Are you still using Windows 10 because "it's fine for now"?
I hear that a lot.
And to be fair, if you signed up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, Windows 10 probably does still seem fine. It starts up. It works. It still receives security updates. No drama.
But that sense of safety won't last.
Windows 10 officially reached the end of standard support in October 2025. ESU was always intended as a short-term safety net, not a long-term plan.
And that safety net disappears in October 2026. After that, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates at all.
No patches. No fixes. No fallback.
What's interesting is how many people are still delaying this decision.
The data shows that millions of PCs are still running Windows 10, even in places where the support deadlines are well known.
That data focuses on home users, but in my experience, plenty of businesses are doing the same thing. They're sticking with Windows 10 because it's familiar and still technically supported.
And Microsoft hasn't exactly made the choice feel urgent.
The same screen that warns users about the end of support also makes it very easy to enroll in ESU. One click, accept the terms, and carry on.
For many people, that makes it feel like the problem has been solved.
It hasn't.
ESU only buys you time. Once October 2026 arrives, staying on Windows 10 means running an operating system with known vulnerabilities and no protection against newly discovered threats.
From a business perspective, that's more than just a technical risk. It's a commercial one.
Cyber insurance, compliance obligations, and supplier expectations increasingly assume you're using supported software.
At that point, you're left with two choices: Upgrade to Windows 11 or replace the device altogether.
This is where planning becomes important. Some older PCs simply won't support Windows 11. Others may support it, but still need configuration changes or performance checks.
Leaving it until the last minute often leads to rushed buying decisions, frustrated staff, and avoidable costs.
If you're relying on extended support today, it should be part of a clear exit plan, not a holding pattern.
Because when ESU ends, Windows 10 drops off a cliff.
If you're not sure whether your current PCs can be upgraded, or whether you're heading toward a last-minute hardware scramble, now is a good time to review your options and plan properly.
My team and I can help with that. Get in touch.
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