Why continuing to use Windows 10 is a growing risk

At MPR IT Solutions, we see first‑hand how unsupported systems increase cyber risk, create compliance issues, and drive avoidable cost. This page explains the risks clearly – and what sensible businesses should do next with Windows 10.

Increased cyber security exposure

New vulnerabilities are discovered every week. Without security patches, Windows 10 systems become easier targets for ransomware, malware, and data breaches.

Compliance and insurance concerns

Unsupported operating systems can conflict with:

  • Cyber insurance conditions
  • GDPR expectations
  • Cyber Essentials and ISO‑aligned controls
  • Customer and supply‑chain security requirements

After an incident, unsupported systems are difficult to defend.

Operational and business disruption

As time passes, software vendors and hardware manufacturers reduce support and compatibility testing. This leads to:

  • Unpredictable failures
  • Longer outages
  • Emergency fixes instead of planned work

Higher long‑term cost

Doing nothing feels cheap. It rarely is.
Reactive remediation, downtime, and incident recovery cost far more than a planned upgrade.

A lesser‑known risk: Secure Boot changes in 2026

Many organisations are also unaware of an upcoming firmware‑level security change affecting Windows devices that use Secure Boot.

Microsoft is retiring Secure Boot certificates originally issued in 2011. These begin expiring from June 2026.

Why this matters

Devices that have not received the newer 2023 Secure Boot certificates:

  • Will still boot and appear normal
  • But cannot receive future security updates to:
    • The Windows Boot Manager
    • Secure Boot revocation lists
    • Early‑boot security protections

This weakens the security of the device at a fundamental level.

Why businesses are more exposed with Windows 10

In managed environments:

  • Telemetry is often restricted
  • Certificate updates are not always automatic
  • Firmware updates may be required first

This makes structured assessment and controlled deployment essential.

What MPR IT Solutions recommends

  1. Understand your current risk
  • Identify devices still running Windows 10
  • Confirm Windows 11 compatibility
  • Highlight business‑critical or specialist systems
  1. Take the right approach per device
  • Upgrade to Windows 11 where supported
  • Replace ageing hardware that cannot meet requirements
  • Use Extended Security Updates (ESU) only as a short‑term safety net, not a strategy
  1. Plan properly to avoid disruption
  • Pilot upgrades before full rollout
  • Protect data and manage BitLocker safely
  • Confirm application compatibility
  • Upgrade on your timeline, not during an incident
  1. Address Secure Boot updates as part of the plan
  • Identify affected devices
  • Apply firmware and certificate updates in a controlled way
  • Maintain full boot‑level security beyond 2026

Frequently asked questions

Will Windows 10 computers stop working?
No. They will continue to run, but without security updates or Microsoft support.

Is Windows 11 a free upgrade?
It can be, provided the device meets Microsoft’s hardware requirements.

What if a PC can’t run Windows 11?
It should be replaced or temporarily covered with ESU while a proper upgrade plan is completed.

Is ESU a long‑term solution?
No. ESU provides limited security updates only. It does not remove the core risks of running an unsupported platform.

Do Secure Boot certificate changes really matter?
Yes. Devices that miss these updates lose future boot‑level security protections, weakening the system even if the OS appears patched.

Plan now. Stay secure. Stay compliant.

A controlled upgrade is predictable and cost‑effective.
An unplanned incident is neither.

MPR IT Solutions helps organisations move away from Windows 10 safely, securely, and without disruption – with security built in from day one. Contact us today.