Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. The computers still work, but they no longer receive regular security updates. This guide explains what that means for a business and what sensible next steps look like.
What end of support actually means
- No more security patches. Every new Windows vulnerability stays open on a Windows 10 PC. Attackers know this and look for exactly these machines.
- Compliance and insurance. Cyber insurance, supplier requirements from larger customers and data protection (GDPR's "appropriate security measures") generally assume supported, updated software. An unsupported operating system can raise awkward questions after an incident.
- Software drops support gradually. Browsers, antivirus, accounting and banking software and drivers will stop supporting Windows 10 over time. One day a program you need simply stops updating or will not start.
- No help from Microsoft. Microsoft no longer provides assistance with Windows 10 problems.
Option 1: upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11
If the hardware meets the requirements, the Windows 11 upgrade is free and usually the simplest route. Main requirements:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) must be present and enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings;
- a supported processor – older CPUs released before roughly 2018 are generally not supported;
- UEFI with Secure Boot, at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
You can check eligibility with Microsoft's free PC Health Check app. If the PC qualifies, Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update will also offer the Windows 11 upgrade. TPM is often present but disabled in the BIOS, which is easy to fix. Always take a backup before upgrading.
Option 2: ESU as a temporary bridge
For organisations, Microsoft sells Extended Security Updates (ESU), which provide critical security updates for up to three years. ESU is licensed per device, one year at a time, and the price rises each year. It brings no new features and no regular support – it is only meant to cover a transition period, for example when specialist software or a production device runs only on Windows 10, or when PC replacement is planned for the next budget.
Option 3: replace old hardware
If a computer's CPU is not supported, the machine is usually already 6–8 years old. Upgrading it rarely pays off: the battery, disk and performance are worn anyway. A new business laptop comes with Windows 11 Pro, TPM and a warranty, and removes the problem for years. You can find suitable models in our catalogue.
How to plan the migration
- Inventory. List every computer: user, model, age, Windows version and PC Health Check result.
- Priorities. Start with machines used for payments, customer data or remote access to the company network.
- Application check. Make sure all business-critical software (accounting, ID card, printer and scanner drivers, specialist tools) works on Windows 11.
- Data. Confirm that work folders are in OneDrive, SharePoint or on a server and that backups work before upgrading or replacing a PC.
- Pilot user. Upgrade one or two PCs first, let them run for a week, then do the rest.
- Old computers. Securely wipe the disks before selling or recycling them.
When to call a professional
If you have more than a handful of computers or rely on old specialist software, it is worth going through the migration plan with an IT partner so that no machine is forgotten. ITABIKS can do the inventory, upgrade eligible PCs and help choose replacement hardware; see our IT support service or call +372 53 888 229.