Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. After that date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. For businesses still running Windows 10 across their fleet, this is not an abstract future problem and it is a live risk that needs a plan.
It does not mean Windows 10 stops working on that date. Your computers will still turn on. But without security patches, every new vulnerability discovered after October 2025 will remain unpatched and exploitable. For a business that handles customer data or operates in any regulated sector, this creates real liability.
Audit your devices
Find out how many devices in your organisation are running Windows 10 and whether they meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11.
Plan your upgrade path
Decide which devices can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free and which need to be replaced. Build a budget and timeline.
Begin upgrades and replacements
Start rolling out Windows 11 upgrades. Replace hardware that cannot be upgraded. Do not leave this until September.
End of support deadline
14 October 2025. Any device still running Windows 10 after this date receives no further security patches from Microsoft.
Can my devices run Windows 11?
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10 and most notably a requirement for a TPM 2.0 chip and a compatible processor. Devices purchased before 2018 often do not meet these requirements. The free Microsoft PC Health Check tool will tell you in under a minute whether any given device is compatible. Run it across your fleet before making any decisions.
Your main options
- Upgrade compatible devices to Windows 11 for free. If your hardware meets the requirements, this is straightforward and costs nothing beyond the IT time to do it.
- Replace incompatible devices. If key machines cannot be upgraded, this is the moment to replace them. Factor in the cost of new hardware in your planning.
- Purchase Extended Security Updates. Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 at a cost and £25 per device for year one, doubling each subsequent year. This buys time but is not a long term solution.
- Accelerate your cloud migration. If your team works primarily in a browser, moving to cloud based working reduces your dependency on local OS versions entirely.
Every year we see businesses scramble in the final months before a Microsoft deadline. Hardware lead times, IT availability, and budget approvals all take time. Start your audit now and build a realistic plan and Q1 2025 is the right moment to do this, not Q3.