Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Explained

Windows 10 End of Life

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 reaches end of life on 14 October 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates, leaving devices vulnerable to new threats.

What This Means for Your Business

• No more security patches — newly discovered vulnerabilities will not be fixed, exposing your systems to attack.
• Compliance risk — running unsupported software may breach GDPR, Cyber Essentials and industry regulations.
• Software compatibility — new versions of business applications may drop Windows 10 support.

Your Options

1. Upgrade to Windows 11 — the recommended path. Check hardware compatibility using Microsoft's PC Health Check tool. Most PCs from 2019 onwards support Windows 11.
2. Extended Security Updates (ESU) — Microsoft offers paid ESU for businesses that cannot upgrade immediately. Pricing starts at approximately $61 per device for the first year, doubling each subsequent year.
3. Replace hardware — older devices that do not meet Windows 11 requirements may need replacing. This is an opportunity to refresh ageing hardware and improve productivity.

Planning Your Migration

Start planning now rather than waiting for the deadline. Audit your current devices, check Windows 11 compatibility, test business-critical applications and create a phased rollout plan. A managed IT provider can handle the entire migration with minimal disruption to your team.