2025 will see a critical technology update that could potentially impact many businesses.
Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 will reach its End-of-Life (EOL) deadline on October 14, 2025. After this date, no updates, including security patches, bug fixes, or technical support, will be provided.
Windows 11 has been available since 2021, yet despite this, figures from late 2024 suggest more than 60% of the market share is dominated by Windows 10. With just months of support remaining, businesses are being urged to ensure their systems are up to date.
Why does this matter?
Security risks: Devices running Windows 10 beyond the deadline date will be increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats as no further security updates will be issued.
Compliance issues: Maintaining compliance with industry regulations and safeguarding data is paramount. Running unsupported software will place businesses at risk of non-compliance.
Software compatibility: After the deadline, many software providers will cease developing updates compatible with Windows 10, leading to potential disruptions in workflows and system integration.
What are the options?
Continuing to use Windows 10 devices dramatically increases the risk of cyberattacks, security breaches, and other issues.
Microsoft recommends that all systems are upgraded to Windows 11 before the deadline. However, there are challenges such as software dependencies and costs that may complicate this transition, for example, there may be specialist system software that will not function properly on Windows 11.
Upgrade
Whilst the upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 is free, the device, be it a laptop, PC or tablet, needs to achieve a stringent minimum specification. Older devices (generally those five years or older) might not meet its requirements. Clients will need to assess whether their devices can run Windows 11 as-is or replace with a new device, leading to significant costs for hardware replacement.
Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If a business requires more time to transition, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows 10. ESUs provide critical updates after the support deadline, but at a cost, with payment direct to Microsoft.
Business pricing tiers for ESU (to be confirmed for the UK*):
Year 1 (2025-2026): $61 per device
Year 2 (2026-2027): $122 per device
Year 3 (2027-2028): $244 per device
To remain on Windows 10, a business could incur costs of up to $427 over three years, after which support will end. Instead of investing in extended support, this amount could be redirected toward the purchase of a replacement device.
Those who continue running Windows 10 beyond its support deadline risk significant financial impact, including increased costs for cyber-attacks, non-compliance penalties and hardware or software inefficiencies. Upgrading to Windows 11 or replacing incompatible devices before October 2025 is the most cost-effective and secure strategy.
Despite Microsoft’s impending switch, now might be the time to assess your business’s cyber security across the board. With growing risks of cybercrime, robust security measures have never been more important.
*UK pricing is still to be confirmed. Final pricing and enrolment conditions will be made available by Microsoft closer to the end of support deadline in October.
Photo credit: PhotoGranary - stock.adobe.com
If you would like to discuss cyber security solutions for your business, please get in touch. Call 08081445575 or email help@armstrongwatson.co.uk
