Businesses in Cumbria are being urged to ensure their systems are up to date as Microsoft has announced Windows 10 will reach its End-of-Life (EOL) deadline on October 14, 2025.
After this date, no updates, including security patches, bug fixes, or technical support, will be provided.
Windows 11 has been available since 2021, yet despite this, figures from late 2024 suggest more than 60% of the market share is dominated by Windows 10.
Why does this matter?
Devices running Windows 10 beyond the deadline date will be increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats as no further security updates will be issued.
Running unsupported software will also place businesses at risk of non-compliance.
Meanwhile, many software providers will cease developing updates compatible with Windows 10, leading to potential disruptions in workflows and system integration after the deadline.
What are the options?
Microsoft recommends all systems are upgraded to Windows 11 before the deadline.
However, challenges such as software dependencies and costs may complicate this transition, for example, there may be specialist system software that will not function properly on Windows 11.
Whilst the upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 is free, the device, be it a laptop, PC or tablet, needs to achieve a stringent minimum specification.
Older devices (generally those five years or older) might not meet its requirements.
Businesses should assess whether their devices can run Windows 11 as-is or replace with a new device, leading to significant costs for hardware replacement.
If a business requires more time to transition, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows 10.
ESUs provide critical updates after the support deadline, but at a cost, with payment direct to Microsoft.
Business pricing tiers for ESU (to be confirmed for the UK) start at $61 per device in 2025-2026 and double each year for a maximum of three years, after which support will end.
Instead of investing in extended support, this amount could be redirected toward the purchase of a replacement device.
Upgrading to Windows 11 or replacing incompatible devices before October 2025 is the most cost-effective and secure strategy.
Despite Microsoft’s impending switch, now might be the time to assess your business’s cyber security across the board.
With growing risks of cybercrime robust security measures have never been more important.
