The cybersecurity world is facing a new kind of silent threat—one that could already be impacting your business without your knowing it. According to a recent Cybernews report, one billion personal computers across the globe are still running Windows 10, even though Microsoft officially ended support for the operating system in October 2025.
Shockingly, about 500 million of these devices are technically capable of upgrading to Windows 11 but have not done so, leaving them exposed to escalating risk. Cybernews
As a business owner or IT leader, this has real implications for your security strategy. Unsupported systems no longer receive crucial security updates, meaning every unpatched vulnerability becomes an open door for attackers. In the face of modern threats, traditional security approaches centered on detection and response are no longer enough. It’s time for a shift to isolation and containment—and solutions like AppGuard deliver exactly that.
Why Windows 10 End of Life Matters
Microsoft’s retirement of Windows 10 means devices running this OS will no longer receive free security patches or technical assistance. While the operating system will still function, the lack of updates makes it far more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and a wide range of cyber intrusions. Onetech360 Managed IT Services
Here’s what’s driving the ongoing risk:
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Security patches stop being released: After October 14, 2025, Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates for Windows 10. This leaves known and future vulnerabilities unaddressed.
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Many businesses lag in upgrades: Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t always straightforward. Hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot leave many systems unable to upgrade without BIOS modifications or hardware replacement, which some users avoid.
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Extended support has limits: Programs like Extended Security Updates can offer temporary relief but are costly and not a long-term fix for enterprises.
For many organizations, outdated endpoints are like unlocked doors in a dark alley. Cybercriminals are constantly scanning for weak targets, and unsupported operating systems present an appealing vector.
Detection and Response Is No Longer Enough
Traditional endpoint security approaches focus heavily on detecting threats and responding after the fact. Tools like antivirus and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) are useful, but inherently reactive. They rely on recognizing malicious behavior after an attacker has already triggered a threat—often too late to prevent damage.
The Windows 10 end-of-life situation underscores this limitation:
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Unsupported systems may harbor undiscovered vulnerabilities that no amount of signature-based detection can foresee.
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Zero-day exploits and advanced attackers can slip past detection controls before they trigger alerts.
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Response actions often require manual investigation, slowing reaction times when every second counts.
To truly minimize risk, businesses need to stop threats before they can execute, not merely hunt and react after the damage starts.
Isolation and Containment: The New Security Imperative
Enter a fundamentally different strategy: isolation and containment. Instead of relying on detection alone, this approach proactively isolates processes and prevents untrusted or unknown actions from executing in the first place. This stops threats at the source, reducing the attack surface and preventing lateral movement through your network.
This is where AppGuard shines.
Why AppGuard Works
AppGuard is a proven endpoint protection platform built on the principle of containment rather than reaction. Here’s how it helps organizations facing the Windows 10 risk:
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Prevents exploit execution: AppGuard blocks threats from executing, including malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks that rely on abuse of trusted processes.
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Protects legacy systems: Even unsupported or outdated OSs can benefit from AppGuard’s protective layer, reducing risk during transitional upgrade phases.
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No signatures, no updates required: Traditional antivirus depends on constant signature updates. AppGuard’s containment model does not, meaning it defends effectively even against novel threats.
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A decade of proven success: AppGuard has demonstrated reliable protection in real-world environments over the past 10 years and is now available for commercial adoption.
In a landscape where unsupported endpoints are common, and attackers grow more sophisticated by the day, prevention and containment are no longer optional—they are essential.
What This Means for Your Business
If your business still has Windows 10 devices in operation—whether in the field, in remote offices, or on employee endpoints—you are exposed to avoidable risk. Waiting until an upgrade is complete is not a strategy; it’s a gamble with your data, reputation, and continuity.
Moving from a detect-and-respond mindset to one focused on isolation and containment gives you a security advantage that stealthy threats simply cannot bypass.
Ready to Strengthen Your Security Posture?
If you’re concerned about the security gaps introduced by Windows 10 end of life, it’s time to act.
Talk with us at CHIPS about how AppGuard can safeguard your business from these kinds of risks. We can help you modernize your endpoint security with proven technology that stops attacks before they start and ensures your environment stays resilient even when OS upgrades lag behind.
👉 Contact CHIPS today to learn how AppGuard can transform your security posture and protect your business.
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