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Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving systems without critical security patches and support. Most labs are planning their Windows upgrade, but since your CDS software relies on Windows for security and stability, running older versions of CDS software solves only half of the problem. If you’re already planning downtime and validation work for your Windows upgrade, this is the perfect time to upgrade both systems and eliminate all vulnerabilities.


The hidden costs of outdated software

The longer you’re running outdated software in your laboratory, the more likely you are to experience a data breach, data loss, or a system crash. In fact:




32%

of cyberattacks exploit
unpatched software vulnerabilities.1

$10.22 million

is the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. (for lost business).2

Every 2 seconds

a ransomware attack will occur—projected by 2031.3




What happens now that Windows 10 support has ended

Without current security updates and vendor support, your lab faces risks that escalate over time.


  • No more security updates: Your systems will stop receiving critical security patches, creating serious vulnerabilities.
  • Limited technical support: Agilent cannot fully support older CDS software running on unsupported Windows systems.
  • Compliance red flags: Regulatory auditors expect labs to maintain current, supported software systems—outdated systems increase compliance risks.
  • System reliability issues: Unpatched systems become less reliable, affecting analytical workflows and data integrity.
  • Network isolation: IT departments disconnect unsupported systems, creating data silos.

Turn change into an opportunity

Running OpenLab CDS version 2.7 or earlier? Here’s why upgrading both Windows and CDS simultaneously makes sense:


Save on validation costs

Coordinating your Windows and CDS upgrades simplifies validation by enabling you to validate both systems together.

Minimize downtime

Coordinate both upgrades during a single maintenance window.

Get help when you need it

Ensure both systems have full vendor support and regular updates when you need it most.

Unlock advanced features

Access analytical capabilities and performance improvements you’ve been missing.

Stay current with technology

Current software versions ensure compatibility with new instruments and emerging technologies.


Bottom line: If you’re already planning Windows downtime and validation, why not maximize that investment and modernize your entire laboratory environment and upgrade your CDS. We’ll help you turn this deadline into an opportunity for better lab security and performance.

Ready to upgrade?

Contact us for a consultation on your coordinated Windows and OpenLab CDS upgrade.

Related resources


What's New in OpenLab CDS

Explore the latest features and enhancements in the newest release of OpenLab CDS.

Explore Capabilities You May Be Missing

Discover powerful benefits from recent OpenLab CDS releases that could transform your lab workflows.

Compliance Services

Agilent offers a complete set of compliance services that make it easy, fast, and cost effective for you to move to the latest software.



1 Sophos. Unpatched Vulnerabilities: The Most Brutal Ransomware Attack Vector; Whitepaper; April 2024. Accessed August 15, 2025

2 IBM; Ponemon Institute. Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025: The AI Oversight Gap; IBM Corporation: Armonk, NY, 2025. Accessed August 13, 2025

3 Cybersecurity Ventures. 2025 Ransomware Report: Critical Insights for Business Leaders; Elastio, Sponsor. Accessed August 13, 2025

Microsoft, Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.