The countdown is over: on October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 10. That means no more security patches, bug fixes, or technical help. For IT leaders, this milestone isn’t just about upgrading operating systems—it’s about what to do with the massive wave of legacy hardware still running Windows 10.
If you’re in banking, healthcare, government, education, or any regulated industry, the stakes are high. Unsupported operating systems create vulnerabilities, and old devices sitting idle in storage closets or employee homes often turn into unaccounted risks. This is where IT asset disposition (ITAD) becomes part of the cybersecurity conversation.
Why Windows 10 End of Support Matters
- No More Security Patches
Unsupported devices will be prime targets for ransomware and other attacks. Even if systems are offline today, re-connecting them later could expose entire networks. - Compliance Risks
HIPAA, GLBA, PCI DSS, and other frameworks all expect you to maintain supported software. Running outdated operating systems can be viewed as non-compliance during audits. - Data Exposure on Old Devices
Laptops, desktops, and servers being retired often hold sensitive data. Without proper sanitization, a simple hard drive left behind could lead to a reportable breach.
What IT Leaders Should Be Doing Now
- Inventory All Assets
Start with a full asset inventory—know what’s running Windows 10, where it is, and who’s responsible. - Evaluate Upgrade vs. Retirement
Some hardware may handle Windows 11 or another OS. Others may be better candidates for decommissioning. - Prioritize Secure IT Asset Disposition
Don’t let decommissioned devices stack up in closets. An ITAD strategy ensures data is destroyed according to NIST SP 800-88r1 guidelines and that materials are responsibly recycled. - Plan for Ongoing Lifecycle Management
Windows 10 is just the latest example of the need for a repeatable IT lifecycle process—procurement, deployment, patching, and secure disposition.
Cybersecurity + ITAD = Reduced Risk
The end of Windows 10 support is a reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and patches—it’s also about what happens to the hardware that’s no longer in use. Forgotten laptops and servers are a weak link in otherwise strong cybersecurity programs. Pairing cyber hygiene with a certified ITAD program closes that gap.
As organizations across the Midwest evaluate their Windows 10 devices, the focus should be on reducing risk, maintaining compliance, and protecting sensitive data through every stage of the IT lifecycle.
If your team is facing a surge of legacy devices and needs guidance on secure decommissioning, SEAM provides certified IT asset disposition services across South Dakota and the Dakotas region, ensuring data is destroyed and equipment is responsibly managed.
Contact us to stay ahead of the Windows 10 deadline and keep your organization secure!
Levi Hentges is the Vice President / Development at SEAM. He helps clients build and manage their IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) programs to comply with legal, corporate and environmental requirements surrounding their technology devices; including asset recovery and resale, data destruction and secure electronics recycling.