Don’t Let Legacy Tech Hold You Back: 5 Risks of Sticking with Windows 10 in 2025

Holding onto Windows 10 after its end of support isn’t just an IT headache—it’s a strategic misstep. Here are five risks your organization faces by delaying the move to Windows 11 and modern devices like the Surface Pro with Copilot. Running a legacy operating system like Windows 10 after its end of support can expose your business to significant risks, as seen with the WannaCry virus, which exploited unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated systems, leading to widespread damage and financial loss. The attack was estimated to have affected more than 300,000 computers across 150 countries,  with total damages ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars. Over the past eight months, about 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs have been replaced by Windows 11 PCs each month. At that pace, about 35% or 490 million of those 1.4 billion devices will still be running Windows 10 when October 2025 rolls around, and many of them have no supported upgrade path. 

1. Security Vulnerabilities Multiply 

Without regular security updates, unsupported systems become prime targets. Malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits thrive in unpatched environments—putting your data, reputation, and compliance at risk. The lack of security patches makes Windows 10 increasingly vulnerable to new threats, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. 

2. Performance Bottlenecks 

Older OS and hardware struggle under today’s demands. Slow boot times, lagging applications, and battery drain hamper employee productivity—and frustrate your workforce. Performance bottlenecks in older systems can significantly impact overall productivity, leading to inefficiencies and frustration among employees. 

3. Missing Out on AI-Driven Productivity 

• No Copilot: Windows 10 doesn’t support the native Copilot integration in Office and Teams. 
• Legacy Hardware Limits: Only the latest Surface Pro models run Copilot locally, delivering instant, context-aware assistance. 

Sticking with Windows 10 means foregoing AI features that automate tasks, summarize insights, and help your team focus on high-value work. Microsoft highlights how AI-driven productivity tools in Windows 11, such as Copilot, can transform everyday tasks and enhance overall efficiency. 

4. Rising IT & Maintenance Costs 

Patchwork fixes, compatibility testing, and emergency support for unsupported OSes quickly eat up IT budgets. Modernizing to Windows 11 and standardized hardware reduces complexity and total cost of ownership. Maintaining outdated IT systems can be significantly more expensive than upgrading to modern solutions, due to increased maintenance and support costs. 

5. Compliance & Regulatory Risks 

Many industries require up-to-date security controls. Running an unsupported OS can breach regulatory obligations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC), resulting in fines and lost business. The compliance risks associated with using unsupported operating systems, which can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. 

The Surface Pro with Copilot Advantage 

Upgrading to Windows 11 on a Surface Pro with Copilot not only addresses these five risks with Windows 10—it transforms how your team works: 

• AI-First Workflows: Draft proposals, analyze data, or summarize meetings from any app with Copilot. 
• Enterprise-Grade Security: Biometric sign-in, firmware-level protection, and built-in Windows Hello keep your data safe. 
• Ultra-Portable Powerhouse: Snapdragon® X Elite/Plus processors deliver desktop-class speed in a sleek, all-day battery-life design. Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition also features the Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 series processors options using the traditional x86 architecture, which promises better compatibility with legacy applications compared to ARM-based processors like the Snapdragon. 

The Microsoft Surface offers a seamless integration with Windows 11 and Copilot, providing a powerful combination of performance, security, and AI-driven productivity. 

By making the switch to Windows 11 and modern devices like the Surface Pro with Copilot, you can future-proof your business, enhance productivity, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Don’t let legacy tech hold you back—take action today to secure your business’s future. 

Take Action Today 

Avoid the risks of outdated technology and embrace the future with Windows 11 and the new Surface Pro with Copilot. Attend our AI Readiness Webinar workshop to learn how to make a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of AI-powered productivity. Register today and protect your business from security vulnerabilities and compliance risks! 

Exclusive AI Webinar Workshop Details 

• Date: Tuesday August 19^th, 2025 
• Time: 11:00 AM EST/10:00 AM CST – Noon EST/11:00 AM CST 
• Location: Webinar 
• Speakers: Sikich AI experts Jon Cole and Dustin Miller