Windows 10 is going ‘end of life’. Here’s what that means for you.  

Introduction 

It may be hard to believe, but we’re just months away from Windows 10 hitting its tenth birthday.  

That’s not bad going for an operating system, but it does mean that the OS is nearing the end of its run. In Microsoft terms, this is referred to as “end of life”, and it’s happening in October 2025.  

‘End of life’ might sound like a rather dramatic term, so let’s explain what it really means for you as a small business. Will your PC stop working? Is it time to upgrade to Windows 11? Are you at higher risk of cybersecurity breaches and malware? 

Here’s what you need to know.  

What is happening to Windows 10, and when? 

On 14^th October 2025, Windows 10 will officially hit end of life.  

Put simply, that’s the date that Microsoft will stop providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for this decade-old operating system.  

Don’t worry—if you decide to stay on Windows 10 after that date, your PC won’t suddenly shut down. It’ll keep working, but you’ll be more exposed to threats like malware and viruses. 

To avoid this, and in a move that will surprise nobody, Microsoft is steering users toward the Windows 11 upgrade. This is already available as a free update provided your hardware meets certain standards. If it doesn’t, you may need to invest in new machines to move to Windows 11 and keep your system secure. 

What does ‘end of life’ really mean? 

End of life sounds monumental, but in tech terms, it’s basically Microsoft saying: “That’s all, folks.”  

After 14^th October 2025, Windows 10 won’t be getting any more updates, patches, or support. You can keep using it, but it’ll be a bit like driving an old car with no MOT—it might still run, but there’s no guarantee the wheels won’t fall off.  

Here’s what that really means for your business: 

• No security updates. This is probably the most important point about end of life. Without regular patches, your systems become easy targets for viruses, malware, and other nasties.  
• No technical support. If something breaks, crashes, or otherwise goes awry, Microsoft won’t be there to help you fix it. 
• No new features or improvements. Any nifty upgrades, productivity boosters, or shiny new tools? They’ll all be reserved for newer versions of Windows. 
• Software compatibility could get messy. Over time, newer software might not run properly on an unsupported OS, which means you could be stuck using outdated tools. Examples include Office 2016 and Office 2019, neither of which will be supported on any OS after October 2025. 

Does your business need to do anything? 

So, should you take action before October 2025?  

If you rely on Windows 10 for day-to-day work, it’s a good idea to plan an upgrade strategy soon. Businesses depend on secure, stable systems to protect data and keep everything running smoothly. Once Windows 10 loses support, cybercriminals may see it as an easy target, and you won’t have Microsoft’s latest fixes on hand. 

With all that said, here are your options: 

1. Check if you’re eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11. There’s every chance you can already upgrade and avoid any faff. Just head to Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update to check if you’re eligible for the move to Windows 11. 
2. Sign up for the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates programme. For those who still need a bit more time to decide on Windows 11, you can sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme for $61 (around £47) for one year. ESU will give enrolled PCs important security updates even after Windows 10 goes end of life. 
3.  Upgrade your hardware. If your PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, you’ll need to upgrade your hardware to make the jump to the new OS. The way we see it, if your hardware is that old, this is as good an excuse as any to get up to speed.  

If you’re still using Windows 10, having a plan for one of these options will help your business avoid any nasty surprises.  

Of course, if you’re still on the fence, or you have any questions about Windows 11 and what it offers, just ask your Get Support Customer Success Manager or call our team on 01865 594000.