Why UK businesses must transition from Windows 10 before October 2025

For home users, this might be a simple inconvenience. But for UK businesses (particularly those operating in regulated sectors), it’s a critical turning point. Running Windows 10 after its support deadline leaves organisations exposed to cyberattacks, compliance failures, and operational inefficiencies.

This article explains the security, compliance, and business reasons why you must act now, outlines practical upgrade options, and details how managed licensing can make your transition smoother and more cost-effective.

When Microsoft stops releasing updates for Windows 10, newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unpatched and unprotected.. Cybercriminals actively scan the internet for systems running outdated operating systems because they know those machines are easy targets.

Key risks include:

• Zero-day exploits that will never be patched.
• Ransomware infections leveraging OS-level weaknesses.
• Data breaches that may lead to GDPR penalties and reputation damage.
• Targeted attacks against specific industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.

National Cyber Security Centre

Research shows that more than one-third of all cyberattacks exploit unpatched systems. Continuing to run Windows 10 after October 2025 effectively hands attackers the blueprint to your vulnerabilities.

If your organisation needs to meet compliance requirements such as Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, or sector-specific regulations, unsupported software will be a liability.

For example:

• Cyber Essentials explicitly requires that supported software be kept up to date.
• Many contracts with clients, suppliers, or government agencies contain clauses mandating the timely patching of IT systems.
• Post-October 2025, Windows 10 will fail these requirements.

Non-compliance risks include lost contracts, failed audits, and reputational damage, risks that could far outweigh the cost of an upgrade.

Even if your current Windows 10 devices seem stable, over time, you’ll face mounting compatibility issues:

• Microsoft 365 and other enterprise applications will gradually drop support for Windows 10.
• Cloud service providers may block access from unsupported operating systems for security reasons.
• Hardware drivers will stop receiving updates, leading to instability and potential device failures.

The longer you wait, the more disruptive and expensive your eventual migration will become.

Upgrading isn’t one-size-fits-all. Businesses have several viable paths:

Your device is Windows 11 compatible

If your Windows 10 PC or laptop meets the Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, UEFI firmware, Secure Boot), you can perform an in-place upgrade. This is the fastest route to security and compliance.

Your device is not Windows 11 compatible

If your hardware doesn’t meet Windows 11 system requirements, upgrading may cause compatibility issues or prevent you from upgrading altogether. If the age of your machine is 3 years or older, you may find that it’ll run slower after the upgrade.

In these cases, investing in a new machine pre-installed with Windows 11 ensures compatibility and optimal performance.

Leverage Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft will offer ESUs for Windows 10 beyond October 2025, providing critical security patches for a limited time. This option buys you more time for a phased migration, but it should be seen as a stopgap, not a permanent solution.

Beyond mitigating risk, there are competitive benefits to acting ahead of the deadline:

• Enhanced productivity: Windows 11 introduces a more efficient UI, improved virtual desktops, and better integration with collaboration tools like Teams.
• Better security posture: Hardware-based protections reduce the risk of credential theft and ransomware.
• Staff satisfaction: Newer devices and OS features can improve employee experience and retention.
• Future-proofing: Staying on supported software keeps you ready for evolving technologies like AI-driven analytics and zero-trust networking.

Industry analysts warn that up to 400 million PCs worldwide could be discarded because they can’t run Windows 11. UK businesses can mitigate environmental impact by:

• Refurbishing and redeploying older devices for non-critical use cases.
• Donating hardware to community organisations or educational charities.
• Exploring alternative OS options for hardware not suitable for Windows 11 but still functional.

A planned migration that includes sustainability measures not only benefits the environment but also enhances corporate social responsibility credentials.

Step 1: Inventory and Assess
List all Windows 10 devices, checking hardware readiness for Windows 11.

Step 2: Categorise Devices
Identify which can be upgraded in-place, which need replacing, and which could use ESUs temporarily.

Step 3: Budget and Timeline
Factor in licensing, hardware procurement, and IT resources for deployment.

Step 4: Pilot and Rollout
Test the upgrade process in a small user group before a full-scale deployment.

While October 2025 may seem far away, enterprise migrations, especially across multiple sites, can take months to plan and execute. Waiting until the last quarter could force rushed, costly decisions and increase the risk of downtime.

Don’t wait until the last minute to protect your business. If you have any questions or need new devices, get in touch.