Windows 10’s End-of-Support Deadline: Are You Prepared?
As the clock ticks down on Windows 10’s end-of-support deadline, businesses find themselves at a crossroads. With Microsoft no longer offering free security patches or technical support for this operating system, the stakes are higher than ever. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program becomes a lifeline for those who opt to stay the course, albeit at a cost of $61 per device for the first year, escalating to $244 in the final year.
The imperative for this transition is crystal clear: without ongoing support, businesses face grave risks from cyberattacks and data breaches. Vulnerabilities won’t be patched, leaving systems exposed to potential threats. Microsoft’s push towards Windows 11 or Windows 365 cloud PCs ahead of the October 14 deadline has been met with varied responses. While migrations have gained momentum, hurdles like stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11, budget constraints among SMBs, and perceived lack of benefits in the upgrade have slowed the transition.
The data paints a revealing picture: Windows 11 has swiftly claimed a 60% share of global enterprise deployments, surpassing Windows 10 in adoption. Lansweeper’s analysis of 8 million Windows devices underscores this trend. Moreover, the shift away from Windows 10 has triggered a surge in PC sales this year, as evidenced by a notable 9.4% year-on-year increase in sales during Q3 2025, driven in part by the shift to Windows 11. With Omdia’s projections indicating a 6.8% increase in PC sales and continued momentum into 2026, the impact of this transition is palpable.
Despite concerted efforts by Microsoft and its partners to drive awareness, a significant portion of the global Windows installed base remains on Windows 10 or older PCs. Omdia’s research director, Ishan Dutt, underscores this, highlighting the ongoing upgrades to Windows 11. However, the survey of PC channel partners reveals that while progress is underway, many businesses are still in the process of navigating this transition. As 39% of channel partners report successful refreshes or upgrades to Windows 11, another 18% anticipate continued use of Windows 10 with ESU support post-deadline.
In this landscape of change and adaptation, the imperative for businesses is clear: embracing the evolution brought forth by Windows 11 or Windows 365 cloud PCs is not just a choice but a strategic imperative. As we stand on the brink of this new era, the question remains – are you prepared to make the leap, or will you opt for the safety net of extended support to navigate the post-Windows 10 landscape? The time to decide is now.