Today is the day!
Tuesday 14th October 2025 sees Microsoft officially end free support for Windows 10, marking the close of a long-running operating system that powered millions of business PCs. After today, no further free security patches, feature updates, or bug fixes will be released.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this deadline isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a cybersecurity risk and an opportunity to modernize infrastructure.
The Scale of the Challenge
Despite years of notice, many organizations are still running Windows 10. Reports suggest around 40% of all Windows endpoints worldwide — including five million in the UK alone — will still be on the OS after the cut-off.
Cloudhouse, a UK-based technology company specialising in modernising legacy Windows applications through compatibility packaging, published research that suggested 60% of financial IT leaders continue to manage unsupported Windows systems, and 90% of organisations carry significant “Windows technical debt.” That means IT teams are spending valuable time maintaining legacy infrastructure instead of improving security and efficiency.
For sysadmins and engineers, this scenario is familiar: constrained budgets, aging hardware, and the operational risks of system migration all slow progress. But doing nothing is far riskier.
Why Staying on Windows 10 Is a Security Risk
After today, no new Windows 10 patches or fixes will be released, leaving any newly discovered vulnerabilities permanently open. Attackers actively target unpatched systems, and unsupported endpoints are prime entry points for ransomware, malware, and data theft.
The longer Windows 10 remains in use, the more compatibility issues will emerge with newer software, drivers, and cloud services. This silent degradation can erode productivity and increase maintenance costs over time.
Windows 11: Security by Design
Windows 11 isn’t just Windows 10 with a new interface — it’s built for a stronger security baseline.
Features such as:
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0
• Secure Boot
• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)
… all of which are designed to help defend against firmware-level attacks, credential theft, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
If your hardware is less than four years old, it’s probably compatible. Use Microsoft’s free PC Health Check Tool to verify and plan your migration.
For Legacy Systems: Practical Options
If your hardware fails Windows 11’s requirements, consider these paths:
- Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For businesses and SMEs, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that allows Windows 10 devices to continue receiving critical and important security patches beyond the October 2025 end-of-support date. Commercial customers can purchase ESU through volume licensing or Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), and the program can extend updates for up to three years, giving organizations time to plan a safe migration to Windows 11.
For individual or consumer PCs, a limited one-year ESU option is available, but it is shorter and less flexible than the business program. In all cases, ESU does not include full technical support or feature updates, it provides security patching only. - Switch to Alternative Operating Systems
Older devices can often be repurposed using Linux (e.g., Ubuntu LTS) or ChromeOS Flex. These platforms are secure, actively maintained, and ideal for web-based workloads or thin clients. - Refresh Your Hardware
If Windows compatibility is essential, upgrading to new or refurbished Windows 11 PCs may be the most cost-effective route long-term. Many vendors offer trade-in or recycling programs to offset costs.
Migration Checklist for SMEs
Before making the leap, take these steps to protect your business continuity:
- Back up data: Create full system backups before migration.
- Audit software dependencies: Check compatibility for all key applications.
- Run pilot tests: Deploy Windows 11 in a test environment first.
- Train users: Prepare staff for UI changes and new security features.
Turning a Deadline Into an Opportunity
The end of Windows 10 support is more than a compliance date — it’s a chance to strengthen your digital foundations. By planning your Windows 11 upgrade (or secure alternative) now, you can reduce your attack surface, modernize your endpoints, and free your IT team from the burden of legacy maintenance.
Bottom line: Waiting increases risk. Act now to protect your systems, safeguard your data, and future-proof your business.
If you require any guidance on upgrading to Windows 11, planning your ESU strategy, or modernising your IT estate, please feel free to contact vXtream today for expert support.
Image courtesy of Microsoft
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