Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If your business still uses it, those computers no longer get standard security updates.
The computers will still turn on. Your files and apps may still work. That makes the problem easy to ignore. Yet the risk grows each time someone finds a new flaw in Windows 10. Microsoft will not fix that flaw through normal updates.
This can affect more than security. Unsupported software may cause issues with compliance, cyber insurance, and the apps your team uses each day.
Your business has three main options. You can upgrade eligible computers to Windows 11 for free. You can buy Extended Security Updates as a short-term bridge. You can also replace computers that are too old to upgrade.
Many businesses will need to use a mix of all three options. The right choice depends on each computer, its age, and the work it supports.
What Windows 10 End of Support Means
Microsoft ends support when a product reaches the end of its planned life. For Windows 10, that date was October 14, 2025.
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 no longer receives standard security fixes, quality updates, feature updates, or technical support.
This does not make a Windows 10 computer fail at once. Nothing shuts down when support ends. The computer may seem no different from the day before.
The key change happens behind the scenes. Microsoft no longer fixes new security flaws in Windows 10 through its normal update process.
Attackers and security experts will keep finding flaws. On a supported system, Microsoft can release a patch to close the gap. On an unsupported Windows 10 computer, the gap may remain open.
Each new flaw can give an attacker another possible route into the computer. The longer the computer stays unprotected, the more risk the business may carry.
Why Unsupported Windows 10 Computers Create Business Risk
They Become Easier Targets
Attackers often look for systems that no longer get security fixes. Once a useful flaw becomes public, they know it may remain open on every unsupported computer.
The UK National Cyber Security Centre warns that flaws in obsolete products remain open to attack. In some cases, even attackers with limited skills can use them.
A small business may not notice an attack right away. An attacker could use an unpatched computer to steal data, install malware, or reach other parts of the company network.
Keeping antivirus software in place still helps. Yet it does not replace security fixes for the operating system itself.
They Can Cause Compliance Problems
Many rules expect businesses to use supported and patched software. This matters if you handle card payments, health information, or personal data.
PCI DSS applies to card payment data. HIPAA applies to protected health information in covered settings. Both place value on secure, maintained systems.
An unsupported operating system can make it harder to show that your business follows required security practices. It may also create concerns during an audit or client review.
The exact impact depends on your business and the rules that apply to it. Still, leaving unsupported systems in place without a clear plan is hard to defend.
They Can Affect Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurers ask detailed questions about software, updates, and security controls. They want to know whether your systems are supported and patched.
Running Windows 10 without security coverage may raise concerns during an application or renewal. It could affect your premium, coverage, or policy terms.
It may also create trouble after an attack. An insurer could question why an unsupported system remained in use and whether the business gave correct answers on its application.
Keep clear records of your plan. Note which computers use Windows 10, whether they have Extended Security Updates, and when you will upgrade or replace them.
Other Apps May Stop Supporting Windows 10
Microsoft is not the only vendor that matters. Browsers, accounting tools, security products, and other business apps may also end Windows 10 support.
An app may stop receiving updates. A new version may refuse to install. A feature may stop working as expected.
This can turn an old computer into an operating problem as well as a security problem. Your team may lose access to tools it needs for normal work.
CISA includes supported, updated software among its basic security steps for businesses. Staying current helps protect both the operating system and the apps that run on it.
Your Three Options for Windows 10 Computers
Option 1: Upgrade Eligible Computers to Windows 11
A free Windows 11 upgrade is often the best choice for a computer that meets the hardware rules.
Windows 11 requires a supported processor, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. These features help provide a stronger security base. However, many older computers do not meet the requirements.
Microsoft offers the PC Health Check app. It can tell you whether a specific computer qualifies for Windows 11.
Computers bought within the last few years may qualify. Do not rely on age alone, though. Check each device before making a plan.
A normal upgrade keeps files and installed programs in place. Even so, back up important data before you begin. You should also check that key business apps will work with Windows 11.
If a computer qualifies and its apps are ready, the free upgrade is usually the simplest long-term answer.
Option 2: Buy Extended Security Updates
Some computers cannot move to Windows 11 right away. Your business may need time to replace them or move an older business app. Extended Security Updates can provide a temporary bridge.
