Start planning for Windows 10 end of support, with Microsoft ending support on 14 October 2025. After this date, millions of computers will be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
For many of us, upgrading to Windows 11 on our current systems isn’t an option due to hardware limitations.
Businesses, in particular, should understand that this is much more than a mere IT inconvenience. Unsupported systems are easy targets for hackers and keeping them online creates immediate risks.
So, what should you do next if you have an unupgradable Windows 10 computer? One option is to securely decommission your system. In this blog, you can learn 3 simple and practical steps to do just that.
Navigate to:
- The risks of staying on Windows 10 without support
- The options available to Windows 10 computers after support ends
- 3 simple and practical steps to securely decommission Windows 10 devices
- How to wipe systems securely with BCWipe Total WipeOut
- The benefits of responsible decommissioning
The Risks of Staying on Windows 10 Without Support
If you elect to ignore the end-of-support deadline and continue like nothing happened, you open yourself or your organization up to the following risks:
- Security Risks
Once support ends, Windows 10 will stop receiving security updates, patches and bug fixes. That means every unpatched device becomes a potential entry point for malicious actors, therefore exposing your network to malware, ransomware and cyberattacks.
Even one unprotected computer connected to your network can open the door for hackers to compromise sensitive business data. - Compliance
Data protection regulations like GDPR, CCPA and FERPA require organizations to protect the data of European citizens, California residents and students, respectively. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system (OS) would certainly count as negligence on that front, opening the door to fines, audit failures and potentially irreparable damage to customer trust. - E-Waste & Data Waste
When organizations rush to replace old Windows 10 machines, e-waste often follows. But the less visible problem is data waste, i.e. the risk of sensitive information being left behind on decommissioned devices. Old drives can contain personal data, financial records or intellectual property. If these drives aren’t securely wiped before recycling or donating, it’s possible for information to be recovered later. This would, again, lead to a data breach and privacy violations.
What Are the Options for Windows 10 Devices That Can’t Be Upgraded?
For individuals and organizations that are unable to run Windows 11 on particular systems, you have 4 options open to you in addition to simply continuing to use Windows 10 without support. The latter option is not recommended due to the reasons outlined above.
| Option | Explanation | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opt in for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) | It’s possible to still receive security updates for Windows 10, but just not for free. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates will be available for up to 3 years on a subscription basis, giving organizations more time to migrate. | • Buys extra time for migration planning • Temporarily keep systems protected • No need to change hardware immediately | • Subscription costs add up • Only temporary (max 3 years) • Continue using outdated OS with limited vendor support |
| Upgrade Incompatible Hardware | If a PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11, there may be a few techniques or workarounds that make it possible to bypass compatibility checks. These include adding or enabling TPM modules, switching BIOS modes and tweaking the OS installer to skip certain checks. | • Extends lifespan of existing PCs • Avoids full hardware replacement • Keeps you in the Windows ecosystem | • Requires technical expertise • Not guaranteed for older hardware • Unsupported upgrades may cause instability or lack of driver support |
| Switch to Linux | If you’re happy with the overall performance of your system and have the necessary technical expertise, then converting to Linux is a feasible option. Linux offers strong security, ongoing support and compatibility for basic business tasks. | • Free and open source • Secure and lightweight • A solid choice for repurposing older machines for non-critical roles, such as training systems | • Requires technical know-how • Limited support for certain business apps • Learning curve for end users |
| Buy a New PC & Securely Decommission the Old One | In the majority of cases, the most realistic option will be to buy a new PC. When doing so, ensure that old drives are securely wiped before recycling, donating or repurposing. | • Ensures full compatibility with Windows 11 • Improves productivity and security • Opportunity to modernize IT infrastructure | • Higher upfront cost • Must handle data erasure properly • Generates e-waste if not responsibly managed |
How to Securely Decommission Windows 10 Computers in 3 Steps
If your organization decides that an outdated system needs to be replaced, then it’s time to start planning for Windows 10 end of support with a proper decommissioning process. This approach protects sensitive information and helps you stay compliant with data protection regulations.
Here’s a 3-step process for decommissioning Windows 10 computers securely:
Step 1: Identify Unupgradable Devices
Start with a thorough IT asset inventory to find all systems still running Windows 10. Flag those that can’t be upgraded so you can plan the next steps efficiently and avoid surprises later.
Step 2: Securely Wipe Data
Before any device leaves your organization, ensure all information is permanently erased using certified data wiping software. Standard deletion or reformatting isn’t enough, as sensitive information can still be recovered in both cases with the use of widely available file recovery software.
Step 3: Document the Process
Keep detailed records of what was wiped, who carried out the procedure and when it took place. Certificates of erasure and logs serve as essential proof for compliance, helping you demonstrate due diligence during inspections or audits.
How to Wipe Securely with BCWipe Total WipeOut
During the process of decommissioning, organizations should choose trusted data erasure software to wipe the drives of Windows 10 systems.
BCWipe Total WipeOut is one such option. Jetico’s solution for end-of-life wiping, BCWipe Total WipeOut has been used on by the U.S. Department of Defense for over 20 years to erase data beyond forensic recovery. If you’d like to see exactly how it works, here is our step-by-step guide on using BCWipe Total WipeOut.
BCWipe Total WipeOut allows you to:
- Permanently erase data from entire hard drives, including HDD, SSD and NVMe drives
- Meet government and industry standards, including NIST 800-88, DoD 5220.22-M and CMMC 2.0
- Automate at scale to wipe multiple systems simultaneously
- Obtain proof of erasure with detailed reports for compliance
By wiping first, you make it safe to repurpose or dispose of systems. This turns retired computers from security risks into opportunities for reuse, donation or responsible recycling.
The Benefits of Responsible Decommissioning
Securely retiring Windows 10 systems isn’t just about compliance. You can also think of it as an opportunity to strengthen your organization’s security, reputation and sustainability efforts. Here’s 3 benefits to securely decommissioning:
- Security & Compliance
Data wiping prevents leaks and ensures sensitive information can’t resurface after disposal. With verifiable proof of erasure, your organization stays audit-ready and aligned with data protection regulations. - Sustainability & Reputation
Responsible decommissioning supports environmental goals by reducing e-waste and extending hardware lifecycles. Demonstrating sustainable IT practices also enhances your corporate image and builds customer trust. - Cost Efficiency
Wiping and repurposing old hardware helps you get more value from existing assets, delaying costly new purchases. Even when recycling, proper data handling avoids the financial and reputational impact of data breaches
Start Planning for Windows 10 End of Support Now
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 systems on 14 October 2025, so it’s time to put in place a decommissioning strategy today!
If you decide to securely wipe Windows 10 computers as part of your organization’s decommissioning process, get started by contacting our Data Protection Specialists and asking for a free trial of BCWipe Total WipeOut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Reformatting Similar to Data Wiping?
No, it’s not. Reformatting a computer creates a new, empty file system to store information on, but it doesn’t securely remove data. Unlike wiping software, reformatting leaves behind free space and residual data.
What Happens If I Skip Wiping and Just Recycle My Computer?
Even if you delete all files by normal means or perform a factory reset before recycling, residual data can be recovered with free file recovery software. Without wiping beforehand, personal or sensitive business information could be exposed, risking data breaches and compliance violations.
What’s the Most Sustainable Way to Recycle Old Windows 10 Computers?
If you’re unable to reuse, resell or donate your old computer, you can locate a certified e-waste recycler after wiping to enable your system’s precious materials to be saved and used again.