Still on Windows 10? Here’s Why You’re Putting Your Business at Risk
Windows 10 Support Ended: What Your Business Needs to Know in 2026
Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 came to an end on 14 October 2025. If your organisation is still relying on it—and many are—your computers are no longer receiving critical security updates. Whilst everything continues to function normally, which is precisely why it’s simple to postpone action, this inactivity creates a growing problem. Each day that passes leaves your systems more vulnerable to unpatched security vulnerabilities that Microsoft will never address.
What does this mean for your business, and what options are available? You have three main choices: migrate to Windows 11, invest in Extended Security Updates to extend your timeline, or replace your devices with newer hardware. Before exploring these options, let’s understand what “end of support” actually means and the implications for your organisation.
Understanding “End of Support” and Its Impact on Your Systems
When Microsoft ceases to support a Windows version, the security updates stop entirely. This includes the critical monthly patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Since 14 October 2025, Windows 10 receives no additional security fixes, quality updates, feature releases, or technical assistance from Microsoft.
Your computers won’t suddenly cease functioning. There’s no automatic shutdown when support expires. The fundamental change is that Microsoft has stopped remedying Windows 10’s security weaknesses. As security researchers and malicious actors continue discovering new flaws, nobody is patching them anymore. Each newly discovered vulnerability becomes another potential entry point into your systems, and it remains unresolved.
Why Unsupported Windows 10 Systems Present a Genuine Business Risk
This extends far beyond simply working with ageing, sluggish hardware. The risks are substantial and multifaceted:
Attackers specifically target outdated systems. Cybercriminals actively search for computers running software that no longer receives updates, knowing these vulnerabilities will persist indefinitely. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre emphasises that security gaps in unsupported products remain exploitable, frequently by relatively inexperienced attackers.
Regulatory compliance becomes compromised. If your business processes payment card data, medical records, or personal information, compliance frameworks like PCI DSS and HIPAA mandate the use of supported, fully patched software. Windows 10 no longer satisfies these requirements, which risks non-compliance with serious consequences.
Your cyber insurance may be affected. Insurance providers increasingly scrutinise whether your infrastructure runs supported and patched systems. Operating an unsupported operating system can increase your premiums, reduce coverage limits, or provide insurers grounds to contest claims.
Software compatibility will deteriorate. Gradually, web browsers, financial software, and other essential applications will cease supporting Windows 10, meaning your everyday tools may stop receiving updates or cease functioning altogether.
CISA lists maintaining supported, updated software as one of the fundamental security practices all businesses should prioritise.
Three Pathways Forward: Your Options for Windows 10 Transition
Most organisations implement a blended approach, selecting different solutions for different machines. Here are your three primary options:
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 (Complimentary, subject to hardware compatibility)
If you’ve purchased your PCs within recent years, upgrading to Windows 11 is free and typically represents the optimal solution. The limiting factor is hardware compatibility. Windows 11 requires a supported processor, TPM 2.0 capability, and Secure Boot functionality—specifications that eliminate many older machines from consideration. Microsoft’s complimentary PC Health Check application will determine whether your specific devices meet the necessary requirements. Most computers purchased in the past few years will qualify.
Option 2: Invest in Extended Security Updates for Temporary Coverage
Should a PC be unable to transition to Windows 11 presently, Microsoft provides Extended Security Updates (ESU)—a service that continues delivering security patches for an extended period. For business customers, this costs £45 per device annually for year one, with the fee doubling each subsequent year, extending to a maximum of three years. A single device retained on Windows 10 throughout this entire period would cost approximately £315 across three years. Home users receive significantly more favourable pricing—a one-time £22 payment provides security updates for up to 10 devices through 12 October 2027, or completely free if you enable PC settings synchronisation. ESU delivers security patches exclusively, with no additional features or genuine technical support included. It serves purely as a temporary measure whilst you arrange your upgrade strategy or hardware replacement.
Option 3: Replace Your Hardware with Windows 11-Ready Devices
Certain machines have simply become too antiquated to support Windows 11 and prove too costly to maintain on Extended Security Updates indefinitely. For these systems, purchasing new PCs with Windows 11 already installed frequently represents better value when you factor in escalating ESU costs and the expenses of maintaining legacy hardware.
Creating Your Windows 10 Migration Strategy
Whilst you needn’t complete this transition immediately, developing a structured plan is essential. A logical approach follows this sequence:
First, compile a comprehensive inventory of all computers still operating Windows 10.
Second, identify which devices can transition to Windows 11 using either Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or your IT support provider.
Third, upgrade all qualifying machines at no cost. This preserves your existing files and applications.
Finally, for remaining systems, determine whether Extended Security Updates or hardware replacement represents the better choice based on device age and intended use.
Your IT provider can complete this assessment rapidly and recommend the most appropriate solution for each machine in your organisation.
Common Questions About Windows 10 End of Support
Is Windows 10 still secure following October 2025?
The system continues operating, however security updates have ceased, meaning risk levels increase as previously unknown vulnerabilities are discovered and left unpatched. If you’re retaining Windows 10, you should either subscribe to Extended Security Updates or schedule your migration to Windows 11.
What are the consequences if I continue using Windows 10 without taking action?
Your computers will persist in functioning, but they become increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. This situation jeopardises your compliance standing with payment processing and data protection regulations, potentially affecting your cyber insurance coverage. Additionally, applications you depend on will progressively discontinue Windows 10 support.
What is the financial outlay for business ESU costs?
Business pricing stands at £45 per device for the initial year, increasing annually up to three years, totalling roughly £315 per device across the entire period. Home users enjoy significantly reduced rates: a single £22 payment covers security updates across ten devices until 12 October 2027, or free coverage with PC settings synchronisation enabled.
Is Windows 11 upgrading available at no cost?
Provided your hardware meets the necessary specifications, yes. Windows 11 requires a compatible processor, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot functionality. The PC Health Check application will confirm if your device qualifies—most computers from recent years typically do.
Is investing in a new computer the right choice?
If your current PC cannot support Windows 11, purchasing a replacement device frequently proves more economical than paying mounting ESU fees annually alongside maintaining increasingly outdated hardware. Should your machine qualify for Windows 11, commence with the complimentary upgrade.
Getting Professional Support for Your Windows 10 Transition
At TST Chester UK, we help businesses navigate Windows 10 end of support smoothly. Whether you need an audit of your current systems, assistance planning your Windows 11 migration, or guidance on whether Extended Security Updates make sense for your organisation, our experienced team can provide clear recommendations tailored to your circumstances.
Don’t leave your business exposed to unnecessary security risks. Contact TST Chester UK today to discuss your Windows 10 transition strategy and ensure your systems remain protected and compliant.