Windows 10 end of support: What does it mean for your business?

Microsoft Windows remains the backbone of operations for a vast number of businesses globally, including a significant portion right here in Australia. Indeed, its user-friendly nature and broad compatibility have cemented its position as a leading operating system for professional environments.Currently, looking at the latest data from StatCounter Global Stats for March 2025, Windows holds a dominant share of the desktop OS market.Specifically, within the Windows ecosystem, Windows 10 continues to be a widely used version.As of March 2025, 54.22% of desktop Windows users worldwide are still operating on Windows 10. This clearly indicates, that a large segment of the Australian business community is deeply familiar with and reliant on this particular operating system.

Therefore, the upcoming end of support is a critical concern for these businesses, extending beyond mere adjustments to a new interface.  To be precise, the official end-of-life date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, a deadline that necessitates careful planning and timely action.Consequently, this article is specifically crafted to guide Australian small and medium-sized businesses through this transition. For instance, we will explain what happens when support ends, how to make sure your business keeps running smoothly, and what choices you have as you plan for the future. Ultimately, our main goal is to give you clear and simple information so you can make the right decisions for your business.

Source: StatCounter Global Stats – Windows Version Market Share

What does end of support for windows 10 mean?

So, what exactly happens when Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows 10 support come October 14, 2025? Essentially, it boils down to the cessation of several critical services that keep your operating system secure and running smoothly. Let’s break it down:

No More Security Updates: The Biggest Risk

First and foremost, and arguably the most critical aspect, is the end of security updates.

• Without these updates, your Windows 10 systems will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. For example, new forms of malware, such as ransomware that locks your files, are constantly emerging.
• Furthermore, security updates patch newly discovered weaknesses in the operating system that cybercriminals can exploit. Therefore, without these patches, your business becomes an easier target for data breaches  and cyberattacks.
• Indeed, it’s crucial to realise that even the everyday business tools you rely on, like Microsoft Teams, Outlook, or OneDrive, can be compromised if the underlying operating system has security flaws that are no longer being addressed.

No More Feature Updates: Stagnant Technology

Secondly, Windows 10 will no longer receive feature updates.

• This means, your operating system will remain in its current state after the end-of-support date.
• Consequently, you won’t benefit from any new features, performance enhancements, or improvements that Microsoft introduces in future Windows versions.
• Over time, this lack of progress could put your business at a disadvantage compared to competitors utilising more up-to-date technology.

No More Bug Fixes: Potential Instability

Thirdly, Microsoft will stop providing bug fixes for Windows 10.

• Therefore, any new issues, glitches, or compatibility problems that arise after October 2025 will likely not be resolved by Microsoft.
• As a result, your systems could become less stable, leading to operational disruptions, lost productivity, and potential data corruption.

No More Technical Support: Going It Alone

Finally, technical support from Microsoft for Windows 10 will cease.

• This implies, if you encounter any technical difficulties with your Windows 10 systems after the deadline, Microsoft will no longer offer assistance.
• Consequently, your business will need to depend on its own IT capabilities or seek help from external IT support providers, potentially increasing your IT costs.

A Simple Analogy

To put it simply, imagine a car manufacturer ceasing all safety recalls, part production, and service recommendations for an older car model. In the same way, your Windows 10 systems will become increasingly risky and challenging to maintain securely and efficiently without ongoing support from Microsoft.

Implications for Australian Businesses

Specifically for Australian businesses, running an unsupported operating system can have serious consequences.

• For example, compliance with regulations like the Privacy Act and industry-specific cybersecurity frameworks often mandates the use of secure and up-to-date systems.
• Therefore, continuing to operate on an unpatched Windows 10 after the end of support could lead to non-compliance, resulting in legal penalties, financial fines, and damage to your business’s reputation and customer trust.

Can You still use Windows 10 after 2025?

