Microsoft’s Operating System Windows 10, is scheduled to go end of life (EOL) in October of this year, ending support for all editions - Home, Pro, Enterprise, etc.
Firstly there is no sign at all they're backing down!
"After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.
Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
Windows 11 offers a modern and efficient experience designed to meet current demands for heightened security."
October 14 2025 is the second Tuesday in October. This will be the last "Patch Tuesday" for Windows 10.
After this date, Microsoft will cease providing security patches, bug fixes, and technical assistance.
Here’s what to expect:
If you have any compliance requirements, such as Cyber Essentials, to ensure all your software is supported inaction may result in loss of compliance, which could invalidate your insurance.
As the deadline approaches we antisipate a shortage of equipment and thus an increase in parts costs.
While devices won’t stop working, you must now plan to retire, replace, or upgrade any Windows 10 systems used in your business.
The below options are what we at ctm Information Technology are working with for our customers:
Retire or Replace: If your device is out of warranty with the manufacturer, and not hardware-compatible with Windows 11, this will need to be retired or replaced with new equipment. This is the option to take if your Windows 10 machines cannot run Windows 11 but a device is still required.
In-place Upgrade: Devices that meet the hardware-compatibility with Windows 11, can be in-place upgraded via. a Microsoft tool, this is the best option for those with a device that is still in warranty with the manufacturer and can continue its lifespan using the latest Windows 11 Operating System. This will be the case for the majority of Windows 10 devices.
There are a couple of other options, but their very niche!
Go cloud: Leaving the old Windows 10 device in place, but treating as a BYOD unit segregated from production, and used as a thin client to a cloud based Windows 365 PC hosted in your Microsoft Azure cloud eco system. This is a surgical solution for specific use cases.
Buy an Extended Security Update (ESU): For the next three years you can buy an ESU for each of your Windows 10 devices. This doubles in price each year and only delays one of the options above. We do not recommend this option!
Doing nothing is not an option.
As bad actors work to uncover security vulnerabilites in Windows 10, Microsoft will not be their to provide security patches for you which will massively increase your attack surface.
Microsoft.com: Windows 10 Home and Pro
Microsoft.com: Find Windows 11 specs, features and computer requirements
Microsoft.com: End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7
Microsoft.com: Introducing Copilot+ PCs
Microsoft.com: Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10
Microsoft.com: Windows 365 is your PC in the cloud
If you need help with your Windows 10 fleet, please contact us now!
