will get no assistance for troubleshooting and resolving issues, meaning there is a higher likelihood of prolonged IT downtime and associated costs.

Performance Degradation

Another car analogy incoming.

Over time, using Windows 10 without updates is like driving a car without ever taking it in for a service.

At first, things might run smoothly.

But eventually parts will start to wear out, the engine gets sluggish, and breakdowns occur at a higher frequency.

A neglected car will begin to slow down and become unreliable. Why would an OS be any different?

An outdated OS will lead to slower processing speeds, frequent system crashes, and even random data losses.

Missed Features and Enhancements

Another risk is that Windows 10 users will miss out on new features and system improvements that are introduced in operating systems.

For example, Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant, is available on Windows 10 but with more limited functionality when compared to Windows 11. So, already users are not benefiting from the full range of features and enhancements.

Future updates and technologies will be increasingly designed for newer systems. Accordingly, the gap between what Windows 10 can support and what newer operating systems offer will continue to widen.

This will potentially leave Windows 10 users further behind in terms of productivity and innovation.

The cost of running an outdated OS

Continuing to run after Windows 10 End of Life could result in higher IT costs due to:

• • Repairing security issues
  • Frequent third-party support
  • Purchasing extended support (if possible)
  • Dealing with compatibility issues such as new software or hardware that doesn’t work with Windows 10
  • Service disruption, downtime and associated costs

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the October 2025 EOL date:

• • Windows LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) 2021 will be supported until January 12, 2027. Currently only 3.5% of Windows 10 devices are using LTSC.
  • Windows 10 LTSC IoT Enterprise will be supported until January 13, 2032.

Importance of preparation

Users and businesses must start planning for the transition now. This includes assessing current hardware, considering upgrade options, and ensuring all important data is backed up before making any system changes4.

Remember, continuing to use an unsupported operating system can lead to security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and potential compliance problems for businesses.

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