Windows 10 has officially reached its end-of-support date, which means Microsoft will no longer offer free security updates or technical help for devices running this operating system. For businesses that still rely on Windows 10, there’s an option to pay for extra security support through Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This program costs $61 per device in the first year and will be available for three years, with the price doubling each year to reach $244 in the final year.

Without this paid support, companies face risks like cyberattacks and data breaches. As security vulnerabilities are discovered but not patched, systems become more vulnerable. Microsoft had urged users to upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to Windows 365 cloud PCs before the October 14 deadline. However, many businesses have been hesitant, mainly because of stricter hardware requirements for Windows 11, tighter budgets, and a perception that the upgrade isn’t worth it.

The Rise of Windows 11 and Its Impact on Businesses

Despite the slow start, the number of companies adopting Windows 11 has increased significantly. Recently, Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 in global enterprise use, now making up about 60% of deployments. This shift was confirmed by data from asset management software provider Lansweeper, which analyzed 8 million Windows devices last month. The move to Windows 11 is also boosting PC sales, as companies upgrade their hardware to meet the new system’s requirements.

Last week, research firm IDC reported a 9.4% year-over-year increase in PC sales during the third quarter of 2025. Another research company, Omdia, estimated a smaller growth rate of 6.8%, but both agree that Windows 11 adoption will continue to push PC sales into 2026. This trend shows that businesses are increasingly seeing the benefits of upgrading, despite initial hesitations.

Why Many Businesses Are Still Holding Back on the Upgrade

Even with the push from Microsoft and its partners, many companies are still in the middle of their upgrade journey. According to a survey of 453 PC channel partners by Omdia, around 39% said most of their business customers’ Windows 10 PCs have already been refreshed or upgraded. But a significant portion—about 18%—plan to keep using Windows 10 past the support deadline, likely relying on the paid ESU support to stay protected.

Many small and mid-sized businesses are still weighing their options, often due to budget constraints or the hassle of upgrading older hardware. Others don’t see enough immediate benefit from moving to Windows 11, especially if their current systems are still functioning well. Still, with the end of support now in effect, it’s clear that more companies will need to make a decision soon to avoid security risks and stay current with technology standards.

In short, Windows 10’s support has ended, but options remain for those who wish to continue receiving security patches. The shift to Windows 11 is gaining momentum, and businesses that act quickly can avoid vulnerabilities while benefiting from the latest features. However, many are still in the process of upgrading, highlighting the ongoing transition in the PC world.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4072271/its-here-windows-10s-end-of-support-deadline-arrives.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• lansweeper.com
• informa.com
• asbpe.org
• eddie-ozzie.com