Windows 10 officially reached the end of support on 14 October 2025. It has now been more than nine months since Microsoft stopped providing its standard software updates, security fixes and technical support for the operating system.
That raises an important question:
Has your business already upgraded, or are employees still using Windows 10 devices?
A Windows 10 computer will not suddenly stop working because support has ended. It may continue to start, connect to the internet and run familiar applications. However, continuing to rely on an unsupported operating system can expose your business to growing security, compatibility and operational risks.
If Windows 10 devices are still being used across your organisation, now is the time to identify them and put a clear upgrade or replacement plan in place.
What Does Windows 10 End of Life Mean?
The terms “end of life” and “end of support” mean that Microsoft is no longer providing its standard support for Windows 10.
Since 14 October 2025, standard Windows 10 installations have no longer received:
- Regular security updates
- Software and feature updates
- Security fixes
- Bug fixes
- Technical assistance from Microsoft
Computers running Windows 10 can still function, but Microsoft warns that they are at greater risk from viruses and malware without ongoing security updates.
The longer an unsupported device remains in use, the more its security and compatibility may fall behind currently supported technology.
Why Are Businesses Still Using Windows 10?
Many businesses intended to upgrade before the deadline but have found that the process is not always as simple as pressing an update button.
Common reasons businesses may still have Windows 10 devices include:
- Older computers that do not meet the requirements for Windows 11
- Specialist software that has not yet been tested on Windows 11
- Limited IT budgets
- Uncertainty about which devices need replacing
- A lack of internal IT resources
- Employees working remotely on devices that have been overlooked
- Concerns about disruption or downtime
- The belief that working computers do not need to be replaced
These challenges are understandable, but delaying the decision does not remove the risk.
A managed upgrade plan can help your business prioritise the most important devices, spread replacement costs and minimise disruption to employees.
The Risks of Continuing to Use Windows 10
1. Growing Cybersecurity Risks
Security vulnerabilities are regularly discovered in operating systems and applications.
When an operating system is supported, its developer can release updates to address newly identified weaknesses. Unsupported Windows 10 devices may not receive those standard fixes, leaving vulnerabilities open for cybercriminals to target.
This risk can increase over time as more weaknesses are discovered and attackers develop new ways to exploit them.
A single vulnerable computer could potentially provide an entry point to:
- Business email accounts
- Customer information
- Shared company files
- Cloud platforms
- Financial systems
- Passwords and credentials
- Other devices connected to the network
Keeping operating systems supported and updated is an essential part of reducing your organisation’s exposure to cyber threats.
2. Compliance and Insurance Concerns
Businesses that handle personal, financial or confidential information are expected to take reasonable steps to protect it.
Continuing to use an unsupported operating system could make it more difficult to demonstrate that suitable security controls are in place.
It may also create issues when:
- Completing customer security questionnaires
- Applying for or renewing cyber insurance
- Tendering for contracts
- Working within regulated industries
- Responding to a data breach
- Demonstrating compliance with internal security policies
The specific requirements will depend on your organisation, industry, contracts and insurance policy. However, unsupported technology is likely to raise questions during any security assessment.
3. Software Compatibility Problems
Applications and hardware manufacturers will increasingly focus their development and testing on supported operating systems.
Over time, Windows 10 users may find that:
- New software cannot be installed
- Existing applications stop receiving updates
- Hardware drivers are no longer available
- New printers or peripherals are not fully compatible
- Business applications become unreliable
- Suppliers withdraw technical support
Microsoft has also confirmed that Microsoft 365 applications are no longer supported on Windows 10, although it is continuing to provide Microsoft 365 security updates on Windows 10 until 10 October 2028 to help customers during their transition.
This temporary provision should not be mistaken for full Windows 10 support.
4. Increased Downtime and Support Costs
Older computers can become slower and less reliable as their hardware ages.
The money saved by postponing a replacement can quickly be lost through:
- Employee downtime
- Slow performance
- Software problems
- Unexpected hardware failures
- Increased IT support requirements
- Emergency replacements
- Lost or delayed work
Replacing devices as part of a planned programme is usually easier than waiting for them to fail at a critical moment.
5. Reputational Damage
Customers and business partners trust you to handle their information securely.
If an incident occurs because unsupported technology was left in use, it could affect that trust. The consequences may extend beyond the immediate cost of resolving the technical problem.
A cyber incident can result in customer concerns, contractual problems, operational disruption and damage to your organisation’s reputation.
Can Every Windows 10 Computer Upgrade to Windows 11?
Not every Windows 10 computer is compatible with Windows 11.
Microsoft applies minimum system requirements covering areas such as the processor, memory, storage, Secure Boot capability and Trusted Platform Module technology.
Eligible Windows 10 devices running version 22H2 may be able to upgrade to Windows 11 at no additional charge.
However, compatibility is not the only consideration.
