---
title: Windows 10 Support Is Ending Soon — Here’s What Businesses Need to Know
description: The most immediate concern is CyberSecurity. Once every Windows10 machine stops receiving updates, they will become more attractive to cybercriminals.
image: https://www.rtgroup.ca/hubfs/USSep25%20-%20Blog%20image%205.jpg
---

 4 min read

# Windows 10 Support Is Ending Soon — Here’s What Businesses Need to Know

[![Picture of Ian Robertson](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/31199932e2b24fb8d1cad886ea5828c8) Ian Robertson ](https://www.rtgroup.ca/blog/author/ian) :  Sep 30, 2025

[Cybersecurity](https://www.rtgroup.ca/blog/tag/cybersecurity) [Microsoft](https://www.rtgroup.ca/blog/tag/microsoft) [Windows10](https://www.rtgroup.ca/blog/tag/windows10)

![](https://www.rtgroup.ca/hubfs/USSep25%20-%20Blog%20image%205.jpg)

When people think about threats to their business operations, they often imagine dramatic events — floods, fires, or extended power outages. But sometimes the biggest risks don’t come from natural disasters. They come from decisions about the technology your business uses every day.

One of those decisions is **whether to keep using an older operating system once it stops receiving updates**.

That’s exactly where many businesses are right now with **Windows10**. In just over two weeks, **Microsoft** will officially end free support for this operating system. This “end of life” stage has serious implications for **CyberSecurity**, business continuity, and long-term planning.

This guide will walk you through what this means, why it matters, and the steps you should take now to protect your business.

 

**What “End of Life” Means for Windows10**

When software reaches “end of life,” the company that makes it stops providing free updates, bug fixes, and technical support. For **Windows10**, **Microsoft** has announced that free support will officially end on **October 14, 2025**.

After that date:

• **No more security updates** — new vulnerabilities will not be patched.

• **No bug fixes** — any existing issues will remain unresolved.

• **No official help from Microsoft** — even if something critical breaks.

Your devices will still work, but they will slowly become less secure, less stable, and potentially incompatible with newer applications and tools.

 

**Why This Puts Your Business at Risk**

The most immediate concern is **CyberSecurity**. Once **Windows10** stops receiving updates, every machine running it will become a more attractive target for cybercriminals.

Here’s why:

• **Known vulnerabilities stay open** — Attackers actively monitor end-of-life announcements and create tools to exploit older systems.

• **Malware risk increases** — Without regular patches, ransomware, viruses, and spyware have more opportunities to take hold.

• **Compliance problems** — Depending on your industry, running unsupported systems could mean failing to meet legal or regulatory security requirements.

• **Network-wide exposure** — Even if only one computer is affected, it can be used as a gateway to attack other systems on your network.

It’s a lot like leaving your office unlocked overnight — except in this case, the “door” is digital, and the break-in could happen from anywhere in the world.0

**The Extended Security Updates Option — A Short-Term Fix**

Some businesses may try to buy themselves more time with **Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESUs)** program. This paid service offers security patches for a limited period after official support ends.

However, there are important limitations to understand:

• **Cost increases every year** — The longer you delay upgrading, the more expensive ESUs become.

• **No new features or improvements** — ESUs only cover security fixes; performance and compatibility issues remain.

• **Short-term solution** — ESUs are not a permanent option. Once they end, you must still upgrade.

For most businesses, ESUs are best treated as a **temporary measure**, not a strategy for the next five years.

 

**Why Windows 11 Is the Recommended Upgrade Path**

Upgrading from **Windows10** to **Windows 11** is the logical next step for most businesses.

**Microsoft** designed **Windows 11** to be more secure and better suited to modern business operations. Key advantages include:

1. **Stronger CyberSecurity features**

• Built-in hardware-based security (such as TPM 2.0) to better defend against malware.

• Enhanced ransomware protection and phishing detection.

2. **Improved productivity tools**

• Better integration with Microsoft Teams and other collaboration tools.

• Enhanced multitasking features like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops.

3. **Longer support cycle**

• Ongoing updates and feature improvements for years to come, keeping your systems secure and current.

**Potential Roadblocks to Upgrading**

While the benefits are clear, upgrading isn’t always as simple as running an installer. **Windows 11** has stricter hardware requirements than **Windows10**, which means:

• **Older devices may not qualify** — Systems without TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or certain processors cannot upgrade directly.

• **Performance concerns** — Even if a device meets the minimum requirements, it might not perform well on Windows 11 if it’s several years old.

