If you’re still using Windows 10 because “it’s fine for now”, you’re certainly not alone.
Many businesses have enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, allowing them to continue receiving critical security patches after Windows 10 reached the end of mainstream support in October 2025.
On the surface, everything still appears to be working as normal. Your PC starts up, your applications run, and security updates continue to arrive.
So why change?
Because ESU was never designed to be a permanent solution.
Extended Security Updates Are Only Buying You Time
Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme as a temporary measure to help organisations transition away from Windows 10. It provides critical security updates, but only for a limited period.
For most users and businesses taking advantage of the programme, that period ends in October 2026.
After that, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates.
That means:
- No security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
- No protection against emerging cyber threats.
- No ongoing platform improvements or bug fixes.
The safety net disappears completely.
Why Many Businesses Are Delaying the Decision
Millions of devices around the world are still running Windows 10.
While much of the publicly available usage data focuses on consumer devices, the same trend is visible across many small and medium-sized businesses.
Why?
Because Windows 10 still works.
Microsoft has also made it relatively straightforward to enrol in ESU. The prompts explaining that support has ended also make it easy to continue receiving updates, which can create the impression that the problem has been solved.
In reality, it hasn’t.
ESU simply delays the inevitable. Every month that passes brings you closer to a hard deadline that cannot be extended indefinitely.
The Risks of Staying on Windows 10
Once ESU expires, continuing to run Windows 10 becomes significantly riskier.
New vulnerabilities are discovered every month. Without security updates, those weaknesses remain unpatched, making devices increasingly attractive targets for cyber criminals.
For businesses, the consequences extend well beyond IT.
Unsupported operating systems can affect:
- Cyber insurance eligibility.
- Compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.
- Supplier security questionnaires.
- Customer confidence.
- Internal cybersecurity policies.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends keeping software fully supported and regularly updated as one of the most effective ways to reduce cyber risk.
For organisations working towards standards such as Cyber Essentials, running supported operating systems is also a key expectation.
Will Your PCs Support Windows 11?
This is where planning becomes important.
Some Windows 10 devices can be upgraded to Windows 11 without issue.
Others won’t meet Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements, particularly around:
- TPM 2.0.
- Secure Boot.
- Compatible processors.
- Available storage and memory.
Even compatible devices may benefit from health checks, BIOS updates or performance assessments before deployment.
Microsoft provides a list of Windows 11 system requirements here.
Don't Leave It Until the Last Minute
Waiting until the final months before ESU ends can create unnecessary pressure.
Businesses that delay often find themselves facing:
- Unexpected hardware purchases.
- Longer lead times for new devices.
- Disruption to staff.
- Compressed migration projects.
- Increased costs.
A planned migration allows you to spread investment, test compatibility, prepare users and minimise disruption to day-to-day operations.
Treat ESU as an Exit Strategy, Not a Destination
Extended Security Updates have served an important purpose.
They’ve given organisations breathing space to plan their next move.
But that breathing space won’t last forever.
If your business is still relying on ESU, now is the ideal time to assess your devices, understand which systems are Windows 11 ready, and build a migration plan before the deadline arrives.
When October 2026 comes, Windows 10 won’t gradually become less secure—it will simply stop receiving protection against newly discovered threats.
The organisations that prepare early will avoid unnecessary risk, unexpected costs and last-minute disruption.
Need Help Planning Your Upgrade?
Not sure whether your current PCs are compatible with Windows 11, or worried about a last-minute hardware refresh?
We can help you assess your existing estate, identify devices that are upgrade-ready, recommend replacements where needed, and create a migration plan that keeps your business secure and productive.
Get in touch with our team today to start planning your move to Windows 11 before Windows 10 support comes to an end.