For businesses, Windows 10 Extended Security Updates cost $61 per device for the first year. The price doubles each year after that. Coverage can continue for up to three years.
Keeping one business computer enrolled for all three years costs about $427 in total.
Extended Security Updates provide security patches. They do not add new features or full technical support. They are designed to buy time, not extend the life of a computer forever.
Home users have different terms. A one-time payment of $30 can cover up to 10 devices through October 12, 2027. Enrollment is free for home users who sync their PC settings.
Do not apply home terms to business computers. Confirm the right license and price for every work device.
ESU can make sense when a computer supports an important task and cannot be replaced at once. Set a firm replacement or upgrade date before enrolling. Otherwise, a short delay can become an expensive habit.
Option 3: Replace the Computer
Some computers are too old for Windows 11. Paying for rising ESU fees may not be a good use of money.
An older computer may also be slow, unreliable, or near the end of its useful life. Repair costs and lost staff time can add to the real cost of keeping it.
A new computer with Windows 11 may cost less over time. It also gives the business supported hardware, current security features, and a longer service life.
Replacement is often the right choice when a device cannot run Windows 11 and has no rare app or hardware need that makes a quick move difficult.
How to Build a Windows 10 Migration Plan
Make a Complete Computer List
Start with every desktop and laptop used for work. Include computers at the office, at home, and in storage.
For each device, record the user, location, operating system, age, and main business purpose. Note any key apps or special equipment connected to it.
Do not forget spare computers. A device that sits unused for months can still create risk when someone turns it on and connects it to the network.
Check Windows 11 Eligibility
Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app on each Windows 10 computer. Your IT provider can also check many devices through its management tools.
Place each device into one of two groups: eligible for Windows 11 or not eligible.
Then check whether the apps and hardware used on each eligible computer will work with Windows 11. This is vital for finance tools, industry software, printers, scanners, and other special equipment.
Upgrade the Computers That Qualify
Back up important files before each upgrade. Choose a time that will cause little disruption. Confirm that the device, apps, and security tools work after the upgrade.
Start with a small group if you have many similar computers. This can reveal app or device issues before the wider move.
Once testing is complete, schedule the rest. Give staff a clear date and enough time to finish or save open work.
Choose ESU or Replacement for the Rest
Review each computer that cannot run Windows 11. Consider its age, condition, purpose, and replacement cost.
Use ESU when the business needs a short, planned delay. Replace the computer when ongoing ESU fees and old hardware no longer make sense.
Give every ESU device an end date. Add the expected replacement cost to your budget now.
Keep Proof of the Work
Save the inventory, upgrade dates, ESU records, and replacement schedule. This helps with audits, insurance forms, and client security reviews.
It also lets you track progress. The goal is to remove every unprotected Windows 10 computer from business use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 10 Still Safe After October 2025?
Windows 10 still works, but it no longer gets standard security updates. Its risk grows as new flaws appear and remain open.
If you must keep using it, enroll the device in Extended Security Updates and set a date to upgrade or replace it.
What Happens If My Business Does Nothing?
The computers will keep running. However, they may become easier to attack. They can also create compliance and cyber insurance concerns.
Over time, the apps your team uses may stop supporting Windows 10 too.
How Much Does Business ESU Cost?
The first year costs $61 per business device. The price doubles each year for up to three years. Keeping one device enrolled for all three years costs about $427.
Can My Computer Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free?
Yes, if it meets the hardware rules. It needs a supported processor, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. Microsoft’s PC Health Check app can confirm whether it qualifies.
Should I Replace an Old Computer?
Replacement often makes sense when a computer cannot run Windows 11. Compare the price of a new device with rising ESU fees, repair costs, and the effect of slow hardware on your team.
If the computer qualifies for Windows 11 and still works well, try the free upgrade first.
Take Action on Windows 10 Now
Start with an inventory. Check which computers can upgrade. Move eligible devices to Windows 11, use ESU only as a planned bridge, and replace devices that are too old.
Your IT provider should be able to run the inventory and recommend the best path for each computer. A clear plan will reduce security risk and help your business prepare for compliance and insurance questions.
