On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. For more than a decade, this operating system has been central to business productivity, powering everything from laptops to enterprise environments. Its retirement, however, poses significant implications for organizations that continue to rely on it. Without proactive planning, companies risk exposing themselves to escalating security threats, compliance failures, and operational disruption.
The Risks of Staying on Windows 10
The most immediate concern is security exposure. Once Microsoft stops issuing patches, any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain open for exploitation — making legacy Windows 10 devices a prime target for attackers.
Beyond cybersecurity, there are regulatory consequences. Running unsupported software may put organizations out of alignment with frameworks like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or ISO 27001, which can result in costly fines or reputational harm.
Finally, there is the matter of business continuity. Software vendors and hardware manufacturers will gradually drop support for Windows 10, leaving IT teams with compatibility issues and reduced vendor assistance.
Planning a Secure Path Forward
The clearest option is to transition to Windows 11. Starting structured planning and testing now allows organizations to validate compatibility, map migration roadmaps, and ensure that business-critical applications continue to function securely. GoSecure can assist with each of these steps, providing compatibility assessments and security validation.
For organizations that cannot make the transition immediately, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will be available through October 2028. However, ESU should be viewed as a short-term safety net, not a long-term solution. GoSecure can also help evaluate alternative options, such as secure VDI deployments, Linux-based environments, or hardened legacy systems for specific use cases.
Reducing Risk During Delays
Not every organization will be able to migrate by the October 2025 deadline. In those cases, risk mitigation becomes essential. GoSecure recommends:
- Conducting an asset inventory to identify which Windows 10 systems are critical.
- Placing legacy assets into restricted network zones to reduce lateral movement risk.
- Leveraging GoSecure Titan® Managed Extended Detection & Response (MXDR) services for heightened monitoring, application control, and zero-trust enforcement.
- Applying all final patches and security configurations before support ends.
These steps will not eliminate risk entirely, but they will help contain it while organizations finalize their migration plans.
Compliance and Governance
A strong governance framework is key to navigating this transition. Organizations should update policies to prohibit any new Windows 10 deployments and ensure that migration is embedded into official roadmaps. Clear stakeholder communication, whether with partners, auditors, or regulators, demonstrates compliance readiness. GoSecure’s advisory team can help craft communication plans and provide audit support by documenting compensating controls and migration strategies.
Preparing People and Operations
The end of Windows 10 is not only a technical shift, it’s also an operational one. Employees need to be prepared for Windows 11’s security enhancements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and credential protections. In many cases, hardware refreshes will be required, and budgeting for these upgrades should begin now. GoSecure supports organizations with change management best practices to minimize disruption and ensure business continuity throughout the migration process.
Next Step
Windows 10 has been a trusted platform for more than ten years, but its retirement marks a turning point. Organizations that act now will not only avoid compliance and security risks but also position themselves to take advantage of the stronger protections and innovations in Windows 11 and beyond.
Contact GoSecure today to begin your Windows 10 transition planning with expert guidance at every stage, from assessment and migration to compliance and risk mitigation.
