The Clock’s Ticking: What Windows 10 End-of-Life Means for You
This week marks the end of an era, as in just a few days (the 14th of October), Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. After that date, no more security updates, no more feature fixes, no technical support.
What does that really mean? And crucially, what should you do now to protect your systems?
You should note that this isn’t a minor version change - and it's been a long time coming, as we said back in December last year. For many users and businesses, it marks a crossroads: migrate, extend, or accept increasing risk.
What “End of Life / End of Support” Actually Means
When a product reaches end of life (EoL), Microsoft stops providing essential updates:
No more security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
No feature updates or improvements beyond that point.
No technical support means headaches if something breaks.
Software and hardware compatibility may gradually degrade: new apps or drivers might not support legacy OS versions.
Now, don't panic: your PC won’t stop working overnight. It continues to operate, but as the months pass without patches, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to attacks, exploits, and compatibility issues; we recommend upgrading as soon as possible.
Options Moving Forward
Faced with tech going End of Life, you essentially have three paths, each with its own respective pros, cons, and trade-offs.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (if hardware/budget allows)
This is likely the smoothest long-term path for many users, as Windows 11 introduces enhanced security features and more modern architecture. Some machines can update to it with just a short download (if you're a Fifosys customer, use this link to learn more about updating your machine to Windows 11).
Things to check first:
Does your hardware meet the minimum specs (CPU generation, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, etc.)?
Are your critical apps compatible with Windows 11?
Can you migrate settings, drivers, and data smoothly?
If your current hardware doesn't support Windows 11, new devices now come with Windows 11 pre-installed. Upgrading sooner helps you stay aligned with current hardware standards and avoids a last-minute scramble later.
2. Enrol in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10
If upgrading isn't feasible right now, that's not a disaster. Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that lets Windows 10 systems receive critical security patches for an additional year, even after the October 2025 cut-off.
Key details about ESU:
It’s a paid program (for many users).
Only critical and important updates are covered (so, no feature updates or new capabilities).
Some paths to enrol may require a Microsoft account (i.e. local accounts may no longer qualify).
Eligibility is tied to running Windows 10 version 22H2 (the final feature update).
ESU is not a permanent fix; it’s a stopgap while you plan migration.
3. Switch to a different OS/replace hardware
If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11 or you want a fresh start:
Move to a new PC with Windows 11 built in.
Consider alternative operating systems. Some users look at Linux distributions or ChromeOS Flex (depending on your use case), or maybe it's time to branch into the world of Apple and their iOS?
Use the transition as an opportunity to modernise hardware, software, and security architecture.
What Happens If You Do Nothing
Sticking with Windows 10 beyond its support window is a gamble. Here’s what you may face:
Exposure to zero-day vulnerabilities and unpatched exploits.
Third-party software may drop support or compatibility.
Regulators, insurers, or auditors may view continued use of unsupported software as negligence.
Over time, instability, crashes, or performance degradation.
In a business context, this increases risk across the organisation, not just one PC.
Support for Some Microsoft Services Continues
A few services tied to or running on Windows 10 have extended lifespans:
Microsoft 365 Apps: Security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will continue through the 10th of October 2028.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Some reports suggest Defender on Windows 10 may still receive updates beyond EoL (depending on licensing), but relying solely on that is risky.
Edge / WebView2: Microsoft has committed to updating Edge and WebView2 on Windows 10 until at least October 2028.
Of course, these are helpful, but they don’t substitute for full OS patching.
A Few Things to Do Immediately
If you’ve not already got started, you may want to get moving sooner rather than later - but it can seem like a challenge to know where to begin. We’ve put together a list of things you can do to help:
Audit your installed systems
Identify which machines are running Windows 10, check their version (are they on 22H2?), and map out their roles (business critical? isolated? legacy apps?).
Check hardware compatibility
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or similar tools to test Windows 11 eligibility.
Plan your migration
Group machines by ease of upgrade: easy, moderate, or difficult. Start with the easier machines to get the ball rolling.
Enrol in ESU if needed
If some devices can’t be upgraded immediately, enrol them in ESU for that extra year of protection, but don’t treat it as a final solution.
Test backups and recovery
Ensure your data is backed up and recovery workflows are validated.
Communicate with users/teams
Let your staff or clients know the transition plan so there are no surprises when machines need updates or replacements.
Why It Matters (Beyond the Tech)
We often talk about cyber risks in terms of external threats, but sometimes risk comes from complacency and inertia. The EoL of Windows 10 is less about Microsoft letting go and more about the clock catching up to systems that haven’t evolved.
For businesses, this moment is a test of agility: how well can you adapt infrastructure, minimise disruption, and ensure your teams stay productive and secure?
If you wait too long, the cost of catching up in terms of time, data, or reputation can escalate rapidly.
Final Thought
The window is closing. The 14th of October is a fixed deadline, and it's here now. Whether you upgrade, enrol in ESU, or replace devices, the most important thing is to take action before that date.
At Fifosys, we help organisations assess their environment, plan smooth migrations, and mitigate the risks of legacy systems.