So, the straightforward answer to this question is: yes, your computers running. Windows 10 will likely continue to turn on and function after October 14, 2025. However, while your systems might still boot up, continuing to use Windows 10 beyond the end-of-support date comes with significant and growing risks that Australian businesses simply cannot afford to ignore.

Significant and Growing Risks of Continuing with Windows 10

Indeed, while the familiar interface might be tempting to stick with, the lack of ongoing support opens your business up to a range of serious problems:

Increased Cybersecurity Risks

Without regular security updates, your Windows 10 systems become sitting ducks for cyberattacks. Specifically, as new vulnerabilities are discovered by cybercriminals after the end-of-life date, Microsoft will not release patches to fix them. Consequently, your systems will become increasingly exposed and an easy target for malware, ransomware, and other malicious threats. Furthermore, a single compromised device can act as a backdoor, allowing cybercriminals to gain access to your entire IT infrastructure, potentially leading to data theft, financial losses, and significant business disruption.  

Compliance Issues

Moreover, for many Australian businesses, adhering to industry standards and regulations is paramount. For example, data protection laws like the Privacy Act and cybersecurity frameworks such as the Essential Eight (https://netcomp.com.au/cybersecurity/essential-eight/) often require businesses to maintain secure and up-to-date systems. Therefore, operating on an unsupported operating system like Windows 10 can lead to non-compliance. As a result, your business could face hefty fines, legal challenges, and even the loss of business opportunities as clients become hesitant to work with partners using outdated and insecure technology.  

Software and Hardware Incompatibility

Additionally, the technology landscape is constantly evolving. Consequently, new software and hardware being developed after October 2025 might not be designed to be fully compatible with an outdated operating system like Windows 10. This could lead to limitations in accessing the latest productivity tools, operational disruptions due to incompatibility issues, and reduced overall efficiency.

Reduced Performance and Reliability

Over time, systems that do not receive regular updates can experience a gradual decline in performance and reliability. For instance, a lack of optimisation updates and potential conflicts with newer software can cause your Windows 10 computers to become slower and more prone to crashes. This, in turn, can significantly impact your team’s productivity and potentially lead to frustrating data loss.  

Lack of Technical Support

Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, Microsoft will no longer provide any technical support for Windows 10 after the deadline. This means, if you encounter any technical issues, you’ll be on your own or reliant on potentially costly external IT support (https://netcomp.com.au/) that may not have specific expertise in dealing with an unsupported operating system. Therefore, resolving even minor problems could become more time-consuming and expensive.

Increased IT Costs in the Long Run

Ultimately, clinging to an outdated operating system in an attempt to save money can actually lead to higher IT costs in the long run. For example, you might face increased expenses dealing with security incidents, troubleshooting compatibility issues, and potentially needing to upgrade your entire IT infrastructure at once when the risks become too great. Moreover, it’s worth noting that some cyber insurance providers (https://netcomp.com.au/) may even deny claims if a security breach occurs due to the use of an unsupported operating system with known vulnerabilities.  

Extended Security Updates (ESU): A Temporary Option?

However, for some businesses facing immediate challenges in upgrading, Microsoft offers a program called Extended Security Updates (ESU). Essentially, this is a paid program that provides critical and important security updates for Windows 10 for a limited period, up to three years after the end-of-support date.

1. ESU is Not a Free Service

Firstly, ESU is not a free service. Instead, it requires an annual subscription for each device you wish to cover.

2.Cost Implications of ESU

Secondly, concerning the cost, the pricing starts at approximately $61 USD per device for the first year. Significantly, this cost then doubles each subsequent year (around $122 USD in the second year and $244 USD in the third year). Therefore, over the full three-year period, the total cost can reach approximately $427 USD per device, which can quickly become very expensive, especially for businesses with a significant number of workstations.  

3.Limitations of ESU

Thirdly, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of ESU. While it provides security updates, it does not include any new features, functionality improvements, or technical support. Furthermore, general support for Windows versions past their end-of-support date is not provided, and even technical support for the ESU program itself may require a separate active support plan.

