Not Supported on Windows 10 = Will Not Work, May Cause Trouble?

If an application, driver, etc.. says that "Windows 10 is not supported", does that mean that it will not work, or might mess something up, sooner or later?

Or, does "Not Supported" simply mean that the program or device will work, but don't expect any updates?

For instance, Microsoft says that VISTA isn't supported, but that O.S. is running just fine on my 2008 Toshiba laptop. AMD says that the 4350HD video card on my HP P.C. is "Not Supported" under Windows 10, but it works. A little confused over exactly what "Not Supported" really means.
-Allen

"Not supported" can have many meanings, all equally valid. It depends on who is using the term and in what context.

Whether or not an OS is supported has nothing to do with how or if it works. An unsupported OS simply means that there are no new updates being produced for it. It can work for years to come after it becomes "unsupported". NT 4 hasn't been supported for more than 10 years but I am sure some businesses are still using it every day.

When AMD says the 4350HD video card is unsupported it means that no Windows 10 specific drivers have been written and AMD will not support it's use. If it works for you, great. If it doesn't, too bad. It may continue to work without issue or it may fail with the next update. AMD won't help you.

LMiller7, thank-you for the reply and clarification of what "Not Supported" can mean in the technical world.

So essentially, if you download a program or driver that's "unsupported", the designer/manufacturer is telling you that they are not liable for anything that could happen to your computer, as a result of using their product. If my AMD 4350HD video card malfunctions, and I'm using Windows-10, don't even bother calling or e-mailing AMD support. OK...got it.

The fact that Microsoft no longer supports VISTA, doesn't mean that they've totally abandoned it..which is a good thing. I still get VISTA security updates and the Malicious Tool every month. Thanks again for taking the time to reply, LMiller7.
-Allen

AllenChicago said:

The fact that Microsoft no longer supports VISTA, doesn't mean that they've totally abandoned it..which is a good thing. I still get VISTA security updates and the Malicious Tool every month.

According to this Microsoft chart Vista is still in Extended Support until April 2017.
Windows lifecycle fact sheet - Windows Help

Vista is still in extended support and will be until April 11, 2017.
The situation with Windows 7 is the same except for the date, January 14, 2020
You will receive security updates during extended support, but not after.