The End of Updates Is Just the Beginning
Microsoft’s decision to end official support for Windows 10 has left millions of UK users in the digital danger zone. While it might seem harmless to keep using an older system, every unpatched machine becomes an open door for hackers.
According to research from Which?, almost half of UK households still run Windows 10, leaving them vulnerable as updates stop rolling out.
Why End of Support Matters
When Microsoft stops providing updates, it doesn’t just mean no new features — it means **no more security patches**. Without them, newly discovered vulnerabilities stay wide open for attackers.
- Zero-day exploits: Hackers often wait for support to end before releasing new attacks.
- Software rot: Unsupported systems lose compatibility with modern browsers, antivirus tools, and apps.
- Compliance failure: Businesses relying on outdated software risk breaking GDPR or NCSC best-practice guidance.
The Real-World Impact
Once support ends, cybercriminals know millions of systems will stay unpatched. We’ve seen this before with Windows 7 — ransomware like WannaCry spread through outdated NHS machines, forcing hospitals offline.
It’s déjà vu waiting to happen. As vulnerabilities go unpatched, even strong passwords and antivirus tools can’t fully compensate.
If you want a taste of what invisible tech risks can do, check out our post on Unpatchable Gadgets: When Smart Becomes Forever Vulnerable — it’s the same story, just on a bigger scale.
Who’s Most at Risk?
The end of Windows 10 support affects everyone, but especially:
- Small businesses that rely on legacy software or can’t afford immediate upgrades.
- Public sector organisations slow to migrate systems.
- Home users who ignore update reminders because “it still works fine.”
Cybercriminals will use tools like Shodan to scan the web for outdated Windows 10 systems. Once found, it’s a buffet of vulnerabilities waiting to be exploited.
How to Protect Yourself
- Upgrade sooner, not later: Move to Windows 11 or consider switching to a secure Linux build if hardware can’t support it.
- Back up regularly: Keep copies offline or in encrypted cloud storage.
- Use extended security updates (ESU): If upgrading immediately isn’t possible, Microsoft’s paid ESU plan buys you time.
- Check software compatibility: Verify that your antivirus, VPN, and browsers still receive updates.
- Educate your team: Awareness prevents costly mistakes — outdated doesn’t just mean old, it means exposed.
For step-by-step advice on securing older systems, visit the CISA guidelines or the NCSC Small Business Guide.
Key Takeaway
Running an unsupported system is like leaving your front door unlocked because you “never had a break-in before.” It’s not if you’ll be targeted — it’s when.
Upgrading might feel like a hassle, but it’s cheaper and safer than dealing with ransomware or stolen data later.
Final Word
The retirement of Windows 10 is a reminder that technology moves faster than comfort zones. Don’t cling to the familiar — adapt before attackers make the choice for you.
At The Cyber Workshop, we help everyday users and small businesses understand the risks that often go ignored. If you’re unsure how to modernise securely, we’ve got workshops coming soon that’ll show you how to stay safe without breaking the bank.
👋 Till next time, remember: an unpatched system isn’t nostalgic — it’s a target.
