The first thing is how security is a big worry. If you have unsupported software it most likely won't receive any patches for security vulnerabilities or updates. Meaning you could have data breaches or loss because your system is open to cyber-attacks.
Unsupported software is a breeding ground for security vulnerabilities. Developers no longer release patches or updates, leaving users exposed to potential threats. Cybercriminals actively target unsupported software, looking for weaknesses that can be exploited to steal sensitive information or damage systems.
Secondly, compliance problems may arise with unsupported software. There are lots of industries with regulations saying software has to be supported and up to date. Depending on your industry, using unsupported software may result in legal and compliance issues. Some software is subject to licensing agreements that require you to keep it up-to-date. Failure to do so could lead to legal consequences.
Next, you could have compatibility issues appear. If you have old software, then newer applications aren't gonna work very well for you, affecting your efficiency and production.
Last of all, there's a possibility of poor performance and bad reliability. You could have crashes or data loss with unsupported software because it can become unstable. Even though it might seem like your saving your money to stick with what you have, but its always best to use supported software to cancel out all risks.
In conclusion, using unsupported software poses significant dangers, primarily related to security vulnerabilities, reduced performance, and legal complications. To mitigate these risks, it's essential to keep your software updated and consider upgrading to supported alternatives when necessary. Prioritizing software maintenance is an investment in your digital security and overall efficiency.
Further reading
The end of Windows Server 2012 technical support
Exploring RAID data recovery in Windows 10
The importance of upgrading your operating system