17/11/2025
Windows 10 Support Has Ended: What Now for Your Business?
It has been almost two months since Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10. For many, that marks the end of an era. For businesses, itโs a little more serious; it means a shift in how you manage your IT security and planning.
So, what does โend of supportโ actually mean?
Simply put, Windows 10 will still work. You can switch it on, log in and use your usual software. But from now on there will be no more free security updates, bug fixes or technical support from Microsoft.
Without regular updates, new security weaknesses will remain open, leaving an easy route in for attackers. Microsoft has been very clear about this, warning that โwithout continued software and security updates, your PC will be at greater risk for viruses and malwareโ. For organisations handling customer data or that are relying on connected systems, it could become a compliance or insurance risk.
Still Using Windows 10? Youโre Not Alone
Recent figures suggest that around 40 per cent of all Windows PCs worldwide are still running it. That means hundreds of millions of machines remain on an operating system that is no longer supported. In the UK, consumer group Which? estimates that roughly 21 million people still use a Windows 10 computer. About a quarter of them plan to keep using it after support ends, even though it will leave their systems open to risk. Businesses are in the same position. Analysts believe that more than half a billion corporate PCs around the world still run Windows 10 (and many wonโt have been upgraded in time).
There are a few reasons for this:
Hardware compatibility is one, as older but reliable machines do not meet Windows 11โs stricter requirements.
Cost is another, with many companies delaying hardware refreshes while focusing on other spending.
And finally, the process itself can be complicated; large upgrades take time, planning and testing.
What Can You Do?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the most practical options.
1. ๐๐ฑ๐จ๐ณ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ด 11 (๐ช๐ง ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ค๐ข๐ฏ)
If your hardware supports it, upgrading is free and fairly straightforward. You can check by opening
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ โ ๐จ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ & ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ โ ๐ช๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ ๐จ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ โ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐.
If your device meets the requirements, Windows 11 will appear as an available upgrade.
Windows 11 offers stronger built-in security, better performance and a more modern design. It also supports newer features, including enhanced protection against ransomware and access to Microsoftโs AI tools such as Copilot.
2. ๐๐ด๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐น๐ต๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ต๐บ ๐๐ฑ๐ฅ๐ข๐ต๐ฆ๐ด (๐๐๐) ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐จ๐ณ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฆ
If your computers are not ready to move to Windows 11 yet, Microsoftโs Extended Security Updates scheme can keep them protected for a limited time. Businesses can pay a fee per device, but its worth noting Microsoft have said the fee will be doubling each year after that.
For home users, there is a lower-cost version, and in some cases it may even be free. However, it should be seen as a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
3. ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ธ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ณ๐ฅ๐ธ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ
If your PCs are several years old, it may be time to start planning replacements. Modern devices are faster, more efficient and far more secure. While it involves some cost up front, investing in new machines often saves money in the long run through improved reliability and lower energy use.
Why Itโs Important to Act Now
It can be tempting to put this off, especially if your computers are working fine but waiting too long can make upgrading harder and more expensive later. Running unsupported software can also create issues with cyber insurance policies and compliance frameworks, something many businesses only discover when they need to make a claim.
With some planning you can avoid disruption and spread the cost over time. Start by checking which machines are ready for Windows 11, set a budget for any replacements, back up key data and speak with UseIT or your IT provider for support and advice.
What This Means for Your Business
The end of Windows 10 is not just a software update deadline. Itโs a reminder of how quickly technology moves and why keeping systems current is key to security and stability.
If youโre unsure where to begin, UseIT can help. Weโve been guiding local businesses through upgrades for years, helping them stay secure, compliant and ready for the future.
If youโre still running Windows 10, nowโs the time to put a plan in place.
Letโs make sure your technology is working for you, not holding you back.
Get in touch today to discuss your options and prepare your business for what comes next.