Is It Safe to Use My Windows 10 Computer Now That Support Has Expired?

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I still hear it every week: “Those old Windows 10 computers aren’t a problem, we just don’t use them anymore.” I always have that sinking feeling you get when you know someone's about to learn an expensive lesson.

Unfortunately, that assumption is exactly what attackers rely on. Unsupported systems are silent entry points for data breaches and ransomware.

If you're thinking the same thing about your RIA firm's computers, we need to talk. And no, it's not paranoia when the threat is real.

What Actually Happened on October 14th

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10. Completely. No more security updates. No more patches. Ever.

For most RIA owners, this triggered one of two reactions: "We'll deal with it later" or "It's probably fine."

Here's what you need to know: Cybercriminals marked their calendars for October 15th. Every unpatched vulnerability in Windows 10 is now a permanent welcome mat for attackers. And every day you wait, that window grows wider.

The Myth of the "Disconnected" Computer

I had this exact conversation last week with a client. "But Chris," he said, "we took those machines off the network."

Here's what I've learned from watching real businesses operate: Physical separation doesn't equal safety. Not even close.

Because here's what actually happens:

Someone needs to print something quickly. They plug in a USB drive to transfer the file.

An employee needs to check email "just this once." They connect to the office WiFi.

A document needs editing. It gets saved to the shared drive.

A contractor needs access to something. You make an exception.

One connection. That's all it takes.

Think of it like keeping a broken lock on your storage shed's door. You tell yourself it's fine because nobody goes in there. Until someone does. And by then, it's too late.

The Real Cost of "We'll Be Careful"

The average ransomware attack now costs $4.45 million. But that number doesn't tell the whole story for RIA firms.

What really happens when you get breached?

Client trust evaporates overnight. Your three biggest clients start making calls to other advisors.

Regulatory nightmares begin. The SEC and state regulators want detailed reports, explanations, and remediation plans.

Personal liability kicks in. Your name is on the business. Your reputation is on the line.

The damage that doesn't show up in spreadsheets. How do you quantify sleepless nights? Or the conversation where you explain to a 30-year client why their personal information was compromised?

Here's the question that cuts through all the rationalization: What would losing your three biggest clients cost you? Now compare that to the cost of upgrading a few computers.

The math isn't even close.

What Prepared RIA Firms Are Doing Right Now

Smart firms aren't waiting. They're taking three specific actions:

1. Auditing every single device

Not just the obvious ones. That laptop in the closet. The computer someone took home during COVID and never returned. The "backup" machine that "nobody uses anymore." Every single one.

2. Upgrading or replacing strategically

Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements. Some machines can upgrade. Others need replacement. The question isn't whether you can afford to do this. It's whether you can afford not to. This isn't an expense. It's insurance.

3. Creating policies that actually work

The best policy is useless if people don't follow it. Make your "no unsupported devices" rule clear. But more importantly, make it easy to comply. When you make the right choice the easy choice, people actually do it.

The Question Nobody Wants to Ask

So here it is: What would happen to your firm if you had a breach tomorrow?

I'm not trying to scare you. I'm asking you to face reality.

For RIA owners, a breach means SEC examinations, client notifications, and potential lawsuits. It means your name in headlines you never wanted to see. It means becoming a cautionary tale instead of a success story.

You still have time to be on the right side of this. But that window is closing.

What Happens Next

Look, a 15-minute conversation now could save you from a crisis later. No hard sell. No pressure. Just a straightforward assessment of your specific situation.

You'll get clarity on what needs to happen, when it needs to happen, and what it'll actually cost.

More importantly, you'll get peace of mind. And in a world where threats are constant and evolving, that's worth something.

Let's talk before this becomes urgent.

Chris

Key Takeaways

The clock is ticking. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. No more security updates means every vulnerability is now permanent.

"Disconnected" doesn't mean safe. That one USB drive, that quick WiFi connection, that single file transfer creates an opening for attackers.

The real cost isn't the computer. It's the $4.45 million average ransomware attack, the lost clients, the regulatory scrutiny, and the reputation damage that follows a breach.

Smart firms are acting now. They're auditing every device, upgrading or replacing Windows 10 machines, and creating policies that make compliance easy.

Your name is on the line. For RIA principals, a breach isn't just a business problem. It's personal liability, sleepless nights, and explaining to longtime clients why their trust was misplaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can't I just keep using Windows 10 if I'm really careful?

A: "Being careful" doesn't protect against zero-day vulnerabilities that will never be patched. Cybercriminals specifically target unsupported systems because they know the weaknesses will never be fixed. One moment of convenience by any employee undoes all your caution.

Q: What if my computer can't run Windows 11?

A: Many older machines don't meet Windows 11's hardware requirements. In those cases, replacement is your only secure option. The good news? Modern computers are more affordable than the potential cost of a breach.

Q: How do I know if I have any Windows 10 machines still running?

A: Conduct a complete device audit. Check not just desktop computers, but laptops employees took home, machines in storage, and any "backup" computers people might use occasionally. If you're not 100% certain, assume you have gaps that need addressing.

Q: What's the timeline for getting this fixed?

A: Yesterday would be ideal, but realistically, the key is starting now. Every day you delay is another day of exposure. Begin with the audit, prioritize the most critical machines, and work systematically through your environment.

Q: Is this really necessary for a small firm?

A: Attackers don't care about your firm's size. In fact, smaller RIA firms are often targeted specifically because criminals assume you have fewer cybersecurity resources. And remember, a breach at a 5-person firm faces the same SEC reporting requirements and client notification obligations as a 50-person firm.