Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The computers still turn on and the software still opens, which is exactly why so many offices are still running it. But without security updates, every new vulnerability that is discovered stays open on those machines for good.
Why it matters
Attackers watch for unsupported systems because they are easy targets. A single unpatched PC can be the way into your whole network: email, accounting, client files and backups included.
There are other costs too:
- Insurance and compliance. Many cyber insurance applications ask whether you run unsupported operating systems. A “yes” can raise premiums or complicate a claim.
- Software support. Vendors are dropping Windows 10 from their supported platforms, so updates for line-of-business applications may stop installing.
- Hardware age. Most PCs that cannot run Windows 11 are six or more years old and are close to the end of their reliable life anyway.
Your options
- Upgrade in place. If a PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, the upgrade is free and usually takes an hour or two per machine, including testing.
- Replace the hardware. For older PCs, replacement is usually the better value. New machines are faster, come with a fresh warranty and run Windows 11 out of the box.
- Buy time with Extended Security Updates. Businesses can pay Microsoft for Extended Security Updates for up to three years. The price goes up each year, so it is a bridge, not a plan.
How we approach it
We start with an inventory: which machines can upgrade, which should be replaced, and what software needs testing first. Then we build a schedule that spreads the cost over a few months and avoids disrupting busy periods.
If you are not sure how many Windows 10 machines you still have, get in touch and we will find out for you.