December 11, 2025

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10.

If your business is still running Windows 10, your computers may appear to be working normally but behind the scenes, they are now operating without security updates, patches, or vendor support.

For small businesses, this isn’t just a technical milestone. It’s a risk and planning issue that needs to be addressed promptly and intentionally.

 

What Changed After Windows 10 Ended

Since the end-of-support date has passed, Windows 10 systems are now:

  • No longer receiving security updates
  • Increasingly vulnerable to new threats
  • More likely to fall out of compliance with cyber insurance and regulatory requirements
  • Unsupported by many software vendors moving forward

This doesn’t mean immediate failure, but it does mean your risk increases every day those systems remain in use.

 

Why This Is Especially Challenging for Small Businesses

One of the biggest surprises we’re seeing is that many Windows 10 computers cannot upgrade to Windows 11.

Even systems that are only a few years old may be blocked due to:

  • Unsupported CPUs
  • TPM 2.0 issues
  • Legacy BIOS configurations
  • Hardware performance limitations

Businesses that delayed planning are now discovering they need hardware replacements, OS upgrades, and security adjustments at the same time, often without a roadmap.

 

If You’re Still Running Windows 10, Here’s What to Do

If your business still has Windows 10 systems in production, the goal now is risk reduction and structured remediation, not panic.

Here’s where to start:

1. Identify All Remaining Windows 10 Systems

Know exactly where unsupported systems exist, including rarely used workstations and specialty devices.

2. Prioritize by Risk

Not all machines carry the same exposure. Systems that handle email, accounting, client data, or remote access should be addressed first.

3. Confirm Upgrade Eligibility

Some machines may still be eligible for Windows 11 with proper configuration. Others will require replacement.

4. Implement Compensating Security Controls

Until systems are replaced, additional protections may be needed to reduce exposure.

5. Build a Short-Term Transition Plan

This is no longer a “someday” project. The plan should focus on the next 30–90 days.

 

Common Mistakes We’re Seeing

After the EOL, many businesses are unintentionally increasing risk by:

  • Continuing daily use of unsupported systems
  • Assuming antivirus alone is sufficient protection
  • Delaying decisions due to budget uncertainty
  • Rushing purchases without long-term planning
  • Assuming the Extended Security Updates (ESU) are enough

The goal isn’t to replace everything overnight, it’s to move forward deliberately and defensibly.

 

Why ESUs Aren't Enough.

Several Businesses have asked us if Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates, why can't they stay on Windows 10 for a few more years?  Here are the facts:

  • ESUs are only Security Updates, they do not address bug fixes, compatibility, or performance issues.
  • As other software providers update their platforms, Windows 10 will become increasingly incompatible.
  • ESUs are offered on a per-device / per-year basis and the free version is not available to businesses, it must be purchased.

ESUs can be a great way to stay secure in the very short term, but they do cost money, and aren't a long term solution.

 

How Simplicity Helps

At Simplicity, we help small businesses navigate situations like this without disruption or fear-based selling.

We assist with:

  • Identifying and prioritizing Windows 10 exposure
  • Evaluating upgrade vs. replacement options
  • Implementing short-term risk mitigation
  • Executing a clean, secure transition to supported systems

Our focus is always on business continuity, security, and clear communication.

 

The Bottom Line

Windows 10 is officially behind us.

If your business is still running it, the most important thing you can do now is take control of the situation instead of ignoring it.

With the right plan, this transition doesn’t have to be painful, and it can significantly improve your security posture going forward.

If you’d like help assessing your current environment and next steps:

Schedule your Discovery Call here