Windows 10 End of Support – What’s the cost of doing nothing?

Windows 10 End of Support · Business IT Advice

Windows 10 Support Has Ended. Is Your Business Ready for Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025. If your business still relies on Windows 10 computers, now is the time to review your devices, protect your systems and plan your move to Windows 11 Pro.

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Important support update

Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025

Standard Windows 10 support has ended. Unless a device is covered by an applicable Extended Security Updates programme or a separate lifecycle arrangement, it no longer receives regular Windows 10 security updates, feature updates or technical support from Microsoft.

Your existing Windows 10 computers will not suddenly stop working. However, continuing to use unsupported devices without appropriate protection increases security and operational risks. Businesses should assess their exposure and decide whether to upgrade eligible computers, replace older equipment or use a temporary support option while migration is completed.

Source: Microsoft – Windows 10 support has ended.

Understand the impact

What does Windows 10 end of support mean for your business?

End of support means Microsoft has stopped providing standard updates and technical assistance for Windows 10. This matters to organisations because operating systems are a fundamental part of their security, compliance and day-to-day IT environment.

01 · SECURITY

Increased security exposure

Unsupported devices can become more vulnerable as new vulnerabilities emerge without standard Windows 10 security fixes.

02 · SUPPORT

Reduced support options

Microsoft no longer provides standard Windows 10 technical support or feature updates.

03 · COMPATIBILITY

Future compatibility concerns

Over time, applications, devices and business services may move on from Windows 10 compatibility.

04 · OPERATIONS

Business continuity risks

Older equipment and unsupported software can make maintenance, troubleshooting and future planning more difficult.

The next step

Why move your business to Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro provides a modern business operating system with security, management and productivity capabilities designed for today’s working environments. Moving to supported hardware and software gives your organisation a stronger foundation for future IT requirements.

Built-in security features

Features such as Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 support, Windows Hello and hardware-backed protection help strengthen device security.

Modern productivity

Snap layouts, virtual desktops and updated collaboration features help users organise their work.

Business management

Windows 11 Pro includes business-focused capabilities for device management, identity and access controls.

A platform for future technology

Supported devices provide a better foundation for current applications, cloud services and evolving workplace tools.

Explore the official Windows 11 Pro business features from Microsoft.

Check before upgrading

Can your existing computers run Windows 11?

Not every Windows 10 computer is eligible for Windows 11. Microsoft has minimum hardware requirements, and older business computers may not meet them. Before planning an upgrade, check the hardware, software and business applications your employees rely on.

Check device requirements

  • Compatible 64-bit processor
  • TPM version 2.0
  • UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
  • At least 4 GB RAM
  • At least 64 GB storage

Check the full Windows 11 system requirements.

Review business readiness

  • Check business-critical software compatibility.
  • Review printers, scanners and specialist equipment.
  • Check user accounts, access and security policies.
  • Review backups and data migration requirements.
  • Plan deployment around business operations.

For a quick individual device check, Microsoft provides the PC Health Check application. For business fleets, IT administrators should assess compatibility across the organisation rather than relying on a single-device check.

Get Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool

A structured migration

How to plan a smooth Windows 11 Pro deployment

A successful migration involves more than installing a new operating system. A structured approach helps reduce disruption, identify compatibility issues and prepare employees for the change.

1

Audit your existing devices

Identify Windows 10 computers, their age, hardware specifications, users and business-critical applications.

2

Assess compatibility

Determine which devices can be upgraded and which should be replaced. Test essential applications and peripherals.

3

Prepare data and security

Confirm backups, access controls, encryption and recovery arrangements before making changes.

4

Plan and deploy

Pilot the upgrade, schedule deployment in manageable stages and communicate with employees.

5

Review and maintain

Check that devices, applications and security controls are working correctly, then establish ongoing update and maintenance processes.

If you need more time

What if your business cannot upgrade immediately?

Microsoft offers a paid Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme for eligible organisations that need additional time to transition. Enrolled devices can receive critical and important security updates for the applicable ESU period.

ESU does not provide new features, general product improvements or standard technical support. It should be treated as a temporary measure while your organisation completes its Windows 11 migration.

Read Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU programme information and check the terms applicable to your organisation.

Support from Form IT Solutions

Make your move to Windows 11 Pro with a clear plan

Whether you need to upgrade a handful of computers or plan a wider business deployment, Form IT Solutions can discuss your IT requirements and help you consider the next steps.

Talk to Form IT Solutions
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Form IT Solutions · Premier Business Park, Dencora Way, Luton LU3 3HP · 01582 572727

Windows 10 end of support: frequently asked questions

When did Windows 10 support end?

Windows 10 Home and Pro, version 22H2, reached end of support on 14 October 2025. Standard support for these editions has ended.

Will my Windows 10 computer stop working?

No. Your computer will continue to operate. However, without applicable Extended Security Updates or a different support arrangement, it will no longer receive standard Windows 10 security updates, feature updates or technical support from Microsoft.

Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?

Microsoft provides a free upgrade path for eligible Windows 10 devices that meet the Windows 11 minimum hardware requirements. Check the device’s eligibility and applicable licensing before proceeding. Business licensing and deployment requirements may differ.

What happens if my computer does not meet Windows 11 requirements?

You may need to replace the device with compatible hardware. Eligible organisations can also consider the Windows 10 ESU programme as a temporary transition option. Check the requirements and ESU terms before deciding.

What is Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?

ESU is a paid programme that provides eligible enrolled Windows 10 devices with critical and important security updates for a limited period. It does not restore full Windows 10 support or provide new features and should not replace a migration plan.

Does my business need Windows 11 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro includes business-focused capabilities that may be useful for organisations, including security and device management features. The right edition depends on your business requirements, existing licensing and IT environment.

Can Form IT Solutions help with a Windows 11 migration?

Contact Form IT Solutions to discuss your existing computers, software, security requirements and migration plans. The team can help you explore the IT support and consultancy options relevant to your organisation.

Take action. Secure your next step.

Do not leave unsupported computers unreviewed. Speak to Form IT Solutions about assessing your devices and planning a supported Windows 11 environment for your business.

Contact Form IT Solutions

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