The countdown has begun. On 14th October 2025, Microsoft will officially end free support for Windows 10, marking the conclusion of a decade-long era for one of the company's most successful operating systems.
If your business is still running Windows 10 (and statistics suggest there's a strong chance it is) now is the time to understand what this means and take action.
After 14th October 2025, Windows 10 computers will continue to function normally. You'll still be able to boot up, access your files, and run your applications. However, Microsoft will no longer provide:
Your devices won't suddenly stop working, but they will become increasingly vulnerable. Every security vulnerability discovered after this date will remain unpatched, leaving your business exposed to cyber criminals who actively target outdated systems.
For SMEs across Herefordshire and the surrounding areas, the risks of continuing with unsupported Windows 10 extend far beyond inconvenience:
Escalating security risks: Cyber criminals specifically target systems no longer receiving security updates. Without patches, your business data, customer information, and operational systems become increasingly vulnerable to ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.
Compliance challenges: Many industry regulations and frameworks - including Cyber Essentials, GDPR, and ISO standards - require businesses to maintain up-to-date, secure systems. Running unsupported software could jeopardise your compliance status and, by extension, your ability to tender for certain contracts.
Software incompatibility: Application developers will gradually cease supporting Windows 10. Microsoft 365 applications, whilst continuing to run, will no longer be officially supported on Windows 10 devices. Other business-critical software will follow suit, potentially disrupting your operations.
Increased operational costs: Without Microsoft's support infrastructure, troubleshooting becomes more complex and time-consuming. Issues that would have been resolved through routine updates now require manual intervention, increasing downtime and IT expenditure.
Insurance implications. Some cyber insurance policies require businesses to maintain supported operating systems. Using Windows 10 after the end of support could affect your coverage or result in higher premiums.
As a business owner or manager, you have several pathways forward. The right choice depends on your budget, hardware capabilities, and operational requirements.
The most straightforward solution is upgrading eligible devices to Windows 11, which offers enhanced security features including hardware-based protection and improved defence against phishing and malware.
Check eligibility: Not all Windows 10 devices meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, particularly regarding TPM 2.0 chips and processor specifications. You can verify eligibility through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Free upgrade: If your hardware qualifies, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free and can be completed through Windows Update.
Consider professional assistance: Migrating an entire business to Windows 11 involves more than clicking 'upgrade'. Data backup, application compatibility testing, user training, and potential configuration changes all require careful planning.
If your devices don't meet Windows 11 requirements, or if they're approaching the end of their useful life anyway, now may be the optimal time to refresh your hardware estate.
Modern devices offer: Improved performance and productivity, better energy efficiency (reducing running costs), enhanced security features built into the hardware, and warranty protection for peace of mind. Browse our range of business hardware to find devices that meet Windows 11 requirements.
Trade-in programmes: Several retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in schemes, allowing you to offset replacement costs whilst responsibly recycling old equipment.
For businesses requiring more time to transition, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates as a temporary bridge.
For consumers and small businesses: A one-year ESU programme is available at approximately £24 per device, extending security updates until 13th October 2026. Important note: The UK is not included in Microsoft's free ESU programme for the European Economic Area (EEA), so UK users must pay for extended support.
For commercial organisations: ESU can be purchased annually for up to three years at £58 per device for Year One, with prices doubling each subsequent year. Businesses must purchase each year separately - the programme is cumulative, meaning if you join in Year Two, you must also pay for Year One.
For educational institutions: Schools benefit from significantly reduced pricing at approximately £5 per device, making ESU a more accessible option for the education sector.
Important limitation: ESU only provides security updates - no new features, bug fixes beyond security issues, or technical support. It's a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution.
Will my business grind to a halt on 15th October 2025?
No. Your systems will continue functioning normally. The immediate risk is relatively low, but it increases steadily as new vulnerabilities emerge without patches.
Can't we just keep using Windows 10 indefinitely?
Technically, yes. Practically, it becomes increasingly risky and eventually untenable as software vendors drop support and security threats multiply.
What about Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 applications will continue running on Windows 10 devices after 14th October 2025, but Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues. Security updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 will continue until 10th October 2028.
Is this just Microsoft forcing us to buy new things?
Whilst commercial considerations certainly play a role, there are legitimate security reasons. Modern operating systems are designed to counter evolving cyber threats that older systems simply can't handle. Windows 10 was released in 2015; the threat landscape has transformed dramatically since then.
The prospect of migrating your entire business infrastructure might seem daunting, particularly when you're already managing day-to-day operations. This is precisely where our local, responsive support makes the difference.
Hardware assessment and procurement: We'll evaluate your current hardware, identify which devices can upgrade to Windows 11, and recommend cost-effective replacements where necessary. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we can provide competitive pricing on new equipment and Windows 11 licences.
Migration planning and execution: We handle the technical complexities: backing up your data, testing application compatibility, configuring new systems, and ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your operations.
Post-migration support: Once you're running Windows 11, our managed IT services ensure your systems remain secure, updated, and optimised. From regular security patches to proactive monitoring, we keep your technology running smoothly so you can focus on your business.
Tailored solutions for your budget: Whether you need to refresh everything at once or prefer a phased approach, we'll work within your financial constraints to create a practical migration strategy.
With October 2025 on the horizon, businesses that plan ahead will experience smoother transitions, better negotiating positions for hardware purchases, and crucially, peace of mind knowing their systems remain secure and compliant.
Leaving it until the last moment risks rushed decisions, potential downtime during frantic migrations, and the very real possibility of operating unsupported systems with all the security and compliance risks that entails.
The question isn't whether to move on from Windows 10, but when and how. The businesses that thrive are those that treat IT infrastructure as an enabler rather than an afterthought, and that includes staying current with supported, secure operating systems.
Ready to plan your Windows 10 transition? Contact Wyvern Business Systems today for a no-obligation discussion about your options. As your local IT partner, we're here to make this transition as straightforward and cost-effective as possible.
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