On October 14, 2025 Microsoft permanently stopped providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for the Windows 10 operating system. After this moment, computers running Windows 10 will still function, but they will no longer receive security updates. For businesses in Flanders Windows 10 end of support is not just an inconvenience but also a security and compliance risk. The consequences are not only technical. Running unsupported software can also create compliance exposure under regulations such as GDPR and NIS2, which require organisations to maintain appropriate cybersecurity measures.
The purpose of this article is to explain what Windows 10 end of support means, what risks it creates for organisations, and what options businesses have moving forward.
What Is Windows 10 End of Support?
Windows 10 end of support is the moment when Microsoft’s lifecycle support for the operating system ends. After this date, Microsoft no longer provides:
- Security updates
- Bug fixes
- Feature updates
- Technical support
Computers running Windows 10 will continue to operate, but they will no longer receive security patches that protect them against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
What stopped on October 14. 2025?
After October 14, 2025, the following support services stopped for Windows 10:
- Regular security updates
- Non-security updates and bug fixes
- Feature updates
- Standard Microsoft technical support
Devices will continue to function, but any newly discovered security vulnerabilities will no longer be patched. This means that from that moment on, every new exploit that appears becomes a permanent entry point into your environment. In practice, attackers actively target unsupported systems first, because they know these weaknesses will remain unaddressed, significantly increasing the risk of data breaches, downtime, and unexpected recovery costs.
What features continued after the Windows 10 end of support date?
Some limited services continue after the end-of-support date:
- Microsoft Defender security intelligence updates may continue for a limited period.
- Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to receive limited support timelines to allow organisations to complete migration plans.
These measures are intended to support migration but do not replace a supported operating system.
What Are the Security Consequences of Running Windows 10 After End of Support?
What is an unsupported operating system?
An unsupported operating system is an operating system that no longer receives security patches from its vendor. This means that any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain permanently unpatched.
Once Microsoft stops releasing security updates for Windows 10, any vulnerability discovered in the operating system will remain exploitable on those systems.
Hackers regularly target Windows operating systems. Every month Microsoft typically releases multiple patches that fix newly discovered vulnerabilities. Without these updates, vulnerabilities become permanent weaknesses in the system.
A single unsupported device can also compromise an entire network. If one PC in a business network runs an outdated operating system, it can become the entry point for attackers, allowing them to access other systems.
What happens to software compatibility over time?
Over time, organisations will experience increasing compatibility problems.
Examples include:
- Business applications may stop supporting Windows 10.
- Hardware drivers may no longer be updated.
- New devices or peripherals may not work properly.
- Security software may stop releasing compatible versions.
Browsers such as Chrome and Edge may continue supporting Windows 10 temporarily, but historically this support only lasts two to three years after operating system end of life.
Eventually, maintaining productivity on an unsupported operating system becomes increasingly difficult.
How Does NIS2 Apply to Businesses in Belgium?
NIS2 is a European Union directive focused on improving cybersecurity across critical and important sectors. It entered into force in Belgium on 18 October 2024.
The directive applies to organisations in sectors such as:
- energy
- healthcare
- transport
- digital infrastructure
- manufacturing
- logistics
- cloud services
It typically applies to companies with:
- more than 50 employees, or
- more than €10 million annual turnover.
The directive introduces obligations including:
- incident reporting
- supply-chain risk management
- executive accountability
- security audits
- cybersecurity training
Penalties can reach €10 million or 2% of global annual turnover.
Running an unpatched version of Windows 10 conflicts with the risk-management expectations defined in NIS2. Both NIS2 and GDPR emphasise the need for organisations to maintain appropriate cybersecurity controls. Using an unsupported operating system increases the likelihood of non-compliance during an audit or investigation.
Does this have an impact on cyber insurance?
Yes.
Cyber-insurance providers increasingly require organisations to maintain supported and patched systems.
If a data breach occurs and investigators determine that an unsupported operating system contributed to the incident, an insurer may reduce or reject a claim.
