NSA Warns Microsoft Windows Users: Update Now Or Face 'Devastating Damage'

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5. In inustry, it is risky and potentially expensive to screw with things that are working

It is not uncommon, especially when you are using machines that have custom device drivers, for a Windows update (much less OS migration) to break things that were working. This makes these businesses very reluctant to do updates that aren't completely necessary for some reason, as they can mean weeks or worse of downtime ironing out unforeseen bugs. I am aware of PLC's and other types of embedded controllers made in the 1980's and early 1990's which are still in operation today, and their operators are refusing to replace them until it becomes completely impossible to maintain the old stuff -- which at this point involves cannibalizing units taken out of service elsewhere for used spare parts. At my shop we have to keep a DOS machine on hand for some very old machines which can only be adjusted or calibrated with software that will not run on any version of Windows and has never been updated. When the manufacturer tells you you have to replace a half million dollar production machine which is mechanically fine but for which there is no modern control software, this is what you do until circumstances force you to take the pill.