The Windows 10 end of support officially arrived on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft no longer provides security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. If your business is still using Windows 10, your computers may continue working, but every newly discovered security vulnerability will remain unpatched, increasing your cybersecurity risk.
The Windows 10 end of support is more than just a software milestone—it directly affects your business security, compliance, cyber insurance, and software compatibility. Fortunately, you have three options: upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11 for free, purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a temporary solution, or replace older computers that can’t support Windows 11.
What Windows 10 End of Support Means
The Windows 10 end of support means Microsoft has stopped releasing:
- Security updates
- Quality updates
- Feature updates
- Technical support
Your computers won’t suddenly stop working, but Microsoft will no longer patch newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
Every new security flaw found after Windows 10 end of support becomes a permanent risk, making unsupported devices increasingly attractive to cybercriminals.
Why Windows 10 End of Support Is a Serious Business Risk
Ignoring the Windows 10 end of support can expose your business to several problems.
Unsupported PCs Become Easy Targets
Cybercriminals actively look for unsupported operating systems because newly discovered vulnerabilities remain unpatched.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warns that unsupported software becomes increasingly vulnerable over time.
Compliance Risks Increase
The Windows 10 end of support may affect businesses subject to compliance standards such as:
- PCI DSS
- HIPAA
- Privacy regulations
Many regulations require supported and regularly patched operating systems.
Cyber Insurance May Be Affected
Many insurers ask whether your systems receive current security updates.
Running Windows after the Windows 10 end of support could:
- Increase insurance premiums
- Reduce coverage
- Complicate future claims
Software Compatibility Will Decline
As the Windows 10 end of support becomes further behind us, software vendors will gradually stop supporting Windows 10.
Eventually:
- Browsers stop updating
- Accounting software loses compatibility
- Business applications become unsupported
Your Options After Windows 10 End of Support
Most businesses will use a combination of these options.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free for Eligible PCs)
The best solution after the Windows 10 end of support is upgrading to Windows 11 if your hardware qualifies.
Windows 11 requires:
- Supported processor
- TPM 2.0
- Secure Boot
Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app can determine eligibility.
2. Purchase Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If immediate upgrades aren’t possible, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates provide temporary protection after the Windows 10 end of support.
Business pricing:
- Year 1: $61 per device
- Year 2: $122 per device
- Year 3: $244 per device
Total cost over three years: approximately $427 per device.
ESU only provides security patches.
It does not include:
- New features
- Performance improvements
- Full technical support
3. Replace Older Computers
For many organizations, replacing aging hardware is the smartest response to the Windows 10 end of support.
If a computer doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements, purchasing a new Windows 11 PC is often less expensive than paying increasing ESU fees while maintaining older hardware.
How to Prepare for Windows 10 End of Support
Create a migration plan by following these steps:
- List every Windows 10 computer in your business.
- Check Windows 11 compatibility using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.
- Upgrade eligible devices.
- Decide whether remaining devices should receive ESU or be replaced.
An IT provider can complete this assessment quickly and recommend the most cost-effective approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 10 End of Support
Is Windows 10 safe after end of support?
Following the Windows 10 end of support, Windows 10 still functions normally but no longer receives security updates, making it increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.
What happens if I keep using Windows 10?
After the Windows 10 end of support, your computers continue operating, but they become more vulnerable to attacks, may fall out of compliance, and could affect cyber insurance coverage.
How much does Windows 10 ESU cost?
For businesses, Extended Security Updates cost:
- $61 per device (Year 1)
- $122 per device (Year 2)
- $244 per device (Year 3)
That’s approximately $427 per device over three years.
Can I upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?
Yes. If your PC meets Microsoft’s hardware requirements—including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a supported processor—you can upgrade to Windows 11 at no additional cost.
Should I replace my Windows 10 computer?
If your PC cannot run Windows 11, replacing it is usually more cost-effective than paying multiple years of Extended Security Updates while using aging hardware.
