On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, marking the largest unsupported operating system event in history. With over 500 million PCs still running Windows 10 globally, the scale of this transition dwarfs in comparison previous upgrades like the move from Windows 7 and 8 to 10. And just like in 2017, when the WannaCry ransomware exploited unpatched Windows 7 systems, cybercriminals are already lining up to pounce on vulnerable Windows 10 machines.
Why This Is a Big Deal
When support ends, so do security patches, bug fixes, and technical assistance. That means:
Businesses that delay upgrading are exposing themselves to compliance violations, operational disruptions, and rising costs for emergency support or extended security updates, if they’re even available.
The Numbers Behind the Risk
As of mid-2025, Windows 10 still powers 46.2% of all active Windows machines. In the United States, the end of Windows 10 support is expected to drive a surge in PC upgrades, with shipments projected to grow by 5% in 2024 and 8% in 2025 reaching approximately 78 million units. This growth is fueled by both the urgency to upgrade, an estimated 400 million PCs can’t upgrade to Windows 11, and the hype around AI-enabled PCs.
History Repeats: WannaCry and the Windows 7 Fallout
The WannaCry ransomware attack in May 2017 infected over 300,000 computers across 150 countries, encrypting files and demanding ransom payments. The attack exploited a vulnerability in the SMB protocol (MS17-010), known as EternalBlue, originally developed by the NSA and leaked by the Shadow Brokers.
Despite Microsoft releasing a patch in March 2017, many systems remained unpatched. The result?
The lesson? Unpatched systems are low-hanging fruit for attackers, and the same conditions are now forming around Windows 10.
Why Windows 11 Is the Answer
Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about staying current—it’s about future-proofing your business. Windows 11 offers:
Bit by Bit’s Complimentary Upgrade Assessment
As a trusted Microsoft partner, Bit by Bit is offering a free Windows 10 Upgrade Assessment. We’ll audit your systems, identify upgrade-ready devices, and build a phased migration plan that minimizes downtime and ensures compliance.