Windows 10 Support Has Ended: What Security Teams Need to Do Now

TL;DR – Executive Summary

Overview of the End of Support

Windows 10, launched in 2015, reached the end of its 10-year lifecycle on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer release security patches, driver updates, or feature improvements for any Windows 10 edition. The final supported version, 22H2 (build 19044), will receive no further updates.

Without these updates, new vulnerabilities will remain exploitable indefinitely. In effect, Windows 10 is now a permanent zero-day platform, exposing organizations to escalating security risks.

Affected Systems

All devices running Windows 10 are impacted by this end of support, including:

• Windows 10 Home
• Windows 10 Pro
• Windows 10 Enterprise
• Windows 10 Education

Note: Specialized editions such as Windows 10 LTSC or IoT may follow different timelines. However, for most users, support ended in October 2025.

Exploitation Outlook

While there are no confirmed exploit campaigns yet, the attack surface has effectively expanded overnight.
Researchers warn that unpatched vulnerabilities will soon be targeted by cybercriminals, as seen after the end of support for Windows XP and Windows 7.

Security experts note that any zero-day exploits previously held in reserve could now be unleashed freely. Without patch coverage, ransomware and malware operators are expected to focus heavily on unprotected Windows 10 systems.

In short, every unpatched Windows 10 endpoint is a ticking time bomb for enterprise networks.

Detection Guidance

Security and IT teams should immediately identify remaining Windows 10 assets in their environment.

Recommended methods:

• Asset Scanners: Utilize tools like Nessus, Qualys, or Rapid7 to identify outdated OS versions (e.g., Windows 10 build 19044).
• Configuration Management: Query Intune, SCCM, or Active Directory for machines still reporting as Windows 10.
• Manual Verification: Run winver on suspected devices to confirm the OS version.

Treat all identified Windows 10 systems as critical risk assets and tag them for immediate remediation.

Remediation Guidance

To minimize exposure, take the following actions immediately:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 (Recommended):
  • Most Windows 10 devices can upgrade for free via Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
  • Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to confirm hardware compatibility.
• Replace Unsupported Hardware:
  • If devices lack TPM 2.0 or fail Windows 11 requirements, plan hardware refresh cycles.
  • New Windows 11 PCs include stronger built-in protections (Secure Boot, VBS, etc.).
• Enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU):
  • Provides critical and important security patches for one additional year (until Oct 2026).
  • Available to consumers (free in some regions) and enterprises (paid licensing via CSP).
  • Note: ESU does not include new features or general support.
• Isolate Legacy Devices:
  • Move non-upgradable systems to restricted VLANs or disconnected networks.
  • Disable remote access (RDP, SMB, etc.) and enforce least-privilege rules.
• Strengthen Endpoint Security:
  • Continue updating Microsoft Defender (definitions supported until 2028).
  • Apply the latest browser and third-party software updates.
  • Enforce strong network segmentation and EDR monitoring.

Recommendations for Security Teams

Treat Windows 10 EOL as a priority-1 vulnerability event across your organization.

• Prioritize OS Upgrades: Create an enterprise-wide upgrade plan to move all users to Windows 11 or newer supported platforms.
• Update Risk Registers: Add Windows 10 EOL as a documented security risk in compliance frameworks (HIPAA, PCI, NIST 800-53, etc.).
• Harden Remaining Assets: For unavoidable Windows 10 dependencies, ensure they are patched via ESU and isolated.
• Monitor Threat Feeds: Track Microsoft, CISA KEV, and vendor advisories for any exploits targeting residual Windows 10 systems.
• Educate Staff: Alert employees that Windows 10 is no longer supported and should not be used for business-critical operations.

Timeline of Key Events

External References

• Microsoft Support – Windows 10 support has ended (Oct 14, 2025)
• Tom’s Guide – Windows 10 End of Life: Millions of PCs at Risk
• Engadget – Windows 10 Support Ends Today, Here’s How to Get an Extra Year for Free
• Lifehacker – What to Do Now That Microsoft No Longer Supports Windows 10
• Tom’s Hardware – Windows 10 Is No Longer Safe to Run

Conclusion

Windows 10’s end of life marks a critical shift in the global security landscape.
Unpatched systems are now prime targets for exploitation — just as Windows 7 and XP were after their EOL dates.

Every day that Windows 10 remains active in your environment increases your attack surface.

Staying proactive in the next few months will determine whether your network remains secure or becomes the next entry in a breach report.