Imagine one of your most important business tools suddenly becoming unsafe to use. That’s the reality many businesses are about to face with Windows 10.
On 14 October 2025, Microsoft officially ends free support for Windows 10. That means:
- No more security updates to protect you from new threats.
- No more bug fixes for stability and performance issues.
- No help from Microsoft if something goes wrong.
You’ll still be able to use your Windows 10 devices, but you’ll be doing so without protection – leaving your business exposed to cyber criminals, data breaches and costly downtime.
The Risks of Doing Nothing
The clock is ticking. Planning, budgeting and rolling out a full upgrade across your business takes time – and waiting until the deadline could force you into rushed, expensive decisions.
Recent surveys highlight the problem:
- 18% of business owners had no idea Windows 10 support is ending.
- 14% were aware, but still haven’t started preparing. That’s nearly a third of businesses at serious risk of disruption.
Extended Security Updates: A Temporary Fix, Not a Solution
Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for businesses that need more time. But these come at a cost – and the price rises each year. ESUs should only be viewed as a short-term patch, not a long-term strategy.
Why Move to Windows 11 Now?
The smarter option is to upgrade to Windows 11 before the deadline. Windows 11 isn’t just “Windows 10 with a facelift.” It has been designed with modern businesses in mind, offering:
- Improved security with advanced threat protection.
- Faster performance and better efficiency.
- Hybrid working support, with seamless integration for Teams, OneDrive and Microsoft 365.
- Built-in productivity tools including Microsoft Copilot for AI-powered assistance.
- Upgrading now means you can make the transition at your own pace – without last-minute stress.
Will Your Current Devices Support Windows 11?
Not all hardware that runs Windows 10 is compatible with Windows 11. This means some businesses will need to replace older devices as part of their upgrade plan.
Leaving this assessment until the last minute could leave you scrambling for new equipment, paying a premium, and facing unnecessary disruption.
For successful planning, you need to verify hardware compatibility.
Microsoft provides official guidance on Windows 11 system requirements, including details on CPU, RAM, storage, UEFI and TPM.
You can also use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or follow step-by-step instructions to prepare for and install the upgrade.
What Should Your Business Do Next?
October 2025 might sound far away, but in IT planning terms, it’s just around the corner. The longer you wait, the harder and more expensive the transition becomes.
Here are your next steps:
- Check your hardware – can your devices run Windows 11?
- Plan your upgrade – schedule upgrades to minimise disruption.
- Review your IT support partner – are they helping you stay ahead, or just reacting to problems?
Ready To Make The Switch?
If you haven’t started preparing for the end of Windows 10, now’s the time. Ask your IT provider a simple question:
“Are we ready for Windows 10 end of life?”
If the answer isn’t a confident yes, it’s time to take action.
Need a hand? We help organisations transition smoothly to Windows 11 with minimal disruption.
Get in touch today and let’s start planning your upgrade.