4.ESU as a Short-Term Solution for Australian Small Businesses

Therefore, for most small businesses in Australia, ESU should not be seen as a long-term or cost-effective solution. Instead, it’s best considered a temporary bridge to provide a bit more time for planning and executing a full upgrade to a supported operating system. Indeed, it merely delays the inevitable upgrade and does not address the underlying issues of compatibility, performance, or lack of new features.

5.ESU and Cloud-Based Virtual Machines

Interestingly, Windows 10 virtual machines running within services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop might have different ESU cost implications, often being included at no additional cost with an active subscription. Therefore, if your business uses these cloud-based solutions, it’s worth investigating the specific ESU terms.

6.Operating System Version Requirement for ESU

Moewover, to be eligible for ESU, your Windows 10 devices must be running the latest supported version, which is currently version 22H2.

7.Cumulative Nature of ESU Costs

Finally, it’s important to note that ESU is cumulative. This means, if you decide to purchase ESU in the second year, you will also have to pay for the first year.

Planning Your Next Steps: Upgrade to Windows 11

Given the significant risks associated with continuing to use Windows 10 after the end-of-support date, the most secure and future-proof solution for Australian small businesses is a strategic upgrade to Windows 11. Indeed, this modern operating system offers a range of benefits specifically designed for today’s business environment.

The Compelling Benefits of Upgrading to Windows 11

1.Enhanced security

Firstly, enhanced security is a cornerstone of Windows 11.

• For example, it incorporates advanced security features like hardware-based isolation, which creates a secure environment to protect sensitive data.
• Furthermore, the Secure Boot feature helps prevent malicious software from loading during startup.
• Crucially, Windows 11 often requires the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, a security chip that provides hardware-level protection against tampering.
• Moreover, it includes built-in AI-powered security tools like Smart App Control, which helps prevent the installation and running of potentially unsafe applications.

2.Improved performance and productivity

Secondly, improved performance and productivity are key advantages of Windows 11.

• Specifically, it features a more efficient system architecture, leading to faster boot times and improved overall responsiveness.
• Additionally, enhanced multitasking features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups allow your employees to organise their windows more effectively, boosting productivity.

3. Modern and user-friendly interface

Thirdly, Windows 11 boasts a modern and user-friendly interface.

• For instance, the updated design with a centered Start menu and rounded corners offers a fresh and intuitive user experience.
• Consequently, this can potentially improve employee satisfaction and even lead to increased productivity as the system feels more streamlined and easier to navigate.

4. Compatibility with the latest software

Fourthly, upgrading to Windows 11 ensures compatibility with the latest software and hardware.

• Therefore, your business can confidently adopt new technologies and applications without worrying about operating system limitations.

5. Ongoing support and updates from Microsoft

Fifthly, unlike Windows 10 after its end of support, Windows 11 will continue to receive ongoing support and updates from Microsoft.

• This guarantees that your systems will benefit from the latest security patches, feature enhancements, and technical assistance, keeping your business secure and up-to-date.

6. Integration with Microsoft 365

Sixthly, for businesses heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, integration with Microsoft 365 is a significant factor.

• Importantly, Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be fully supported on Windows 10 after the end-of-support date.
• Therefore, upgrading to Windows 11 is essential to ensure continued optimal performance and access to all the features of your Microsoft 365 subscription.

7. Future-proofing IT infrastructure

Seventhly, by upgrading to Windows 11, your business is future-proofing its IT infrastructure.

• Indeed, Windows 11 is designed to support emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.
• Thus, making the move now prepares your business to leverage these advancements in the future.

8. Improved collaboration features

Finally, Windows 11 offers improved collaboration features.

• For example, the integrated Microsoft Teams on the taskbar and enhanced video conferencing capabilities facilitate better communication and teamwork, especially in today’s increasingly hybrid work environments.

Is the Windows 11 Upgrade Free for Your Business?

Fortunately, for many Australian small businesses, the upgrade to Windows 11 might not incur significant licensing costs upfront.

