Are Third-Party Apps Putting Your Systems at Risk?

Most businesses assume that as long as Windows Update is running, their systems are protected. And to be fair, that’s not entirely wrong. Microsoft does a good job of pushing out updates for its operating systems and core software. But that’s only part of the picture.

 

What often gets missed is everything beyond Windows itself.

 

We rely on third-party apps every day: browsers, communication tools, file sharing platforms, accounting software, print drivers. These are the tools people use to get their work done. And while they’re essential to getting the job done, they don’t fall under the safety net of Windows Update. That leaves a surprising number of vulnerabilities floating under the radar.

 

If you’ve been relying on Microsoft’s update system as your full security strategy, there’s a good chance your network is more exposed than you think.

 

Let’s look at why that matters, and why the upcoming Windows 10 end-of-life deadline makes this a good time to re-evaluate how your business handles patching.

What Patch Management Means (and Where Most Systems Fall Short)

Patch management is the process of applying updates to software to fix bugs, close security holes, and keep your systems running smoothly. This includes everything from the Windows operating system to the browser you’re reading this on.

Windows Update handles Microsoft’s products such as Windows, Office, Edge, and so on. But it doesn’t manage your non-Microsoft tools like Zoom, Chrome, Adobe Reader, Dropbox, QuickBooks etc. Even the software tied to your printers or line-of-business systems all follow their own update schedules. Some of them notify users when updates are available. Others update silently in the background. Some don’t update at all unless someone manually downloads the latest version.

That’s where most businesses start to lose track. Even if your devices are getting Windows updates regularly, there’s a whole layer of critical software that could be weeks, or even years, behind.

The Risk of Relying on Windows Update Alone

Cybercriminals don’t typically go after brand-new vulnerabilities. They go after the ones that have been around for a while; the ones they know haven’t been patched. And they’re not just targeting Windows itself. They’re exploiting unpatched third-party software that businesses use every day.

There have been major breaches caused by outdated plug-ins, PDF readers, and video conferencing tools. Attackers look for the path of least resistance. That might be a forgotten Java runtime, an old version of Chrome, or a printer driver that hasn’t been updated since it was installed.

The problem is how easy they are to overlook. IT teams get stretched thin. End users ignore update prompts. Devices get missed during manual checks. Before long, an attacker slips through a crack that no one saw coming.

And once that happens, it becomes a problem that can lead to downtime, data loss, regulatory trouble, and a damaged reputation.

Why Windows 10 End of Life Changes the Game

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10. This means it will no longer provide security patches, updates, or protection from newly discovered vulnerabilities.

The consequences of this OS sunset go well beyond Windows: it will impact how everything in your environment functions together.

Many third-party software vendors will also begin phasing out support for Windows 10. That means their updates might not install, or even be made available, on systems that haven’t upgraded to Windows 11. Even if you’re trying to keep your apps up to date, the OS underneath them could start getting in the way.

Another issue is patch automation. Many patch management tools are designed for modern environments. As Windows 10 ages out, those tools may no longer be compatible or effective. If your business is still running a mix of Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, managing updates gets more complicated and more prone to error.

There’s also a broader issue to consider as well: unsupported systems can make it harder to qualify for cyber insurance. Providers are increasingly evaluating patching practices, OS version consistency, and endpoint security. If your business is still running outdated systems, coverage may be limited or come with a higher price tag.

All of this makes the Windows 10 sunset a turning point. It’s a moment to reassess your entire patching strategy. While the operating system gets most of the focus, the applications running on top of it often pose the greater risk.

Standardizing Isn’t Just Easier, It’s Smarter

One of the simplest ways to make patch management easier (and more effective) is to standardize. Not just your operating system, but your applications as well.

When everyone in the company is running the same OS version and using the same core apps, updates become easier to manage. There’s less guesswork, fewer compatibility issues, and a smaller chance that something critical gets left behind. You don’t have one person on Windows 11 with the latest version of Zoom while another is stuck on Windows 10 using a release that hasn’t been supported in months.

Standardization also makes support more efficient. Whether you’re handling things in-house or working with a Managed IT provider, it’s much faster to troubleshoot when everyone is using the same tools.

It also reduces surprises. Inconsistent versions are one of the leading causes of weird, unpredictable bugs. If something suddenly stops working, patching is a lot easier when the environment is uniform and predictable.

Getting there takes some planning but it’s a worthwhile investment, especially now, with the Windows 10 transition already underway.

What a Complete Patching Strategy Looks Like Today

A modern patching strategy doesn’t rely on users to update their own apps or on IT teams to manage patches manually. It reaches beyond Windows Update to cover the full range of software your business depends on.

The right approach is centralized and automated. One system that can:

• Scan every device for missing updates (Windows and third-party)
• Push updates automatically, on a schedule that makes sense for your business
• Track and report update status so nothing slips through the cracks
• Allow safe rollbacks in case an update causes problems

A patching strategy gives you visibility and control. It helps you spot trends, enforce consistency, and stay in compliance with industry regulations.

Patch management might not sound exciting, but it plays a huge role in cyber hygiene. Most successful attacks aren’t zero-day exploits. They’re known weaknesses that weren’t patched in time. That’s why many organizations are shifting patching responsibilities to a Managed IT provider who can handle it proactively.

Why It’s Time to Hand It Off

Trying to manage patches manually is like trying to mow the lawn with a pair of scissors. You might get the job done eventually, but you’ll miss spots, and it won’t hold up for long.

IT teams are already stretched thin. Adding the task of tracking updates for dozens of third-party apps only adds to the load. Leaving manual updates in the hands of individual users, meanwhile, often results in missed patches and inconsistent coverage.

That’s where outsourcing can make a significant difference. A good Managed IT partner can:

• Keep your operating systems and third-party apps current
• Automate updates across all devices, with minimal interruption to your team
• Maintain consistency across your environment
• Monitor patch compliance and resolve issues quickly

True value goes beyond efficiency. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing your systems are protected, even when vendors release surprise updates or new threats appear overnight.

Coverage Isn’t Complete Until It’s Comprehensive

It’s easy to believe that Windows Update alone is enough to keep your systems secure. The reality is that’s just one part of a much broader picture.

If your patching strategy stops at Microsoft products, you’re likely overlooking critical vulnerabilities in the third-party applications your team relies on every day. With Windows 10 nearing its end of life, those gaps are only going to grow.

Now is the time to evaluate what’s truly being updated, and what isn’t. Once a vulnerability is exposed, the window to act is often narrow.

If your priorities include security, productivity, and regulatory compliance, your update strategy needs to extend beyond Windows.

We’re ready to help you work smarter.