The "Expired" Employee: Why Windows 10 and other outdated equipment is Now a Liability for Your WNY Business

Imagine you have a security guard at your warehouse in Lackawanna who just... stopped showing up. The doors are still there, the fence is still standing, and everything looks fine, but nobody is watching the cameras anymore. This is exactly what happened on October 14, 2025. Microsoft officially "retired" Windows 10. While your computers still turn on and your apps still run, Microsoft has stopped sending out the invisible "armor" (security patches) that protects your business from hackers.

It’s not just Windows 10. Outdated tech often hides in plain sight across Buffalo offices—old "WPA2" WiFi routers, server hardware from 2018, or even that old Windows 7 machine sitting in the corner "just to run the label printer."

• The Hidden Vulnerability: Hackers love "End of Life" software because once a new hole is found, they know it will never be patched. It’s a permanent open window into your business.

• The Insurance Trap: Did you know many cyber insurance providers in New York will now deny claims if they find out a breach started on an unsupported operating system? Saving money on a new laptop could cost you your entire coverage.

• The Efficiency Boost: Upgrading to Windows 11 or modern hardware isn't just about security; it’s about speed. Modern systems handle the "Buffalo winter" of digital workloads much better, reducing the spinning blue wheels and "not responding" errors that frustrate your staff.

At 716 IT Group, we specialize in making these transitions painless. We don't believe in "ripping and replacing" everything if it isn't necessary. We start with a Legacy Audit to identify which devices are your biggest risks and which ones just need a simple update.

Don't wait for a "smoke-filled room" to realize your security guard retired. Call 716 IT Group today at 716.288.5582 or info@716itgroup.com. We’ll help you build a roadmap to get your WNY business on modern, supported tech without breaking your budget.