• Generally, if your business has PCs running genuine and activated Windows 10 that meet the minimum hardware requirements, you can usually upgrade to Windows 11 for free through the Windows Update feature.
• However, it’s crucial to be aware of the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11:

• In cases where your existing hardware doesn’t meet these requirements, or if you need new Windows licenses for new PCs, there will be a cost involved. Indicatively, a new license for Windows 11 Pro in Australia costs around AUD $379. And Windows 11 Home costs approximately AUD $249. Although these prices can vary depending on the retailer and any special offers.
• Furthermore, if your business is running Windows 11 Home and requires the advanced features of Windows 11 Pro (such as BitLocker encryption and Client Hyper-V virtualization), you can typically upgrade for an additional cost of around AUD $98.70 + GST.
• Finally, if your business is planning to purchase new computers, it’s likely that they will come with Windows 11 pre-installed. So this could save you the hassle and cost of a separate upgrade.

Essential Steps to Prepare for the Windows 11 Upgrade

To ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11, Australian businesses should take the following steps:

• First, assess your current IT environment. Conduct a thorough audit of all devices running Windows 10 to determine their upgrade eligibility and identify any potential application compatibility issues.
• Next, check hardware compatibility. Use the Windows PC Health Check app, provided by Microsoft, to definitively determine if your existing devices meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11.
• Then, develop a comprehensive migration plan. Prioritise critical systems and plan a phased rollout of the upgrade to minimise disruption to your business operations. This plan should also include thorough testing of your key business applications on Windows 11.
• Crucially, backup all your important business data before starting the upgrade process on any machine. This will prevent data loss in the event of any unforeseen issues during the upgrade.
• Strongly consider engaging business IT support. For businesses with limited in-house IT expertise, working with a trusted IT provider in Australia is highly recommended. They can assist with the assessment, planning, and execution of the upgrade, as well as handle compatibility testing, driver updates, and any troubleshooting that may be required.
• Don’t forget to educate and train your team. Ensure your employees are familiar with the new Windows 11 interface and any changes to workflows. Providing training resources can help ensure a smooth adoption of the new operating system.
• Finally, stay informed. Keep up-to-date with the latest information and guidance from Microsoft regarding the end of support for Windows 10 and the Windows 11 upgrade process.

Windows 10 Release Date: Reflecting on Its Journey

To truly understand the significance of the upcoming end of support, it’s helpful to remember when Windows 10 first arrived on the scene. Specifically, Microsoft officially released Windows 10 to manufacturing on July 15, 2015. Then Microsoft made it available to the general public on July 29, 2015.

Over the years that followed, Windows 10 has proven to be a remarkably stable and widely adopted operating system for countless businesses, not just in Australia but across the entire globe. Indeed, for a significant period, it held the title of the most popular Windows version worldwide, a testament to its reliability and user-friendly design. For many Australian businesses, it became the dependable foundation upon which their daily operations were built.  

However, in the world of technology, change is inevitable. Consequently, all software, no matter how successful, eventually reaches the end of its support lifecycle. Therefore, the progression and eventual upgrading of operating systems is a natural and necessary part of ensuring continued security and access to the latest advancements. Ultimately, this cycle helps businesses stay protected against evolving cyber threats and take advantage of new features that can enhance productivity and efficiency.

Conclusion

Considering this natural progression of technology and the significant lifespan of Windows 10, the upcoming end of support is not an unexpected event. Therefore, the key takeaway for Australian businesses is not to dwell on the past, but to proactively look towards the future and the opportunities that a modern operating system like Windows 11 offers.

To help you navigate the crucial transition, we recommend seeking expert guidance, for example among Brisbane IT support providers. Undoubtedly, partnering with experienced IT professionals can save you time, reduce potential headaches, and ensure a secure and efficient transition to Windows 11.

If you have any questions, require professional advice or assistance with any IT issues facing your business, please feel free to contact Netcomp directly.