Windows 10 Security Risks: Why Businesses Must Upgrade Before the 2025 Deadline

• Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, exposing businesses to unpatched security vulnerabilities, rising cyber threats, and compliance risks. 

• Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides temporary protection at an escalating cost, doubling in price each year while offering no performance improvements. 

• Delaying migration increases IT costs and operational risks, leading to higher maintenance expenses, reduced productivity, and potential downtime. 

• Laplink’s PCmover Enterprise accelerates Windows 11 migration, automating data and application transfers to reduce IT workload and minimize disruptions. 

The October 14, 2025, deadline for Windows 10 end-of-life is fast approaching, forcing businesses to make a critical decision: upgrade to Windows 11 now or risk running an unsupported operating system. Without ongoing security patches, Windows 10 security risks will escalate, compliance violations will become a greater concern, and IT teams will face mounting maintenance costs just to keep aging systems operational. 

Despite the deadline, nearly 60% of Windows devices are still running Windows 10 as of March 2025. Some organizations plan to delay migration, relying on Microsoft’s costly Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for temporary protection. But ESU is not a long-term solution — it only buys time while doubling in cost each year, leaving companies paying a premium for an outdated system that still lacks performance improvements. 

IT leaders must act now to avoid security threats, compliance violations, and operational disruptions. A well-planned migration strategy ensures business continuity, prevents last-minute expenses, and protects systems from security threats. Organizations that delay will face increasing risks, including cyberattacks, compliance violations, and costly operational disruptions. 

The Hidden Costs of Staying on Windows 10  

Unpatched Security Vulnerabilities Become an Open Door for Cybercriminals 

Once Microsoft discontinues security updates, Windows 10 security risks will escalate. Hackers exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, leading to increased incidents of ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks. 

Laplink Case Study: A Fortune 100 Pharmaceutical Company  A global pharmaceutical firm completed a 100,000-PC migration with Laplink’s PCmover Enterprise, ensuring secure, zero-downtime transitions. Without a proactive upgrade strategy, companies handling sensitive data risk catastrophic breaches. 

Compliance Violations Put Enterprises at Legal and Financial Risk 

Regulatory frameworks like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS require businesses to maintain up-to-date security protocols. Running an unsupported OS increases the risk of non-compliance fines, legal action, and lost customer trust. 

Decreased Performance and IT Productivity 

As software vendors prioritize Windows 11, Windows 10 users will experience slowdowns, application incompatibilities, and increased troubleshooting issues. Comparing Windows 10 vs. Windows 11 performance, businesses will find Windows 11 offers: 

• Faster processing speeds and improved memory management 

• Stronger built-in security with AI-driven threat detection 

• Better integration with modern cloud and remote work solutions 

Rising IT Costs and Workforce Disruptions 

Companies that delay migration will pay a premium for extended security updates while also facing increased IT labor costs. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program costs: 

• $61 per device in Year 1 

• $122 per device in Year 2 
• $244 per device in Year 3 

Beyond security costs, last-minute migrations strain IT teams, cause downtime, and disrupt business operations. Organizations that plan ahead can minimize disruptions and optimize costs. 

How Enterprises Can Ensure a Smooth Windows 11 Migration 

A structured, phased migration is essential to minimize downtime, reduce IT effort, and control costs. 

1. Get a Complete Picture of Your IT Infrastructure with Laplink Everywhere 

 A successful Windows 11 migration starts with full visibility into your IT environment—including hardware capabilities, software dependencies, and security readiness. Instead of manually auditing devices, IT teams can use Laplink Everywhere to:  

• Identify upgrade-ready vs. obsolete hardware – Instantly scan and assess all endpoints to determine which devices meet Windows 11 cybersecurity and performance standards. 

• Pinpoint application dependencies – Ensure that business-critical software is compatible before migration. 

• Streamline remote workforce upgrades – Get insights into off-network devices and manage migrations across multiple locations. 

2. Ensure Software and Application Readiness

Enterprises must verify that business-critical applications are Windows 11-compatible. If legacy software requires updates or replacements, virtualization solutions may provide a workaround. 

3. Implement a Phased Migration Plan

A structured rollout minimizes risk and ensures a seamless transition: 

1. Pilot Windows 11 on a test group of devices. 

1. Validate performance and security features. 

1. Gradually roll out upgrades department by department. 

1. Train employees on new workflows and security best practices. 

How Laplink’s PCmover Enterprise Simplifies Migrations 

For enterprises managing migrations at scale, Laplink’s PCmover Enterprise eliminates the most time-consuming challenges by automating data, application, and settings transfers. This ensures:  

• Seamless migrations without reinstalling software or losing user preferences 

• Reduced IT labor — saving up to 5 IT hours per PC migrated 

• Minimal downtime for end users, preserving productivity 

• Support for remote and hybrid environments through cloud-based transfers 

PCmover Enterprise in Action: Real-World Migration Success 

• An IT service provider leveraged Laplink Everywhere and PCmover to automate large-scale migrations, reducing IT labor costs and eliminating manual data transfers — allowing clients to complete upgrades faster and with minimal downtime.  

• A specialized manufacturing company used PCmover Enterprise to automate profile and application transfers, ensuring a consistent, standardized migration process across all departments — reducing IT effort while minimizing disruptions to production workflows. 

• A Fortune 100 financial services firm migrated 175,000 Windows PCs with Laplink’s PCmover, reducing migration costs by eliminating the need for manual data backup and reinstallation — delivering a faster, more efficient transition than Microsoft's USMT tool. 

The Time to Upgrade Is Now 

Waiting until the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline is a high-risk strategy. IT leaders must act now to: 

• Protect against Windows 10 security risks before vulnerabilities are exposed 

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations 

• Prevent productivity losses from outdated systems 
• Avoid rising IT costs associated with last-minute migrations 

With Laplink’s PCmover Enterprise and Laplink Everywhere businesses can execute a seamless Windows 11 migration with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency. Start planning today. Request a free fully functional copy of PCmover Enterprise to avoid security risks, compliance challenges, and unnecessary IT expenses.