Windows 10 End of Life: What It Means for Your Business (and Why You Should Act Now)
The countdown is on — Windows 10 reaches end of life on 14th October 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing free security updates and technical support for the operating system.
With Windows 10 still running on over 400 million PCs worldwide — roughly 41% of all desktop computers — this is a major concern for businesses of every size. Many organisations across Derby, Nottingham, and beyond are still relying on machines that won’t be eligible for Windows 11 due to hardware limitations.
Unfortunately, that means millions of devices will soon be left exposed to security vulnerabilities.
🔒 Why It Matters
When an operating system reaches end of life, Microsoft no longer patches newly discovered vulnerabilities. That means ransomware gangs and malicious actors will be quick to exploit unprotected endpoints — they know many businesses will delay upgrading or miss critical updates altogether.
In short: unpatched = unprotected.
If your organisation stores customer data, uses online payments, or connects to external networks, running Windows 10 after the October deadline could create serious compliance and cyber-risk issues.
💡 Your Options
Upgrade to Windows 11
If your hardware meets the minimum system requirements, upgrading now is the most secure and future-proof choice. It ensures ongoing protection and compatibility with modern security features such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For devices that can’t upgrade, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) until 13 October 2026, priced at around £25 per device. This gives businesses extra time to plan hardware replacements while staying protected from critical vulnerabilities.
🧭 How a Cyber Security Audit Can Help
An independent IT or cyber security audit gives you complete visibility of your organisation’s digital landscape.
A professional audit can:
Identify end-of-life devices (like Windows 10 PCs approaching the 2025 deadline)
Highlight security loopholes or unsupported software
Benchmark your systems against Cyber Essentials standards
Provide a clear action plan for cyber attack prevention and compliance
At Censor Security, we specialise in helping Derby and Nottingham businesses strengthen their cyber defences through tailored security audits, risk assessments, and compliance support.
🚀 Don’t Leave It Too Late
Leaving your Windows 10 upgrade until the last minute could cost far more than an ESU licence or a new device. Once support ends, vulnerabilities will be discovered — and cybercriminals will take advantage of every unpatched system left online.
Now is the time to review your IT infrastructure, plan your upgrade path, and schedule a cyber security audit to ensure your business stays protected.