Windows 10 end of support: What businesses need to know now

windows11

South Africa, Aug 29, 2024

Windows 10 reached End-of-Life (EOL) on 14 October 2025, and businesses must move towards Windows 11 to stay updated and secure. All feature updates, patches, security updates, and official support for Windows 10 have ended.

Businesses can make use of Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme to receive technical support for Windows 10. ESU has been around for 2 years, but the cost has effectively doubled. 

We examine the available ESU options, the risks of staying with Windows 10, and what Windows 11 offers.

Options for businesses running Windows 10 devices

The right option for a business depends on the context of their hardware and what it's required for. We'd recommend taking inventory of all Windows 10 devices and then deciding on next steps for each.

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11

This option is recommended for devices that meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.

It is important to test applications and plan the rollout of Windows 11 through endpoint management tools.

Option 2: Replace the Windows 10 devices

This option is recommended for devices that do NOT meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.

With this option, businesses should plan for hardware, data migration, and safe disposal of the old equipment. Combine this with a planned refresh.

Option 3: Purchase ESU (Extended Security Updates)

This option is recommended when several important devices are running business-critical or legacy applications and cannot be migrated yet.

ESU coverage will end on 12 October 2027

Option 4: Migrate to 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop

This option is recommended if the business is migrating towards cloud desktops.

ESU is included for Windows 10 sessions at no extra cost per device. New cloud desktops are provisioned on Windows 11.

Whichever option the business selects, ESU remains a temporary solution. We strongly recommend that a deadline for migration be set. 

The risks of running Windows 10 without ESU

 

Security vulnerabilities

The biggest potential risk of staying with Windows 10 is the lack of future security updates and patches. Any vulnerabilities or errors discovered after the 14th of October 2025 will no longer receive fixes or updates, which means that your business systems and applications will face greater risks from cybercrime and misuse. 

If you want to extend the use of your Windows 10 devices beyond the end of support date, the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) programme can be considered. ESU is a paid programme that provides you with the option to extend the use of Windows 10 devices past the end of support date in a more secure manner

 

No official technical support

With no official tech support available after the end of life, you’ll have to turn to less reliable, and possibly outdated sources to find solutions to problems. This increases your exposure to risky third-party workarounds and increases the time to find solutions.

 

Application compatibility issues 

Shortly after the Windows 10 EOL, you might start seeing limited support or compatibility issues coming from your preferred 3rd party software or applications. This adds an additional layer of cost as you’ll need to source alternatives that still support Windows 10 or lose productivity.

 

Governance and compliance risks

Due to the increase in cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities in personal and business data systems, it will become much more difficult to comply with industry and legal standards. Reliance on outdated and unsupported software generally incurs a risk for any business in terms of governance and compliance.

 

Hardware and e-waste

Unfortunately, older PC hardware may not be able to support an upgrade to Windows 11, which means that you’ll need to dispose of older equipment, which increases e-waste. New hardware would need to be purchased, which adds to the costs of upgrading too late. 

 

Windows 11 – Benefits and features

 

Once you’ve decided to upgrade to Windows 11, you’ll ensure that your IT ecosystem is future proofed. There are various benefits and new features that strengthen the case for upgrading to Windows 11 now, instead of later.

 

Live support and regular updates

The most obvious reason to upgrade to Windows 11 is to ensure that you have the latest supported software and security updates. This helps to defend your business systems against the latest identified cybersecurity threats and get live technical support when needed.

 

Improved performance

Windows 11 has superior processing capabilities for background information, which means that devices with low levels of RAM or limited CPUs can run more efficiently. This can help increase your business productivity while coping with existing hardware limitations.

 

AI and Copilot

Windows 11 gives you access to Microsoft Copilot, which can greatly boost end-user productivity. Copilot is a powerful creativity and productivity AI tool, and boasts enterprise-grade security.
 

The free edition of Copilot is available with Windows 11 but has limited capabilities. 
Microsoft has a range of paid-for Copilot products with more advanced AI capabilities to support users' productivity in general and role-specific Copilots. Read more in our Microsoft E7 guide

 

App compatibility 

Windows 11 is 99% compatible with Windows 10 applications. This helps to ensure a smooth migration process.

 

Remote and hybrid work support

Windows 11 seamlessly integrates with commonly used remote work tools such as Microsoft Teams. This makes it easier for your business to communicate with and manage your remote employees.

 

 

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Need support with your Windows 11 upgrade?

As a leading Microsoft partner, we've got all of the technical and strategic expertise to make your move to Windows 11 effortless. 

Contact us for assistance and advice.

 

Got specific questions about the Windows 11 upgrade?

Read our FAQ list

 

 

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