Nearly 35% of small businesses admit they’re falling behind on updates, leaving systems exposed as Windows 10 end-of-support approaches

KEY POINTS

Nearly 35% of SMBs say system updates and maintenance are among their top IT challenges
61% admit they are not proactive in updating their systems
90% of SMB leaders agree IT is more important today than 10 years ago
64% say businesses without an active IT team are less likely to stay current
ASUS supports SMBs with AI-powered PCs that automate security, updates, and diagnostics

FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), outdated systems are becoming a quiet but serious liability. According to the new data from ASUS, global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, over a third of SMB owners struggle to keep devices up to date. And with critical operating systems like Windows 10 approaching end-of-support, where many existing devices will be ineligible for upgrade, the risk of falling behind is rising fast.

“In today’s threat landscape, modern protection starts with both modern systems and hardware,” said Benjamin Yeh, ASUS Computer International President. “And for small business, that begins with staying current, which is especially relevant as the end of Windows 10 will soon be here, leaving many exposed to vulnerabilities and operational disruption.”

The ASUS survey, which tracked responses from over 100 SMB leaders across the United States, revealed a dangerous gap between awareness and action. While 9 in 10 SMB leaders say IT is more essential today than it was a decade ago, that awareness isn’t always reflected in action. Fewer than 40% (35%) describe themselves as very proactive about updating systems. The rest either delay updates, apply them inconsistently, or struggle to prioritize them, especially without dedicated IT teams.

This gap between intent and execution is what makes outdated software and hardware so dangerous. Without regular patches and upgrades, businesses are left exposed to evolving security threats, compliance risks, and performance issues.

For many SMBs, the problem isn’t technical, it’s operational. About 64% of leaders agree that without an active IT team, system updates are more likely to slip through the cracks. And for lean teams already stretched thin, that means security gaps can widen quickly.

To help SMBs address this challenge, ASUS offers AI-powered PCs such as the ASUS ExpertBook P Series with ASUS ExpertGuardian, which delivers performance features like automated updates, smart diagnostics, and embedded security features that run quietly in the background. These advanced tools help SMBs stay protected and up to date without adding complexity.

With Windows 10 support ending, SMBs that delay upgrading down the line will face Cybersecurity risks from unpatched vulnerabilities, compliance penalties for those in regulated industries, and even operational disruptions from system failures.

ASUS AI PCs provide a straightforward way for SMBs to stay current and protected, while boosting their productivity at the same time.

About ASUS

ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.