Windows 10
Still on Windows 10? Here are your options.
Microsoft stopped releasing security fixes for Windows 10 in October 2025. The computers still turn on, which is exactly why it’s easy to ignore. Here’s what it means for your business, and what to do about each machine.
The hard part
Why it’s easy to put off
Nothing breaks the day support ends. It just stops getting safer.
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What it costs you
Every month without security fixes adds known, published weaknesses that attackers can use.
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What it feels like
The computers work fine, so replacing them feels like spending money on nothing.
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Why it shouldn’t be this way
Replacing computers should be planned a year ahead, not forced by a deadline.
Your options
Three ways forward, machine by machine
Most businesses end up using more than one of these, depending on the age of each computer.
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Upgrade to Windows 11
Free, if the computer’s hardware meets Microsoft’s requirements. Your files and apps stay.
Best for Computers bought in roughly the last five years.
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Replace the computer
A new machine with Windows 11, set up and moved over for the person who uses it.
Best for Older computers that don’t qualify, or are due anyway.
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Buy Extended Security Updates
Security fixes for up to three more years, bought per device, per year. A bridge, not a plan.
Best for A machine running software that won’t work on Windows 11 yet.
The bridge
What Extended Security Updates cost
Microsoft sells Extended Security Updates to businesses for up to three years after support ended. The first year is $61 per device, and the price doubles each year after that. The years are cumulative: if you start in Year 2, you pay for Year 1 too. Windows 10 running on Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop gets these updates at no extra cost.
The updates cover security fixes only. No new features, and no general support.
What to do
How to sort your computers
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List every Windows computer.
Include the one in the back office and the laptop someone takes home. Note who uses it and what it’s for.
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Check which ones can run Windows 11.
Windows’ own compatibility check will tell you, one machine at a time.
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Decide upgrade, replace or bridge for each.
Upgrade what qualifies. Replace what doesn’t. Buy Extended Security Updates only for the machines that truly need more time.
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Put the replacements in the budget.
Spread them over the year instead of buying everything at once.
Who we are
How we handle it
We inventory every machine, sort each one into upgrade, replace or bridge, and handle the moves so people keep working. On Fully Managed, hardware replacement is part of the yearly plan and budget, so the next deadline isn’t a surprise.
Every machine listed
Nothing gets missed, including the one in the back office.
Upgrades done for you
Files and apps carried over, tested before the person logs in.
Bridge only when needed
Extended Security Updates for the machines that truly need them.
Planned a year out
Replacements forecast and budgeted, not forced.
Where to start
Where to start
The choice is yours.
- Want every machine sorted for you? Book my free IT risk review →
- A team of 15 to 70 who want IT fully handled. Our Fully Managed IT Support Program →
- A small team, mostly in the cloud. IT Essentials →
What success looks like
No machine left behind.
And no deadline surprises.
- Every computer is on a supported version of Windows.
- You know which ones are due next year.
- Replacements are in the budget before they’re needed.
Questions about Windows 10
Can we keep using Windows 10?
It still runs, but it no longer gets security fixes. The longer it stays in use, the more known weaknesses it carries.
Will our computers run Windows 11?
Many bought in the last several years will. Windows’ compatibility check tells you for each machine.
Are Extended Security Updates worth buying?
For a few machines that need more time, yes. As a plan for the whole office, no: the price doubles every year.
What if some software only runs on Windows 10?
Ask the vendor about a Windows 11 version first. If there isn’t one, Extended Security Updates buy time while you plan the move.
What about cloud PCs?
Windows 10 running on Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop gets the security updates at no extra cost. It can be a useful bridge in specific cases.
Can you do the upgrades for us?
Yes. We sort every machine, do the upgrades and replacements, and carry each person’s files and apps over.
Not sure where your computers stand?
Book a free IT risk review and we’ll list every machine and what it needs. Or start with a few questions about your tech.