This article examines how legacy IT systems create hidden costs that extend far beyond basic maintenance. It explains how outdated applications and infrastructure drive up expenses through increasing support requirements, security vulnerabilities, compliance challenges and operational inefficiencies. The article also highlights the indirect impact on productivity, innovation and business agility when organisations rely on ageing technology. By revealing these often overlooked cost factors, it helps decision-makers understand why legacy systems become a long-term financial burden. The article further outlines how system modernisation, data archiving or decommissioning can reduce risk, lower costs and support sustainable digital transformation.