Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. If your business is still running it, those computers are now unsupported. That means no more security updates, no fixes and no technical support, and the risk grows with every month that passes. The good news is that moving to Windows 11 is straightforward once you have a plan, and it is not too late to do it properly.
To be clear, Windows 10 end of life means Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 in October 2025, so the operating system no longer receives security updates. Microsoft sets out the detail on its Windows end of support page.
This guide explains what Windows 10 end of life means now the date has passed, the real risks of staying on it, how to check whether your PCs can run Windows 11, and how to plan a smooth migration.
Has Windows 10 support ended?
Yes. Windows 10 reached end of life on 14 October 2025. Microsoft no longer issues the monthly security updates that patch newly discovered vulnerabilities. The machines still switch on and work, but they are no longer being protected, and attackers actively look for unsupported systems.
What Windows 10 end of life means for your business
End of life does not mean your computers stop working overnight. It means they have quietly become a growing risk. Here is what has changed:
- No more security updates. Any vulnerability found since October 2025 stays open on your machines.
- Compliance and insurance problems. Running an unsupported operating system can breach cyber insurance conditions and fail security standards such as Cyber Essentials.
- Software vendors dropping support. Applications, browsers and line of business tools are steadily withdrawing support for Windows 10.
- Slower, less reliable devices. Without updates, small issues accumulate and performance drifts.
Windows 11 hardware requirements: the checklist
The single most important question is which of your machines can take the free Windows 11 upgrade. A PC needs to meet all of the following:
- A supported 64-bit processor (roughly 8th generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer)
- 4GB of RAM or more
- 64GB of storage or more
- TPM 2.0 enabled
- Secure Boot capable and enabled
- A DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
Plenty of business machines from the last few years qualify, and sometimes the only blocker is TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot being switched off in the BIOS, which is a quick fix. Anything older than that will usually need replacing.
Your options now
1. Upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11 (free)
If a device meets the requirements above, the upgrade is free and keeps your data and settings in place. This is the best outcome for most machines.
2. Replace older hardware
Older PCs that cannot meet the requirements need replacing. This is a good moment to standardise your fleet, which makes support simpler and cheaper in the long run, and lets you spread the cost sensibly.
3. Extended Security Updates to cover the gap
If you have not migrated yet, Microsoft’s paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) can keep security patches coming for Windows 10 while you complete the move. ESU is priced per device and rises each year, so treat it as a short bridge, not a destination. It does not include feature updates or full support.
What happens if you do nothing?
Unsupported systems are one of the most common ways businesses get breached, because known vulnerabilities never get patched. Beyond the direct security risk, staying on Windows 10 can invalidate your cyber insurance, cost you Cyber Essentials certification that many contracts now require, and leave you unable to run newer software. The longer you wait, the more it costs and the more exposed you are.
How to plan your Windows 10 to 11 migration
- Audit your devices. List every PC, its age and whether it can run Windows 11.
- Group by action. Upgrade eligible machines, replace the rest, and use ESU as a short term bridge for anything not yet moved.
- Roll out in waves. Migrate in planned batches to avoid disruption, with data and settings carried across cleanly.
- Harden as you go. Use the move to tighten security baselines, backups and access control.
How ATS Connection can help
We manage Windows 10 to 11 migrations for businesses across West Sussex, end to end. We audit your estate, tell you honestly which machines to upgrade and which to replace, then handle the rollout in structured waves with no loss of data and minimal downtime. It is all part of our managed IT support, and we can tie it in with a wider security and setup review.
Still on Windows 10? Book a free IT review and we will assess your devices and give you a clear, costed plan to get secure again. Book your free IT assessment or call 01903 255 159.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows 10 still safe to use?
No, not for long. Support ended in October 2025, so it no longer receives security updates and becomes less safe every month. For any business handling client or financial data, staying on Windows 10 is a real risk.
Can my PC run Windows 11?
If it has a supported processor, 4GB or more of RAM, 64GB of storage and TPM 2.0 with Secure Boot, then yes, and the upgrade is free. We can check your whole fleet in minutes.
How much does it cost to upgrade to Windows 11?
The Windows 11 upgrade is free on eligible hardware. The only cost is replacing older machines that do not qualify. A device audit tells you exactly what you are looking at.
How much do Extended Security Updates cost?
ESU for Windows 10 is priced per device and increases each year, so it is designed as a short bridge rather than a long term option. For most businesses it is cheaper to plan a proper migration than to keep paying for ESU.
What is TPM 2.0 and does my computer have it?
TPM 2.0 is a security chip Windows 11 requires. Most business PCs made in the last few years have it, sometimes disabled in the BIOS. We can check and enable it as part of an upgrade.
It is already past the deadline. What should I do?
Migrate as a priority. If you cannot move every device at once, Extended Security Updates can keep you patched while you complete the rollout, so you are not left exposed.