You start the office computer as you always do. Everything looks normal. Behind the scenes, however, Microsoft has stopped issuing security updates for Windows 10. The machine still runs, which is exactly why the risk is so easy to dismiss.

Support for Windows 10 ended in October 2025. If your business is still running it, the following will help you decide what to do.

What “end of support” really means

End of support does not mean your computer stops working. It means Microsoft no longer fixes defects or patches security flaws. Those patches are the repairs that close the gaps attackers exploit.

So with each passing month, more known weaknesses accumulate with no fix forthcoming. Attackers are well aware of this. Unsupported systems are easy targets because the vulnerabilities stay open.

There is a business dimension too. If you handle customer data or process card payments, running unsupported software can put you at odds with your insurer or your industry’s rules. Some cyber-insurance policies will not pay out if you were operating software past its support date.

Your real options

You have a few paths, and the right one depends on your hardware.

The first is upgrading to Windows 11, which is free if your computer meets the requirements. Many machines from the past four or five years qualify. Newer hardware checks, such as a security chip called a TPM, are required, which is why some older PCs cannot make the move.

The second is replacing computers that cannot run Windows 11. This sounds like the costly route, but aging hardware already exacts a price through slow performance and downtime. Newer machines repay the investment in recovered time.

The third, reserved for special cases, is paying Microsoft for extended security updates. This buys time at added cost, so it usually serves as a bridge rather than a destination.

Unsure which computers can upgrade and which need replacing? We sort this out for clients through our managed IT services, so you receive a clear plan instead of guesswork.

Don’t wait for something to break

Businesses that handle this will stage it over several months. They budget, upgrade in batches, and avoid a last-minute scramble.

A short IT assessment can tell you exactly where you stand and what it will cost. If you want the broader context first, our IT management articles cover the fundamentals.

FAQ

Can I keep using Windows 10 anyway?

You can, but the risk grows each month. With no new security patches, fresh threats go unaddressed. For a business, that exposure rarely justifies the saving.

Is upgrading to Windows 11 free?

Yes, if your computer meets Microsoft’s requirements. The upgrade itself costs nothing. Cost enters the picture only if you need new hardware to run it.

How do I know if my computer can run Windows 11?

There is a built-in check, and your IT provider can run it across all your machines at once. Age and the security chip known as a TPM are the usual sticking points.

What if I can’t afford to replace everything now?

Upgrade in stages. Replace the most exposed or oldest machines first, and budget the remainder over several months. A plan beats a scramble.

Wondering which of your computers need attention? Get in touch and we will map out a straightforward upgrade plan that fits your budget.