Guide · 5 min read
Still on Windows 10? The risks of not upgrading
Windows 10 support ended in October 2025. Learn what that means for security, software and compliance, and how to upgrade or replace older computers safely.
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Computers running it still switch on and work much as before, which is exactly why so many remain in use in homes and offices. Behind the scenes, though, they no longer receive the regular security fixes that protect against newly discovered attacks, unless they have been enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates programme, which only runs for a limited period.
This guide explains what end of support actually means, the practical risks for homes and businesses, how to check whether your computer can run Windows 11, and the options if it cannot. Upgrading is often simpler than people expect, and for computers that cannot make the jump, planning a replacement is far less disruptive than waiting for something to go wrong.
From $135 + GST + $30 call-out ($185.25 incl. GST)
Quick checklist
- List every computer and its Windows version
- Run PC Health Check on each Windows 10 machine
- Check TPM and Secure Boot are enabled in the firmware
- Back up before any upgrade
- Confirm key software and printers support Windows 11
- Plan replacements for computers that cannot upgrade
- Wipe old computers properly before disposal
What end of support means
End of support does not mean Windows 10 stops working. It means Microsoft no longer fixes security weaknesses found in it, no longer releases quality updates and no longer provides technical help. Each newly discovered flaw stays open on every unsupported computer. Attackers know this and deliberately target older systems, because a weakness found after support ends will never be patched on those machines, giving them a door that stays open.
The risks of staying on Windows 10
The biggest risk is security. An unpatched computer is easier to infect with ransomware, password-stealing malware and remote access tools, and one infected machine can spread problems to others on the same network. For businesses, unsupported software can also put you at odds with client contracts, industry rules and the Privacy Act 2020 expectation that personal information is protected by reasonable security safeguards.
- Unpatched security flaws that attackers actively use
- Software and printer drivers dropping Windows 10 support
- Online services gradually ending support for older systems
- Client and cyber cover requirements that expect supported software
- Harder fixes when something does go wrong
Check whether your computer can run Windows 11
Windows 11 needs a supported processor, a TPM 2.0 security chip, Secure Boot, at least 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of storage. As a rough guide, Intel 8th generation and AMD Ryzen 2000 series processors and newer are generally supported, while older ones usually are not. The simplest check is Microsoft's free PC Health Check tool, or Settings then Windows Update, where an eligible computer shows the upgrade offer. Some computers only fail because TPM or Secure Boot is switched off in the firmware settings.
Upgrading a compatible computer
If your computer qualifies, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is offered at no charge and keeps your files and most programs in place. Back up first anyway, because any major update can go wrong. Check that essential software, printers, scanners and specialist hardware support Windows 11 before you start. After the upgrade, run Windows Update again and test each important program. A computer that qualifies but still runs on a mechanical hard drive will benefit from an SSD upgrade, either before or alongside the move to Windows 11.
Options for computers that cannot upgrade
Computers that fail the requirements have a few paths. Replacing them is the most straightforward choice for anything used for work, banking or personal information. Extended Security Updates buy a limited amount of time, but they are a stopgap rather than a plan. Some people install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using workarounds, but Microsoft does not support this and such computers may miss updates. An old computer can still be useful offline, or as a spare that is never used for email or browsing.
Planning the change in a business
Start by listing every computer, its age, its Windows version and whether it can upgrade. Upgrade the compatible machines first, then budget to replace the rest in a sensible order, beginning with those used for finance and client data. Check the network as well, since old firewalls, servers and network storage often need attention alongside the desktops. Moving gradually on a plan keeps staff working and avoids a scramble when a critical computer finally gives up.
When to call a technician
Book a visit if you have Windows 10 computers that need upgrading or replacing, or if you are not sure which of your machines qualify. We check each computer, enable TPM and Secure Boot where needed, back up and upgrade compatible machines, and test your key software afterwards. For computers that cannot upgrade, we set up replacements, move files and programs across and review firewall and network security at the same time.
From $135 + GST + $30 call-out ($185.25 incl. GST)
Related services
Computer UpgradesSSDs, memory, Windows 11, graphics cards and power supplies fitted - with honest upgrade-or-replace advice.PC & Laptop RolloutsNew computers prepared, deployed and old ones wiped and retired.Firewall & Network SecurityBusiness firewalls, VLANs and VPNs configured and documented onsite.Common questions
Will my Windows 10 computer stop working?
No. It will keep starting up and running programs as before. What has stopped is Microsoft's regular security fixes and support, so the computer becomes steadily more exposed to new threats. The risk grows over time rather than arriving all at once.
Is upgrading to Windows 11 free?
For computers that meet the requirements and run a genuine copy of Windows 10, Microsoft offers the upgrade at no charge through Windows Update. Computers that do not meet the requirements are not offered it, and need a hardware change or replacement instead.
Will I lose my files when upgrading to Windows 11?
A standard upgrade keeps your files, settings and most programs. Things can still go wrong with any major update, so back up first. Some older programs and printer drivers may need updating or replacing afterwards, so test anything important once the upgrade finishes.
Is antivirus enough to stay safe on Windows 10?
No. Antivirus helps catch known malware, but it cannot fix weaknesses in Windows itself. Without Microsoft's security updates, those weaknesses stay open. Antivirus is one layer of protection, not a replacement for a supported operating system.
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