Before completing a business-wide upgrade, you should also check:
- Whether important applications support Windows 11
- Whether printers and other peripherals are compatible
- Whether the computer offers acceptable performance
- Whether the hardware is approaching the end of its useful life
- Whether files and settings have been backed up
- Whether employees require training or support
- Whether device security policies need to be updated
A computer may technically support Windows 11 but still be a poor candidate for long-term business use.
In some cases, replacing the device will offer better performance, reliability and value than upgrading ageing hardware.
What Are Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?
Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates programme for organisations that need additional time to move away from Windows 10.
Eligible enrolled devices can continue receiving certain critical and important security updates after the standard support deadline. However, this is a paid programme for businesses, the price increases in subsequent years, and it does not provide the full benefits of moving to a supported operating system.
Extended Security Updates should be treated as a temporary bridge rather than a permanent alternative to upgrading.
They may be suitable when:
- A critical application is not yet compatible with Windows 11
- Specialist equipment depends on Windows 10
- A replacement project is already under way
- Additional time is needed to test applications
- Devices cannot all be replaced at once
Even when Extended Security Updates are used, the business should have a documented plan for replacing or upgrading the affected devices.
How to Check Whether Your Business Still Uses Windows 10
The first step is understanding how many Windows 10 devices remain in your organisation.
Your review should include:
- Office desktops
- Employee laptops
- Home-working equipment
- Reception computers
- Meeting-room devices
- Workshop or warehouse computers
- Point-of-sale systems
- Spare machines
- Devices used by occasional or part-time employees
- Computers connected to specialist machinery
It is easy for less visible devices to be missed, particularly when they are rarely used or located away from the main office.
For every Windows 10 device, record:
- The user or department
- The make and model
- The age of the computer
- Its Windows 11 compatibility
- The applications it runs
- Whether it contains important data
- Whether it should be upgraded, replaced or retired
- The planned completion date
This gives you a clear picture of the work required and helps you prioritise higher-risk systems.
Should You Upgrade the Computer or Replace It?
The right choice will depend on the age, specification and condition of each device.
Upgrade to Windows 11
An upgrade may be appropriate when the computer:
- Meets the Windows 11 requirements
- Is relatively new
- Performs well
- Has sufficient storage and memory
- Is covered by a suitable warranty
- Supports all required business applications
Replace the Computer
Replacement may be the better option when the device:
- Does not support Windows 11
- Is several years old
- Runs slowly
- Has unreliable hardware
- Requires expensive upgrades
- Is no longer covered by warranty
- Cannot run essential applications effectively
- Is likely to need replacing in the near future anyway
A planned replacement can also provide an opportunity to standardise devices, improve performance and simplify ongoing IT support.
Create a Windows 11 Migration Plan
A successful migration does not need to cause major disruption.
Businesses can reduce risk by following a structured process.
Audit Your Devices
Identify every Windows 10 computer and assess its hardware, software and importance to the business.
Check Application Compatibility
Confirm that your essential software, cloud platforms, printers and specialist systems work correctly with Windows 11.
Prioritise High-Risk Devices
Start with computers that handle sensitive information, access critical systems or are used by senior employees and administrators.
Back Up Important Data
Make sure files, settings and other important information are protected before any upgrade or replacement takes place.
Test Before a Wider Rollout
Upgrade a small group of suitable devices first. This allows compatibility or configuration problems to be identified before the change is applied across the organisation.
Schedule the Work
Plan upgrades and replacements around employees, deadlines and busy periods to minimise downtime.
Secure the New Environment
Once Windows 11 is installed, ensure devices are updated, encrypted and protected by appropriate security software and access controls.
Retire Old Devices Securely
Old computers should not simply be placed in storage or thrown away.
Business data should be securely erased, and unwanted equipment should be disposed of through an appropriate recycling or IT asset disposal process.
Has Your Business Already Upgraded?
The Windows 10 deadline is no longer an approaching IT concern. It passed several months ago.
If your business still relies on Windows 10, the question is not whether you should address it, but how quickly you can do so safely and effectively.
Start by establishing:
- How many Windows 10 devices remain
- Which computers can be upgraded
- Which devices need replacing
- Whether any require temporary Extended Security Updates
- What the project is likely to cost
- When the migration will be completed
Ignoring unsupported devices will not make them disappear. It may simply make the eventual upgrade more urgent, expensive and disruptive.
Upgrade Your Business Technology with Sitesi
Sitesi can help your business identify remaining Windows 10 devices and create a practical migration plan.
As a Dell authorised distributor and managed IT services provider, we can assist with:
- Windows 10 device audits
- Windows 11 compatibility checks
- New desktop and laptop procurement
- Windows 11 upgrades
- Device setup and configuration
- Microsoft 365
- Data migration
- Cybersecurity
- Secure disposal of old equipment
- Ongoing managed IT support
We can help you decide which computers should be upgraded, which should be replaced and how to complete the work with minimal disruption.
Windows 10 has already reached the end of the road. Contact Sitesi today and make sure your business is ready to move forward.