Executive summary
- Windows 10 officially reached end of support on 14th October 2025, meaning no more security updates, patches, or fixes unless you’ve paid for Extended Security Updates (ESUs).
- Microsoft is urging businesses to move to Windows 11 or Windows 365 Cloud PCs, keeping systems secure and compliant.
- Any UK businesses still on Windows 10 are now running an unsupported operating system – and essentially leaving the door wide open for cybercriminals.
Introduction
It’s official. Windows 10 is no-more.
After ten years (we checked, and it really has been that long), countless updates, and more restarts than you can shake a stick at, Microsoft finally pulled the plug on 14th October 2025.
To cybercriminals, that was the equivalent of firing a huge flare in the air and shouting, “Come and get me, my door’s wide open!”
So, if your business still has Windows 10 systems running, you are officially living on borrowed time. But it’s never too late to correct your cybersecurity posture.
Let’s review what’s changed, why it matters, and what to do before the deluge of cyberattacks heads your way.
What does “end of support” actually mean?
The terms “end of life” and “end of support” do sound a bit dramatic, but, in plain English, it means your Windows 10 device will no longer get security updates, bug fixes, or new features.
In practical terms, that means that if a hacker finds a new way to exploit a Windows 10 flaw tomorrow, Microsoft won’t fix it. Even worse, if that exploit spreads, there’ll be nothing to stop it infecting every single Windows 10 device it can reach.
If your organisation ever handles sensitive data (and what company doesn’t?), this could be a compliance nightmare. Microsoft has also warned that using Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 can cause “performance and reliability issues”.
The bottom line here is: if your business is still running Windows 10, you now know that you’re running insecure software – and cybercriminals know it, too.
What your business should do next
If you’ve missed the deadline and are still running machines with Windows 10 within your organisation, don’t panic. That said, it’s important to move with some urgency.
Here’s how you can get back on stable ground, and fast:
1. Take stock of your devices
You can’t fix what you can’t see. As soon as possible, run an inventory of every PC, laptop, and virtual machine within your organisation that’s still running Windows 10. Note the version, the age of the device, and the employee (or employees) who use it.
2. Check which devices can move to Windows 11
Some devices will pass the hardware checks required for Windows 11 (TPM 2.0, CPU compatibility, and more), and others won’t. If they don’t, don’t force it – you’ll be trifling with instability and potential data loss.
3. Decide whether to upgrade or replace
For older devices, a hardware refresh is often cheaper for your business in the long run. Plus, you’ll benefit from the extra speed and efficiency of newer tech. For machines that are more recent, a straightforward upgrade to Windows 11 will be just fine.
4. Use Extended Security Updates (ESU) – but only if you really need to
Microsoft now sells a three-year ESU programme for Windows 10 users who can’t make the upgrade right away. Going with ESU will give you critical security patches until 2028 – but it comes at a cost. Bear in mind that this isn’t a long-term option, so treat it more like a life jacket than a permanent solution.
5. Plan your Windows 11 migration wisely
We’d recommend starting with the most critical systems (finance, sales, customer-facing teams, etc.), making sure to test upgrades on a small group, then scale up from there. Also it’s a good idea to communicate upgrade plans clearly to staff, so nobody’s surprised by a reboot at 9am on a Monday morning.
Are cloud PCs a good alternative?
If upgrading hardware sounds like too much of a slog, Windows 365 Cloud PCs might be worth a look. This service allows you to “stream” a Windows 11 desktop from the cloud onto any device – even that dusty old laptop in the corner. You get all of the benefits of a full system upgrade, without actually having to make the upgrade… if that makes sense.
Windows 365 PCs are secure, centrally managed, and perfect for hybrid work setups where employees might be using their own devices. Admittedly there is a learning curve involved, and a subscription cost starting at £26.90 per user per month, but the flexibility will outweigh the hassle for some organisations.
Can’t decide? We’re here to help
We’ve covered a lot of ground here, and we’re aware that – if you’re still running Windows 10 within your business – you’ll be keen to get things sorted quick-smart. If you fall under that umbrella, our team is here to help. We’ve helped dozens of UK businesses plan their Windows 11 migrations without downtime or drama.
Just speak to your Get Support Customer Success Manager, or call us on 01865 594 000, and we’ll help you map your upgrade path, budget things responsibly, and keep your business secure – no headaches required.