The end of support for Windows 10 will occur on October 14, 2025, marking the cessation of security updates, feature updates, and technical support from Microsoft. For businesses, this has significant implications, including heightened security risks, compliance challenges, and the urgent need to upgrade to supported operating systems like Windows 11 to maintain operational security and efficiency. Additionally, the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme in Australia mandates organisations to report eligible data breaches that pose serious harm to individuals, impacting how businesses manage and disclose cybersecurity incidents. 

End of Windows 10 Support 

Windows 10, launched in 2015, has had a decade of support from Microsoft, but all support will officially end on October 14, 2025. This means no more security patches, reliability fixes, or technical assistance will be provided. While the operating system will continue to function, the lack of updates will progressively expose businesses to greater cybersecurity vulnerabilities, raising the risk of breaches and operational disruptions. Businesses relying on Windows 10 may face compatibility issues, especially with Microsoft 365 Apps ceasing support on Windows 10 devices after this date, which could impact productivity and workflow continuity. 

For companies continuing to use Windows 10 past the end of support, Microsoft offers a limited extended security update service at a cost, but this is only a short-term solution. The real risk lies not only in the increase of unpatched security flaws but also in compliance ramifications. Frameworks like Australia’s ACSC Essential Eight compliance guideline specifically warn against using unsupported operating systems, which could affect the ability to pass audits, renew cyber insurance, or secure contracts. Thus, upgrading to Windows 11 or newer supported platforms is critical to secure business environments and maintain compliance standards. 

Implications for Businesses 

• Security Vulnerabilities: Without new security updates, Windows 10 devices become vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and cyberattacks that can lead to data loss, downtime, and financial damages. 

• Compliance Risks: Using unsupported operating systems can conflict with cybersecurity regulations and frameworks, potentially leading to breaches of legal obligations and loss of client trust. 

• Operational Impact: Microsoft 365 Apps and other software will lose support on Windows 10, risking disruptions in essential productivity tools and collaboration systems. 

• Costs: Delaying upgrades can lead to higher costs later, including emergency remediation, penalties, and lost business opportunities due to weakened trust and security risks. 

Other implication that will impact your business will be the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme. The NDB scheme, effective since February 2018, requires Australian organisations with an annual turnover of over $3 million that hold personal information to notify both the affected individuals and the Australian Information Commissioner about eligible data breaches likely to cause serious harm. Serious harm includes identity theft, financial loss, physical harm, psychological damage, or reputational damage. 

Eligible breaches must be reported within 30 calendar days after the organisation becomes aware of the breach. Notifications must include detailed information such as the nature of the breach, the kinds of personal data involved, contact details of the organisation, and recommended steps for individuals to mitigate harm. Failing to comply can lead to significant fines—up to $1.8 million for organisations. 

The NDB scheme impacts all sectors and enforces a culture of transparency and prompt action in response to cybersecurity incidents. This places business obligations to maintain robust cybersecurity measures and effective breach response protocols, especially in the context of increasing cybersecurity threats linked to unsupported systems like post-Windows 10 environments. 

Combined Impact on Businesses 

The end of Windows 10 and the requirements under the NDB scheme intersect critically for businesses. Running unsupported operating systems can increase vulnerability to data breaches, which then trigger mandatory reporting requirements under the NDB scheme. Failure to upgrade and secure systems could expose businesses to higher incident rates, compliance violations, financial penalties, and loss of reputation. 

Businesses are advised to start planning for Windows 10 end of support by investing in upgrade strategies to Windows 11 or other secure platforms, while ensuring compliance readiness for NDB obligations. This includes implementing continuous risk assessments, incident detection, and response mechanisms to protect both business operations and sensitive customer data.