The end of Windows 10 is approaching fast. If you’re one of the thousands of UK businesses still using it, you need to act now. By doing nothing, you leave your business at risk. It’s time to take this task off the backburner and make it a priority.

When it launched in 2015, Windows 10 became a huge success with massive usage and adoption across the world. But that was 10 years ago. And the popular software solution has reached the end of its life. From 14th October 2025 – a matter of weeks away – support for Windows 10 will cease.

As a small business owner, keeping your technology up to date is vital for security, productivity and efficiency. And, with the clock ticking down to the end of Windows 10 support next month, it’s time to make sure you’re ready. Here’s everything you need to know about the Windows 10 End of Life and what it means for you.

What happens when Windows 10 support ends?

On 14th October 2025, Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10. After that date, your systems will no longer receive critical security updates or patches. This can leave your business vulnerable to security breaches, data loss and even compliance issues.

Without updates, you can face:

Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks: Hackers often target outdated software to exploit known weaknesses.

Reduced system performance: Older systems can become slower and more prone to glitches.

Compliance risks: If you’re in an industry that requires compliance with data protection regulations (like GDPR), using unsupported software could expose your business to fines and legal action.

Lack of support: If something goes wrong with Windows 10, Microsoft won’t be there to help you with it.

Simply put, continuing to run Windows 10 after support ends is like leaving the front door of your office unlocked – you’re leaving yourself open to unnecessary risks.

What are your options?

With only a few weeks to go, it’s important to act quickly. You have a few options to choose from. They are:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11

Our recommendation would be to upgrade all eligible Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 and replace those that aren’t with a new Windows 11 device.

Windows 11 is the natural successor to Windows 10. It offers several improvements, including enhanced security, performance and user experience. However, not all devices running Windows 10 are eligible for an upgrade, so it’s important to check if your hardware meets the system requirements.

2. Stick with Windows 10 and pay for extended support

Whilst 14th October 2025 is a hard deadline for its official end of life, Microsoft is offering extended support for businesses who are unable to upgrade immediately. However, this option comes at an extra cost.

These Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 Enterprise are optional and intended for organisations that need more time to transition to Windows 11.

Approximate per-device costs in GBP (£):

• Year 1 (Oct 2025 – Oct 2026): £48.19

• Year 2 (Oct 2026 – Oct 2027): £96.38

• Year 3 (Oct 2027 – Oct 2028): £192.76

Total over 3 years: £337.33 per device.

Key details:

• Available through Microsoft Volume Licensing.

• Applies only to devices running Windows 10 version 22H2.

• Includes critical and important security updates only.

• If you skip a year, you must pay for previous years retroactively to rejoin.

• Prices are designed to double each year to encourage migration.

3. Switch to an alternative operating system

For some businesses, switching to a different operating system, like Linux or macOS, might make sense. However, this typically requires a larger investment in training, equipment and IT support.

How Mirus can help

We understand that you have enough on your plate running your business. That’s why we offer a range of services to help you navigate the transition to Windows 11 or any other IT needs you may have.

Here’s how we can help:

• Windows 10 assessment: We’ll assess your current systems to help you understand if an upgrade is feasible and what hardware upgrades might be necessary.

• Smooth transition to Windows 11: Our IT experts will guide you through the upgrade process, ensuring minimal disruption to your business. Upgrades typically take around 1-2 hours and require multiple reboots. It’s likely that you’ll want to schedule them to happen outside of business hours.

• Ongoing IT support: After the upgrade, we can continue to provide support and maintenance to keep your systems running smoothly.

It’s important to note that, in the lead up to the deadline of 14th October, we expect our Service Desk to be in high demand. The sooner you act the better to ensure a smoother, more predictable transition.

FAQs

1. What happens if I don’t upgrade to Windows 11?

If you don’t upgrade, your systems will no longer receive security updates or support from Microsoft. This leaves them vulnerable to cyberattacks and potential data breaches. It’s highly recommended to upgrade as soon as possible to keep your business protected.

2. Is Windows 11 a free upgrade?

If your hardware meets the system requirements for Windows 11, the upgrade is free. However, some older devices may not be compatible, so you may need to invest in new hardware to make the transition.

3. How do I know if my device is compatible with Windows 11?

You can check your device’s compatibility by using the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft. If your device doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, we can advise you on suitable hardware options.

4. Can Mirus help with hardware upgrades?

Absolutely! We can recommend and supply suitable hardware for your business, whether you need to upgrade individual devices or equip your whole team.

5. How much downtime should I expect during the upgrade?

The upgrade process is designed to be as smooth as possible, but some downtime is inevitable. Upgrades usually take 1-2 hours and involve multiple reboots. We’ll work with you to schedule the upgrade at a time that causes the least disruption to your business operations.

Don’t delay, plan your update today

With Windows 10 End of Life deadline around the corner, it’s important to take action. Windows 11 is the logical next step for most businesses, and we’re here to help with that transition.

Whether you’re unsure of your best next move or want our help with your upgrade, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.