The financial risk therefore extends beyond IT operations and may include legal exposure, regulatory fines, and insurance disputes.
What Are the Options for Businesses Still Running Windows 10?
Businesses generally have three options:
- Replace incompatible hardware (the safest option)
- Upgrade compatible devices to Windows 11
- Temporarily enrol in Extended Security Updates (ESU)
What is the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program?
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a paid Microsoft program that provides critical security updates after the official end-of-support date.
For organisations, ESU extends security patching until October 2026.
Important limitations:
- Only critical security updates are provided
- No feature updates are included
- It is designed as a temporary migration solution
ESU allows organisations additional time to complete a structured migration to Windows 11 but should not be considered a long-term strategy.
Can you upgrade to Windows 11 for free?
Yes, if your hardware meets the system requirements.
To check eligibility, on yopur laptop go to:
Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates. If your device is compatible, the upgrade will be offered there automatically. If not, a hardware upgrade or replacement may be required.
Microsoft also provides the PC Health Check tool, which verifies whether a device can run Windows 11.
What hardware is required to run Windows 11?
Windows 11 requires the following minimum specifications:
- 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor
- 4 GB RAM
- 64 GB storage
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a hardware security chip used for encryption, device identity, and secure authentication.
Most devices produced in the last five years support TPM 2.0, although it may not always be enabled. An IT partner can verify compatibility and enable TPM through the system firmware.
Is it better for businesses to replace hardware instead of upgrading?
In many cases, yes.
For small and medium-sized businesses in Flanders, Windows 10 end of support can be a practical moment to implement a structured hardware refresh cycle.
Devices that are more than five to six years old may struggle to run modern workloads such as Microsoft 365 or Windows 11 securely. Replacing outdated hardware in a planned procurement cycle is often safer than waiting for failures or security incidents.
What Is the Impact on Microsoft 365 Apps?
Support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025.
The applications will continue to function, but Microsoft recommends running them on Windows 11 to maintain performance and reliability.
Microsoft has announced that security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will continue until October 10, 2028.
For perpetual Office versions:
- Office 2016 and Office 2019 are no longer supported
- Office 2021 and Office 2024 will run on Windows 10 but will not receive long-term support on that platform
What Should a Business in Flanders Do Now?
A structured migration plan is recommended.
Typical steps include:
- Audit your device fleet
Identify all devices currently running Windows 10. - Check Windows 11 compatibility
Use the Microsoft PC Health Check tool or similar inventory tools. - Verify TPM status
Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and confirm TPM version 2.0. - Plan hardware replacement
Devices that cannot run Windows 11 should be replaced in a planned procurement cycle. - Consider ESU only if migration requires more time
ESU can extend security patching until October 2026. - Document your compliance actions
NIS2 and GDPR both emphasise documented cybersecurity risk management.
FAQ
What is Windows 10 end of support?
Windows 10 end of support is the date — October 14, 2025 — when Microsoft permanently stopped providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance for Windows 10.
Can I still use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025?
Yes. The operating system continues to run, but it no longer receives security patches. Any vulnerability discovered after that date remains permanently unresolved.
Is running Windows 10 after end of support a GDPR violation?
Not automatically. However, it creates a documented security risk. Under Article 32 of GDPR, organisations must implement appropriate technical measures to protect personal data.
Does Windows 10 end of support affect NIS2 compliance in Belgium?
Yes, for organisations within the scope of the directive. NIS2 requires continuous cybersecurity risk management. Running unsupported systems conflicts with that requirement.
What is the Windows 10 ESU program?
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a paid Microsoft program that extends critical security patching until October 2026.
Can every Windows 10 PC upgrade to Windows 11?
No. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, a supported processor, and at least 4 GB RAM. Devices that do not meet these requirements must be replaced.
What happens to Microsoft 365 on Windows 10?
Microsoft 365 Apps continue receiving security updates on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, but Microsoft recommends running them on Windows 11.
