Microsoft’s recent decision to cease support for most versions of Windows 10 as of October 14, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the operating system landscape. While the tech giant will continue to offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 version 22H2 temporarily, this support is not a long-term solution and can be costly to maintain. This move is particularly consequential given that approximately 40% to 45% of Windows users worldwide still rely on Windows 10. The end of support raises significant cybersecurity concerns, as Microsoft will no longer issue crucial updates to patch vulnerabilities or fix bugs, leaving these systems exposed to potential threats.
Next Steps and Challenges
For organizations still using Windows 10, the urgency to devise a migration plan to Windows 11 cannot be overstated. However, the transition is fraught with challenges. Migrating to a new operating system entails substantial costs and time investments, particularly for businesses that depend on legacy or niche software optimized for older versions of Windows. This dilemma is especially pronounced for companies operating industrial processes reliant on Operational Technology (OT) systems. Recent data from Dragos Infrastructure indicates a staggering 87% increase in cyberattacks targeting OT systems from 2023 to 2024, largely due to the prevalence of legacy operating systems that accumulate vulnerabilities, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.
The Risks in Postponing Migration
Organizations that delay migrating to Windows 11 face a host of challenges that can have serious implications:
- Regulatory and cyber-insurance requirements: Continuing to operate unsupported legacy systems may violate regulatory standards, leading to hefty fines or loss of operating licenses. Additionally, organizations risk voiding their cyber-insurance policies, leaving them vulnerable should a security incident occur.
- More headaches for IT staff: Juggling both current and legacy systems can overwhelm IT teams. The discontinuation of support often results in significant changes to key features and networking protocols, complicating management and troubleshooting efforts.
- Extended security update costs increase: The cost of ESU programs escalates annually, and these updates are typically less comprehensive than those for newer operating systems. As critical vulnerabilities take longer to patch, the risks associated with using outdated systems grow.
- Legacy systems expose the organization to cyber-threats: Even with ESU updates, third-party applications may remain vulnerable due to OS limitations. This creates additional entry points for threat actors, potentially compromising the entire organization once a single system is breached.
Guidelines to Consider
Organizations grappling with the transition should prioritize migration while adhering to these guidelines:
- Start by taking inventory of all systems running Windows 10 or older, including laptops, OT, and kiosk devices.
- Prioritize migrating critical systems first. Systems containing sensitive data should be addressed immediately, as they are likely to be the first targets for cybercriminals.
- Review application support for any legacy system. Many vendors will cease updates for applications designed for Windows 10. Understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for business continuity.
- Evaluate ongoing costs for those systems that will remain on Windows 10. Consider not only the ESU costs but also the expenses associated with maintaining legacy applications and their support.
How Bitdefender Can Help
As organizations embark on their journey toward Windows 11, Bitdefender recognizes the complexities involved in such migrations. For those unable to transition immediately, Bitdefender remains committed to safeguarding Windows 10 environments with its award-winning security solutions. Our features are designed to function independently of the operating system version, ensuring robust protection regardless of the OS in use.
- Extensive Risk Management: GravityZone Risk Management identifies vulnerabilities across operating systems and applications, offering remediation options and integration with GravityZone Patch Management.
- Content, Application, and Device Control: GravityZone provides security teams with tools to manage access to external sites, control application installations, and mitigate insider threats through device management.
- Robust Cloud Security and Container Protection: GravityZone Cloud and Server Security protects cloud workloads and containers, optimizing resource consumption to lower operating costs.
- Powerful Add-Ons: GravityZone add-ons enhance prevention and detection capabilities, including patch management and system-wide integrity monitoring.
- Award-Winning Cybersecurity Services: Bitdefender MDR offers comprehensive monitoring and support for Windows 10 environments, including unique services like Dark-Web monitoring and Digital Forensics Incident Response.
EOS Doesn’t Have to Mean End to Protection
Organizations continuing to operate Windows 10 face increasing pressure from regulatory compliance, rising cyber-insurance premiums, and an expanding threat landscape that specifically targets unsupported systems. While migrating to Windows 11 is the ideal solution, Bitdefender understands that practical timelines dictated by operational constraints may delay this transition. Our commitment lies in providing comprehensive protection for Windows 10 environments through layered defenses that address the unique vulnerabilities of legacy systems. With Bitdefender, organizations can maintain their security posture during migration or when a transition isn’t feasible. Although Windows 10 may now be considered legacy, your protection strategy need not follow suit.
