Windows 10 is approaching its End of Life on October 14, 2025. After that, Microsoft will stop providing security updates, patches, and bug fixes – leaving businesses with a choice: upgrade to Windows 11 or stick with Windows 10 and take the risk.
Some businesses may be tempted to stay on Windows 10 to avoid the hassle and cost of upgrading. But here’s the reality: running an unsupported operating system comes with hidden costs that can far outweigh the price of upgrading.
Let’s break down the true cost of keeping Windows 10 after End of Life and why delaying an upgrade might be an expensive mistake.
1. Increased Cybersecurity Risks (and the Cost of a Breach)
Once Windows 10 reaches End of Life, Microsoft will no longer release security patches – meaning newly discovered vulnerabilities won’t be fixed. Hackers know this and actively target outdated systems.
What’s the risk?
- Malware & Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals look for security holes in old systems. Without patches, your business is a prime target.
- Phishing & Social Engineering: Employees using an unsupported OS are more vulnerable to scams.
- Zero-Day Exploits: New threats won’t be patched, leaving your data exposed.
💰 The cost of a cyberattack:
- The average UK cyber breach costs £4,100 for small businesses (UK Gov Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023).
- A ransomware attack could cripple your business overnight—forcing you to pay thousands just to regain access to your data.
🔍 What can you do? Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures your business stays protected with the latest security updates and features.
2. Compliance & Legal Issues
If your business operates in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, legal, etc.), running an unsupported OS could put you in violation of compliance standards like:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
- Cyber Essentials (UK business security standard)
- ISO 27001 (Information security standard)
Failing to comply could lead to:
❌ Fines or legal penalties
❌ Loss of contracts with clients who require compliance
❌ Damaged reputation if customer data is compromised
💡 What’s the solution? Moving to Windows 11 or a supported cloud-based solution helps ensure compliance and keeps your business protected.
3. Productivity Loss & Downtime
Outdated software isn’t just a security risk—it’s a productivity killer.
❌ Incompatibility Issues – New apps may not work on Windows 10.
❌ Slower Performance – Aging devices struggle to keep up with modern workloads.
❌ Increased IT Support Costs – More downtime means more time spent fixing preventable issues.
💰 The cost of slow systems:
Research shows that employees lose 46 minutes per day due to slow or outdated technology—which adds up to 4 hours a week per employee! Multiply that across your team, and you’re looking at thousands in lost productivity.
🚀 Upgrading to Windows 11 means faster performance, fewer crashes, and less time spent troubleshooting outdated software.
4. The Rising Cost of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, but these updates come at a steep cost—and the price doubles every year:
💰 Expected pricing for ESU (per device):
- Year 1 (2026) – £50
- Year 2 (2027) – £100
- Year 3 (2028) – £200
For a business with 50 devices, that’s:
- £2,500 in 2026
- £5,000 in 2027
- £10,000 in 2028
That’s £17,500 spent on keeping Windows 10 “alive” for three years! At that price, you could replace many of your devices with new Windows 11-ready hardware.
💡 The smarter investment? Upgrade sooner rather than wasting money on temporary security fixes.
5. Higher Support Costs & Limited IT Assistance
As Windows 10 ages, fewer IT providers will offer support, and when they do, it will cost more.
- Software vendors will stop supporting Windows 10 – New applications won’t work, leaving you stuck with outdated tools.
- IT providers will charge extra for managing outdated systems – Just like Microsoft, IT companies don’t want to support old, risky operating systems.
- Fixing broken Windows 10 systems will take longer – As fewer people use Windows 10, finding expertise will become harder.
🚀 Switching to Windows 11 ensures ongoing support, compatibility, and efficiency.
The Bottom Line: Delaying Costs More in the Long Run
While upgrading to Windows 11 may seem like an upfront expense, staying on Windows 10 past its End of Life is a far bigger financial risk.
Windows 10 End of Life: What Should Your Business Do?
✅ Check if your current devices can run Windows 11 – Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool or consult an IT expert.
✅ Plan your upgrade strategy now – Avoid last-minute, costly decisions.
✅ Consider Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) – Lease new devices instead of purchasing outright.
✅ Explore cloud solutions – Windows 365 Cloud PCs might be an alternative.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard – Start Planning Today!
Windows 10’s End of Life is closer than you think. The best way to avoid security risks, compliance issues, and rising costs is to act now.
💡 Not sure where to start? We can help! Our team will:
🔍 Assess your devices to see if they’re Windows 11-ready.
🛠 Recommend the best upgrade path for your business.
🚀 Ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption.
📅 Book a free Windows 11 upgrade consultation today!
