Windows 10 Support Has Ended. Here's What It Means for Your Business

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 stopped receiving security and reliability updates. Your PCs will still run, but new threats will no longer be patched. For a business, that means rising risk and tighter compliance scrutiny. Let's look at your options and what makes sense in practical terms.

What does “end of support" really means

There will be no more monthly security fixes or reliability patches. If a new exploit appears tomorrow, Windows 10 will not get an update. Auditors and cyber insurers often flag this as a compliance issue.

Think of it like driving a car that no longer qualifies for insurance. It still works, but you carry all the risk if something happens. The same applies here: you can keep running it, but you're on your own if trouble strikes.

Option 1: Buy time with Extended Security Updates

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) so you can buy time while planning a smooth transition.

1.    Home and small office: One extra year of security updates through October 2026 at about $30 per device. You can sometimes offset this with Microsoft Rewards points or by using the Windows Backup promo. This extension cannot be renewed, so treat it as a bridge rather than a fix.

2.    Business and education: Enterprise and Education programs are licensed per device, and the price increases every year. It quickly adds up across a fleet. The goal is clear: to hurt your wallet more and more each year as an incentive to migrate off Windows 10 entirely.

When to choose it: When you need six to twelve months to plan, budget, and schedule upgrades without disrupting your business. It's breathing space, not a long-term plan.

Option 2: Replace the PC or rent a cloud PC

If a computer is five to seven years old, replacement is often the more cost-effective move. New hardware is faster, uses less power, and comes with Windows 11 preinstalled. Staff productivity improves, and downtime usually drops.

Not ready to replace hardware yet? You can rent a Windows 11 desktop in the cloud through Windows 365. It runs on your existing device and starts around $28 per month. This is especially useful for remote staff or contractors who need a reliable, secure setup without the need to ship them new equipment.

When to choose it: When you want predictable costs, stronger performance, and a consistent setup across your organization.

Option 3: Upgrade "incompatible" PCs to Windows 11

Some PCs marked as incompatible may actually be capable of running Windows 11. Often, features such as Secure Boot or TPM are supported but disabled in the system settings.

Before you write off that hardware, have an IT professional take a closer look. Many times, a small configuration change can make it eligible for an upgrade. For systems that truly lack modern security features, replacement is the smarter long-term choice.

When to choose it: When the PC is reasonably modern, still performs well, and fits within your overall upgrade plan.

Option 4: Repurpose older hardware

If your team mostly uses a Web browser and cloud apps, consider Linux or ChromeOS Flex on existing hardware.

It's not for everyone, but it can be a good idea for lightweight browser-based work or cloud-focused roles. It's also a practical way to extend the life of older machines that might otherwise end up on the scrap heap. Reception areas, kiosks, and warehouse terminals can all run perfectly well on repurposed systems.

When to choose it: When the job is simple, the apps are Web-based, and you want a low-cost, low-maintenance option.

Option 5: Thinking of doing nothing?

You can keep using Windows 10, but doing nothing is risky. Without security updates, every new vulnerability becomes a potential entry point for attackers. Over time, the odds of malware, ransomware, and data loss increase.

It might seem harmless to wait, but one successful breach can cost far more than a replacement PC.

When to choose it: Unless the computer remains disconnected from the internet, never.

Quick picks

1.    Runs well and under six years old: Try upgrading to Windows 11.

2.    Slow or older than six years: Replace it.

3.    Need more time: Use one year of Extended Security Updates, then migrate.

4.    Mostly browser-based work: Consider Linux or ChromeOS Flex.

5.    Legacy business software: Use Windows 365 or keep a few PCs on ESU while modernizing.

How we can help

We help small and medium businesses transition smoothly from Windows 10 every day. Here's how we make it easy:

1.    Inventory and assessment: We identify every Windows 10 device, age, and upgrade path.

2.    Clear plan: You get a per-device roadmap with timelines and costs.

3.    Execution: We handle upgrades, replacements, Windows 365 setup, and secure migrations.

4.    Data and apps: We move your files, validate software, and sort out licensing.

5.    Security and retirement: We harden new builds and safely dispose of retired machines.

Next step: Book a quick Windows 10 assessment. We'll show you which computers can move forward, which to replace, and where an ESU bridge makes sense. You'll stay secure, compliant, and productive without unnecessary cost or disruption.