• **Application compatibility** — Some older software may need updates or replacements to work properly on the new OS.

Because of these factors, planning your transition in advance is critical.

 

**Steps to Prepare for the Windows10 End-of-Life**

If your business is still using **Windows10**, you should begin the upgrade process immediately. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

**1. Inventory Your Devices**

• Identify every device running Windows10 in your organisation.

• Note the hardware specifications and current software installed.

**2. Check Windows 11 Compatibility**

• Use Microsoft’s “PC Health Check” tool or similar utilities to see if each device can run Windows 11.

• Group devices into: **Ready to Upgrade**, **Needs Upgrade**, or **Replacement Required**.

**3. Review Your Software**

• Check whether your key business applications are fully compatible with Windows 11.

• Contact software vendors if you are unsure.

**4. Create a Migration Plan**

• Decide which devices will be upgraded, which will be replaced, and in what order.

• Factor in downtime, data backup, and staff training.

**5. Back Up Your Data**

• Use secure, verified backup methods before making any system changes.

• Consider an **immutable backup** solution to protect against ransomware.

**6. Implement in Stages**

• If possible, upgrade in phases to minimise disruption.

• Start with non-critical devices to test the process.

 

**CyberSecurity Considerations During the Transition**

The period between now and the end of **Windows10** support is particularly risky. Cybercriminals often ramp up their attacks as software nears end-of-life.

 

Here’s how to strengthen your **CyberSecurity** posture during the changeover:

• **Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)** on all accounts.

• **Apply all pending Windows10 updates** before support ends.

• **Update third-party software** to reduce vulnerabilities.

• **Educate employees** about phishing scams and suspicious downloads.

• **Monitor network traffic** for unusual activity.

By combining good planning with stronger CyberSecurity practices, you reduce the risk of an incident while your systems are in transition.

 

**Why Waiting Could Cost More in the Long Run**

Delaying your upgrade can lead to several hidden costs:

• **Ransomware recovery expenses** — Paying a ransom, restoring backups, and dealing with downtime.

• **Lost productivity** — Outdated systems are slower and more prone to crashing.

• **Replacement in a rush** — Emergency hardware purchases often cost more and leave less time for proper setup.

• **Reputation damage** — A breach involving outdated systems can undermine client trust.

Planning now avoids both financial and operational stress later.

 

**Practical Tips for a Smooth Upgrade**

If you’re preparing to move from **Windows10** to Windows 11:

• **Test critical workflows** on a pilot machine before upgrading the whole company.

• **Consider hardware leases** if budget is tight — spreads out the cost of new equipment.

• **Train staff** on Windows 11 features to speed adoption.

• **Use managed IT services** to coordinate upgrades with minimal downtime.

 

**The Bottom Line**

The end of free support for **Windows10** is more than just a technical deadline — it’s a major **CyberSecurity** milestone. Continuing to run an unsupported operating system exposes your business to preventable risks.

Whether you choose to upgrade to **Windows 11** right away or use **Microsoft’s** Extended Security Updates for a short time, the key is to **act before the deadline**. Waiting until after support ends will leave your systems vulnerable and make the upgrade process more urgent — and likely more expensive.

**  
About Robertson Technology Group**

Robertson Technology Group, based in Victoria, BC, provides **managed technology security and support solutions** to small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. We take the burden of technology management off your shoulders, ensuring your systems are secure, reliable, and tailored to your needs.

Our local, client-focused approach means we work with your business, not against it — creating solutions that fit your workflow instead of forcing you to adapt to ours. With a flexible technology stack, we select the right combination of tools to maximise performance and **CyberSecurity**. Our pricing is customised for each client, and our personalised support ensures you’re never treated as just a number. We’re also exploring AI-driven risk analysis to strengthen security strategies for the future.

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![Clicky](https://in.getclicky.com/100677339ns.gif)

![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=857570467614759&ev=PageView&noscript=1)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Ian Robertson",
    "url" : "https://www.rtgroup.ca/blog/author/ian"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-09-30T16:30:00.812Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-09-30T16:30:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Windows 10 Support Is Ending Soon — Here’s What Businesses Need to Know",
  "image" : [ "https://www.rtgroup.ca/hubfs/USSep25%20-%20Blog%20image%205.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.rtgroup.ca/blog/windows-10-support-is-ending-soon-heres-what-businesses-need-to-know",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.rtgroup.ca/hubfs/Logo.svg"
    },
    "name" : "Robertson Technology Group Ltd."
  }
}
```