900 million users are at risk of running unsupported software in just over a year as a result of Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025.
View WhitepaperAs technology continues to evolve, so does the demand for stronger security, faster performance, and better compatibility with modern software. If you're still using Windows 10, it's time to start preparing. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will no longer receive support or updates after October 2025, leaving millions of users vulnerable to security risks.
As of September 2024, 900 million users (representing 62.79% of all Windows OS installations) are still using Windows 10. While this number shows that Windows 10 has been a popular and reliable operating system for years, it also reveals a looming problem: millions of users are at risk of running unsupported software in just over a year, which is made even more significant by the fact that 73.35% of desktop operating systems globally are Windows as reported in September 2024 by Statcounter.
Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 is not just about introducing new features in Windows 11. It’s a necessary step in keeping their systems secure and optimised for modern hardware and software advancements. However, for users still on Windows 10, this means a race against time to upgrade before the deadline.
Desktop Windows Version Globally Sept 2023 - Sept 2024 (Statcounter)
After October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, including essential security patches. This is a major concern because it leaves your system open to:
With new vulnerabilities discovered every day, keeping your operating system up-to-date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself from evolving cyber threats.
For businesses, the decision to upgrade to a supported and secure operating system is more than just a recommendation - it's a critical necessity. Here’s why keeping your OS up-to-date is especially important in business environments:
1. Protecting Sensitive Data
In today’s digital world, businesses deal with vast amounts of sensitive data, from financial information to customer records. Running an outdated operating system like Windows 10 after October 2025 could expose this data to severe risks. Data breaches can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences, especially if customer or client data is compromised.
2. Compliance with Security Regulations
Many industries are subject to strict regulations around data protection, including healthcare (HIPAA), finance (PCI DSS), and general privacy laws like GDPR. An outdated OS may not meet the minimum security requirements necessary to comply with these regulations, potentially resulting in fines or penalties for non-compliance.
3. Mitigating Downtime and Business Disruption
Cyberattacks targeting outdated systems often lead to significant downtime as businesses scramble to restore systems, recover data, or implement costly emergency patches. By keeping your OS up-to-date, you reduce the chances of an attack or a system failure disrupting your operations.
4. Improved Collaboration and Compatibility
Windows 11 integrates seamlessly with many modern tools, cloud services, and collaboration platforms, ensuring that your business remains competitive and efficient. Staying on an outdated OS can limit compatibility with newer software and prevent your team from using the latest tools.
5. Enhancing Employee Productivity
Upgrading to a newer OS like Windows 11 not only improves security but also boosts employee productivity. Windows 11 offers improved multitasking features, better hardware utilisation, and faster response times, enabling your team to work more efficiently in a secure environment.
In fact, one of the most striking examples of what can happen when organisations fail to update their operating systems is the WannaCry ransomware attack that hit the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) in 2017. This incident, which disrupted healthcare services across the country, is a reminder of the dangers of running outdated or unsupported systems.
The WannaCry attack exploited a known vulnerability called EternalBlue, which had been patched by Microsoft for supported operating systems, such as Windows 7 and Windows 10, two months before the attack. However, many NHS computers were running outdated, unsupported versions of Windows, which did not receive these crucial updates.
Because these outdated systems weren’t patched, the ransomware was able to spread quickly across the NHS network, causing disruption in at least 80 out of the 236 trusts across England.
This was a devastating reminder of the risks associated with using unsupported software, especially when those systems contain critical or sensitive information.
The WannaCry attack not only disrupted healthcare services but also caused widespread financial damage. It is estimated that the attack cost the NHS £92 million in lost output and IT recovery costs. While the ransomware itself demanded payments of about $300 per computer to unlock infected systems, the true cost was far greater: delayed treatments, compromised patient safety, and a significant hit to public trust.
So, with 900 million users still on Windows 10 and the October 2025 deadline fast approaching, it’s essential to start planning your upgrade to Windows 11. By making the move now, you can benefit from stronger security, better performance, and continued support from Microsoft.
For businesses, upgrading is especially important to protect sensitive data, maintain compliance, and ensure smooth operations. The risks of running outdated software far outweigh the effort it takes to make the transition.
Don't wait until it’s too late - upgrade to Windows 11 and secure your system now.
