Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. If you or your business is still running Windows 10, you are now using an unsupported operating system — meaning no more security patches, no bug fixes, and no protection from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
This guide explains exactly what has changed, what your risks are, and the practical steps you should take right now.
What “End of Support” Actually Means
When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it stops issuing:
- Security updates — patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities
- Bug fixes — corrections for software defects
- Technical support — help from Microsoft if something goes wrong
This does not mean Windows 10 stops working on 15 October. Your PC will carry on as normal. What changes is that any new security vulnerability found after that date will never be patched. Attackers know this, and they actively target end-of-life systems.
We saw exactly this pattern with Windows XP (ended 2014) and Windows 7 (ended 2020) — both were heavily exploited long after support ended, including the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which specifically targeted unpatched Windows 7 and XP machines.
Your Options Right Now
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free, if your PC qualifies)
The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free — but your PC must meet the hardware requirements:
- Processor: 64-bit, 1GHz or faster, 2+ cores, from Intel 8th gen / AMD Ryzen 2000 series onwards
- RAM: 4GB minimum
- Storage: 64GB minimum
- TPM: TPM 2.0 chip required
- Secure Boot: Must be enabled in BIOS
Run the PC Health Check tool (available free from Microsoft) to see if your machine qualifies. Many PCs bought from 2018 onwards will pass. Older hardware often fails on the TPM 2.0 requirement.
Option 2: Extended Security Updates (Businesses)
Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) for businesses that cannot upgrade immediately. This buys you time — security patches only, no new features — while you plan a proper migration.
- Year 1 (Oct 2025 – Oct 2026): from $30 per device
- Year 2 (Oct 2026 – Oct 2027): higher cost per device
- Year 3 (Oct 2027 – Oct 2028): maximum extension available
ESU is available through Microsoft Volume Licensing and Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions. It is not a long-term solution — it is a managed exit ramp. If you are still on Windows 10 in a business environment, talk to your IT provider about getting ESU in place immediately.
Option 3: Replace the Hardware
If your PC cannot run Windows 11 and ESU is not cost-effective (particularly for older single machines), the cleanest solution is a new PC. A Windows 11-compatible machine starts at around £300–£400 for a reliable business-grade option. Given that an unsupported machine creates ongoing security risk, the cost of a new PC is often justified.
Option 4: Switch to Linux
For technically comfortable users, Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint can run well on older hardware that cannot meet Windows 11 requirements. This is not a mainstream option for most businesses, but it is a legitimate choice for home users who simply want to keep using an older machine safely.
The Risk of Doing Nothing
Running Windows 10 after end of support is not illegal, but it carries real risks:
- Ransomware: Unpatched systems are prime targets. A single infected machine on a business network can encrypt every file it can reach.
- Data breaches: For UK businesses, a breach resulting from running known end-of-life software could be viewed unfavourably under UK GDPR — you have an obligation to keep systems reasonably secure.
- Insurance: Some cyber insurance policies exclude or limit cover for incidents on unsupported operating systems. Check your policy wording carefully.
- Software compatibility: Over time, software vendors will drop support for Windows 10. Browsers, security tools and line-of-business applications will stop receiving updates for Windows 10.
What Businesses Should Do This Week
- Audit your estate. Find out exactly how many machines are running Windows 10. Use your RMM tool, Active Directory, or a manual inventory.
- Run PC Health Check on each machine to identify which ones can upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
- Prioritise internet-facing machines. Machines that browse the web or handle email are at highest risk — move these first.
- Purchase ESU for machines that cannot be upgraded yet. Do not leave unpatched machines sitting on your network without ESU in place.
- Plan hardware refresh for machines that fail Windows 11 requirements. Budget for replacements in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Windows 10 stop working after the support date?
No. Windows 10 will continue to function normally. End of support means no more updates — it does not disable the operating system.
Is the Windows 11 upgrade still free?
Yes. Microsoft has not announced an end date for the free upgrade offer. If your PC meets the requirements, you can upgrade via Windows Update at no cost.
Can I bypass Windows 11 hardware requirements?
There are unofficial workarounds to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but Microsoft explicitly warns that these machines may not receive updates reliably in the future. For any business use, this is not recommended.
How long does the Windows 11 upgrade take?
Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on your internet speed and hardware. The process is largely automated. Back up your data before starting.
