Right now, roughly one in four Windows computers in the U.S. is running software that Microsoft stopped protecting nine months ago. If one of those machines is sitting in your office in Bradenton, every week that passes makes it a little easier for someone to break in.
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more security patches. No more fixes. No more safety net.
Your computer still turns on. Everything looks normal. And that’s exactly the trap—because “it still works” feels like “it’s still fine.” It isn’t.
What “End of Support” Actually Means for Your Office
Every month, Microsoft used to release updates that plugged newly discovered holes in Windows 10. Think of them like a locksmith changing your locks whenever a key got copied.
That locksmith quit in October. Now when someone finds a new way in, the door stays unlocked—permanently.
For accounting firms, law firms, dental practices, and financial advisory firms across Manatee County and the Tampa Bay area, that’s not a minor inconvenience. It’s a ticking clock.
The Part Nobody Warns You About: Insurance and Compliance
Here’s where it gets expensive fast. If your firm handles sensitive client data—tax returns, medical records, legal files, financial plans—you likely fall under rules like the FTC Safeguards Rule, HIPAA, or state data-protection laws. Running unsupported software can put you out of compliance.
Cyber insurance carriers have caught on, too. Many policies now require that your systems run supported, patched software. If a breach traces back to a Windows 10 machine that hasn’t had a security update since 2025, your insurer may have grounds to reduce or deny your claim.
Imagine paying for insurance that won’t pay you back. That’s the risk you’re carrying right now.
You’ve Got Three Moves—Pick One
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free, If Your PC Qualifies)
If the computer is relatively new—generally purchased in 2021 or later—there’s a good chance you can upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost. Microsoft’s PC Health Check app will tell you in about 30 seconds whether your machine qualifies.
Your files, settings, and most of your software carry over. It’s the fastest, cheapest fix.
2. Buy Time with Extended Security Updates
Microsoft offers a paid program called Extended Security Updates (ESU) that delivers critical patches for Windows 10 past the end-of-support date. Year one costs $61 per device. Year two doubles to $122, and year three jumps to $244.
It’s a bridge, not a destination. Three years is the maximum, and the cost adds up fast if you have multiple machines. But it buys you breathing room to plan a proper upgrade.
3. Replace the Machine
Some PCs—especially those purchased before 2018—simply can’t run Windows 11. The hardware doesn’t meet the requirements. For those, replacement is the cleanest path forward.
A new machine runs faster, supports the latest security features, and won’t need this kind of attention again for years. If your budget allows it, this is the strongest long-term answer.
The Worst Option Is the One That Feels Easiest
Doing nothing feels painless today. But the risk doesn’t stay flat—it climbs every single month as new vulnerabilities are discovered and never patched. Attackers know this. Automated tools are already scanning for Windows 10 machines because they’re the path of least resistance.
Start with one simple question: how many computers in your office are still on Windows 10? Which ones can be upgraded for free, and which ones need to be replaced?
If you’re not sure, that’s exactly what a quick security consultation can sort out.
Book a free 15-minute risk assessment with Justin and Sara at Reef Cyber Security. They’ll help you figure out where you stand—and what to do about it—before it becomes someone else’s decision.
