• With Windows 10 support ending in 2025, companies must pay or upgrade.
• Small businesses risk more by skipping updates.

With Windows 10 support ending soon, many companies face a tough call: spend big to upgrade their computers to Windows 11 or pay for extra support to keep using Windows 10 for a few more years. Neither option comes cheap.

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop offering free security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10. The system will still run, but it will no longer be protected against new threats. On its website, Microsoft recommends upgrading, saying Windows 11 offers a “modern and efficient experience” that meets today’s security needs.

Still, half of all PCs worldwide are running Windows 10, according to Dell and HP. The shift to Windows 11 has been slow, especially among consumers and smaller businesses that often rely on older machines.

A costly delay

For individual users, there’s a small relief. Microsoft says those who aren’t ready to switch can get free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for one year, as long as they’re using Windows 10 version 22H2. That gives some breathing room to people whose devices can’t handle Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements.

Businesses, however, will have to pay to stay secure. The ESU program costs $61 per device for the first year, doubles to $122 the next year, and rises again to $244 in the third. Companies that skip these updates risk running systems vulnerable to cyberattacks.

“As millions remain on Windows 10 with the end of free security updates days away, organisations face a critical inflection point,” said Tim Pfaelzer, SVP and GM for EMEA at Veeam. “Resilience starts with proactive protection. Deploying the latest software updates is the frontline defence against vulnerabilities. We encourage all organisations not to leave themselves exposed—prioritise updates and build cyber resilience.”

Small businesses feel the strain

Outdated systems are especially challenging for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). A recent ASUS survey found that more than a third of SMB owners struggle to keep their devices updated. With Windows 10 nearing its end, many of their computers won’t qualify for Windows 11, leaving them with limited choices.

“In today’s threat landscape, modern protection starts with both modern systems and hardware,” said Benjamin Yeh, President of ASUS Computer International. “For small businesses, that means staying current. The end of Windows 10 will soon leave many exposed to vulnerabilities and operational disruption.”

The ASUS survey, which gathered input from over 100 SMB leaders in the US, showed a large gap between what business owners know and what they actually do. While 9 in 10 agreed that IT is more critical today than ten years ago, only 35% said they actively update their systems. The rest either delay, skip, or inconsistently apply updates—often because they lack a dedicated IT team.

The real risk of falling behind

This gap between awareness and action leaves many businesses open to trouble. Without regular patches, companies face higher risks of malware infections, data breaches, and compliance failures. Even simple performance issues can add up over time.

For many smaller firms, the challenge isn’t technical—it’s operational. About 64% of SMB leaders said that without an IT team, system updates often get overlooked. With limited staff and tight budgets, keeping every machine secure can quickly fall off the radar.

Choosing to stay on Windows 10 after support ends means no more security updates or feature improvements. Hackers often target older systems with known weaknesses, turning outdated software into an easy entry point for attacks.

Why some businesses still can’t upgrade

Large organisations face their own hurdles. Many use specialised software or equipment that only works on older systems, making upgrades complicated and expensive. Others are held back by tight budgets or hardware that doesn’t meet Windows 11’s strict requirements.

Windows 11 requires features like UEFI firmware, Secure Boot, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. Many older PCs don’t have these, which means even if users want to upgrade, they often can’t. Some workarounds exist, but Microsoft doesn’t officially support them.

What users can do

With the October 14 deadline approaching, Microsoft has confirmed that users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will receive free security updates for another year. In the US and other regions, users will need to sign up for the ESU program to stay protected.

The ESU program delivers critical security patches but doesn’t include new features, bug fixes, or customer support. Microsoft originally planned to charge $30 for all users to join but later added two free options.

Windows 10 users can extend their coverage by:

• Redeeming 1,000 points through Microsoft Rewards (earned from using Microsoft services).
• Syncing their Windows Backup with OneDrive—though extra storage may cost more.
• Or paying $30 for one year of protection.

Enrollment will be available for anyone running Windows 10 version 22H2 through system notifications or the Settings menu after October 14, 2025. However, unprotected systems will remain exposed until they’re registered, and support will end by October 13, 2026.

The bottom line

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about features—it’s about staying safe. While Microsoft 365 apps will continue working on Windows 10 for three more years, users will only get security updates, not new tools or performance improvements.

For businesses and individuals alike, the decision comes down to cost, compatibility, and risk. Whether through upgrading or extending support, doing nothing isn’t an option. Outdated systems may keep running, but in today’s threat-heavy environment, they won’t stay safe for long.

Want to experience the full spectrum of enterprise technology innovation? Join TechEx in Amsterdam, California, and London. Covering AI, Big Data, Cyber Security, IoT, Digital Transformation, Intelligent Automation, Edge Computing, and Data Centres, TechEx brings together global leaders to share real-world use cases and in-depth insights. Click here for more information.

TechHQ is powered by TechForge Media. Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars here.