If your business is still running Windows 10, you're not alone.
For many businesses still on Windows 10, Extended Security Updates (ESU) have made the deadline feel less urgent. It turns on. It works. It gets security patches. No drama.
But that feeling of safety has an expiry date.
Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025. ESU was always designed as a short-term bridge, not a long-term strategy. And that bridge disappears in October 2026.
After that, Windows 10 stops receiving security updates altogether. No patches. No fixes. No protection against newly discovered threats.
Why so many businesses are still putting this off 😬
Microsoft hasn't exactly made the decision feel urgent. The same screen that warns you about end of support also makes it easy to enroll in ESU with one click. For a lot of people, that feels like the problem is solved.
It isn't.
ESU buys you time. It doesn't change the destination. Once October 2026 passes, staying on Windows 10 means running an operating system with known vulnerabilities and no ongoing protection.
From a business perspective, that's more than a technical risk. Cyber insurance policies, compliance requirements, and supplier expectations increasingly assume you're running supported software. An unsupported operating system can put all of that at risk.
What your options actually look like ✅
When ESU ends, there are two paths: upgrade to Windows 11 or replace the device.
Some older PCs won't support Windows 11. Others will, but may need configuration checks first. The businesses that plan ahead have time to assess their devices properly, budget for what's needed, and make changes without disruption.
The ones that wait until the last minute often face rushed purchases, unexpected costs, and unhappy staff.
The takeaway is simple
If you're relying on extended support today, it should be part of a clear exit plan, not a reason to delay making one.
October 2026 is closer than it feels. Now is a good time to review your options and work out what needs to happen before that deadline arrives.
We can help you assess whether your current devices can upgrade and put a straightforward plan in place. Let's connect.
