Windows 10 End-of-Life: What It Means for Compliance and Cybersecurity

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. That means no more security patches, bug fixes, or technical assistance. For businesses who continue to use Windows 10, the consequences go far beyond outdated software. This change directly impacts compliance with frameworks like PCI DSS and SOC 2, which require that systems remain supported and regularly patched.

If your business is still relying on Windows 10, it’s time to take action!

Why the October 2025 Deadline Matters

Once support ends, Windows 10 becomes a security liability. According to CyberMaxx, “When an operating system reaches end of life (EOL), it stops receiving security patches, leaving any newly discovered vulnerabilities permanently unaddressed. Cybercriminals closely monitor EOL milestones because they know unpatched systems become prime targets for exploitation”.

According to Coretelligent, “Unpatched systems are a leading cause of breaches. The global average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024, and this figure is expected to continue rising. A single successful attack on an outdated Windows 10 machine could cost millions in downtime, lost data, and reputational damage.”

Beyond the technical and cybersecurity risks, it’s also a compliance issue. Many regulatory and industry standards require that businesses keep systems patched and supported. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 no longer qualifies.

Compliance Implications: PCI DSS and SOC 2

PCI DSS: For organizations that handle payment card data, Requirement 6.2 of PCI DSS is clear: apply vendor-supplied security patches within one month of release. Once Windows 10 support ends, no patches will be available. Continuing to use the system violates the standard.

Failure to comply could lead to:

• Failing a PCI audit
• Fines or penalties
• Suspension of credit card processing privileges

Coretelligent emphasizes that “Data protection regulations and industry standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, require organizations to maintain secure and up-to-date systems. Regulators have made it clear that using unsupported software can violate these obligations.”

SOC 2:  Emphasizes strong internal controls, including system maintenance, access management, and risk mitigation. Using outdated software without vendor support undermines a company’s control environment. That puts SOC 2 certification at risk, especially for cloud and SaaS providers.

Real Business Risks

Rea Managed Services concludes that “Continuing to operate Windows 10 after support ends could put your organization out of compliance, potentially resulting in failed audits, fines, or legal action. Beyond compliance, you’ll face operational challenges as software developers focus on Windows 11 compatibility, leaving Windows 10 systems unable to run newer applications your organization needs.”

Sticking with Windows 10 past its expiration isn’t just a compliance concern. It introduces a chain of operational and legal risks, including:

• Higher likelihood of data breaches and ransomware
• Audit failures
• Breach of third-party contracts
• Loss of cyber insurance coverage
• Potential business downtime

Many businesses are unaware of the multitude of risks and downstream consequences of using unsupported software. A single non-compliant endpoint could compromise an entire network, triggering regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage.

What to Do Now

To protect your business and stay compliant, complete these steps below:

 1. Identify All Windows 10 Devices

Audit your environment and inventory all devices still running Windows 10. Don’t overlook secondary systems, kiosks, or remote worker laptops.

 2. Create a Migration Plan

Move to Windows 11 or another supported operating system in a phased approach. Start with critical systems, and stagger the rollout to reduce business disruption. Test application compatibility before deployment.

 3. Evaluate Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Consider the option to get extended security update coverage from Microsoft. Microsoft will offer paid Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 through 2028. This may buy time for specific legacy systems, but ESU is not a permanent fix. It also may not fully satisfy all compliance requirements.

 4. Update Internal Documentation

Include unsupported operating systems in your risk register. Note mitigation plans and communicate these updates in your policies. Auditors will want to see that the risk is being actively managed.

 5. Talk to Your Auditors

Notify your QSA or SOC 2 auditor about your transition plan and timeline. Be transparent about where you stand and when full migration will be completed. This helps demonstrates due diligence.

Key Takeaway

After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 becomes a risk, not a resource. Unsupported systems violate key security standards, weaken your defences, and jeopardize compliance. The cost of delay can far outweigh the cost of upgrading.

Businesses that act now can avoid security incidents, protect client trust, and maintain a clean compliance record. Those who wait may find themselves on the wrong side of an audit or breach investigation.

Resources

Gipson, K. (2025, August 18). Windows 10 End of Life: Critical security & compliance risks for IT teams after October 2025 | CyberMaxx. CyberMaxx. https://www.cybermaxx.com/resources/windows-10-end-of-life-critical-security-compliance-risks-for-it-teams-after-october-2025/

Rapp, J. (2025, July 21). What the Windows 10 end of support means for your organization – REA Managed IT. Rea Managed IT. https://reamanaged.com/insight/what-the-windows-10-end-of-support-means-for-your-organization/

Zonis, P. (2025, May 17). Windows 10 end of support: The business and security risks of not upgrading. Coretelligent. https://www.coretelligent.com/blog/business-and-security-risks-of-not-upgrading-windows-10-end-of-support/