Are you still using Windows 10 because it’s “working fine for now”?
You’re definitely not alone.
And honestly, if you’ve enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, it probably does feel fine. Your PCs still run normally. Security updates are still arriving. Nothing appears broken.
That’s exactly why so many people are delaying the move.
But ESU was never designed to be a permanent solution.
Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 in October 2025, and the ESU program was introduced as a temporary extension for businesses and users who needed extra time to transition.
That extension runs out in October 2026.
After that, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security patches or protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
No updates. No fixes. No fallback option.
What’s surprising is how many users are still comfortable staying where they are.
Recent reports continue to show millions of devices running Windows 10 worldwide, even with the support deadlines already in place.
While much of that data focuses on consumers, businesses are often taking the same approach. If the systems still work and updates are still coming through, upgrading can feel easy to postpone.
And Microsoft hasn’t exactly made the urgency obvious.
The same notifications warning about the end of support also provide a straightforward path to enroll in ESU. A few clicks later, the warnings disappear and everything carries on as normal.
But the underlying problem hasn’t actually gone away.
Extended Security Updates simply delay the deadline. Once October 2026 arrives, continuing to run Windows 10 means operating with known security weaknesses and no future protection against emerging threats.
For businesses, that creates more than an IT issue. It becomes a serious business cybersecurity risk.
Cybersecurity insurers, compliance standards, and even customer or supplier requirements increasingly expect organizations to be using supported operating systems.
At that point, businesses are left with two realistic choices: move to Windows 11 or replace unsupported hardware.
And this is where preparation becomes important.
Some older devices won’t meet Windows 11 requirements at all. Others may technically support the upgrade but still need performance testing, BIOS changes, or hardware adjustments before deployment.
Waiting until the final months often results in rushed decisions, unexpected expenses, and disruption for staff.
If your business is relying on ESU today, it should be part of a structured transition plan rather than a long-term strategy.
Because once extended support ends, Windows 10 effectively reaches the end of the road.
If you’re unsure whether your existing devices are compatible with Windows 11 or whether you may need to budget for replacement hardware, now is the right time to review your IT infrastructure and plan ahead properly.
My team and I can help you evaluate your current setup and map out the next steps. Get in touch.
