Windows 10 Support Has Ended — Here’s What That Means
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. If your business is still running it, your computers are no longer receiving security updates. Everything still powers on and works as normal, which makes it easy to put off doing anything about it. That’s exactly the problem.
Every new vulnerability found in Windows 10 from here on will never be patched. Attackers know this, and they actively target unsupported systems because the flaws just sit there, permanently open.
Why This Is More Than an IT Housekeeping Issue
Running unsupported software isn’t just a technical concern — it has real consequences for Brisbane businesses.
Security exposure
The ACSC’s Essential Eight framework places patching applications and operating systems at the core of cyber defence. Windows 10 machines can no longer meet that standard. Attackers routinely scan for systems running end-of-life software because they’re predictably easier to compromise, often without sophisticated tools.
Compliance risk
If your business handles personal information under the Privacy Act, processes payments, or operates in a regulated industry, you’re expected to run supported, patched software. Windows 10 no longer qualifies. That gap could put you in breach of your obligations under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme or relevant industry standards.
Cyber insurance complications
Insurers are increasingly asking whether your systems are supported and up to date. Running an unsupported operating system can increase your premium, reduce your coverage, or give your insurer grounds to dispute a claim when you need it most.
Application compatibility
Over time, browsers, accounting platforms, and business tools will quietly drop Windows 10 support. Software you rely on today will stop updating — and eventually stop working.
Your Three Options
Most businesses will use a mix of these across their devices, depending on the age and role of each machine.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (free if the hardware qualifies)
For PCs purchased in the last few years, upgrading to Windows 11 is free and usually the right call. The catch is hardware eligibility — Windows 11 requires a supported processor, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot, which rules out older machines. Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool will tell you whether a specific device qualifies.
2. Extended Security Updates as a short-term bridge
If a PC can’t move to Windows 11 yet, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) to keep security patches coming for up to three years. For businesses, that’s USD $61 per device in year one, doubling each year — roughly $427 per device over the full three years. ESU buys you time to plan properly, but it’s not a long-term solution. You get security patches only — no new features, no technical support.
3. Replace the machine
Some older PCs simply aren’t worth paying escalating ESU fees on year after year. A new device running Windows 11 out of the box often works out cheaper once you factor in ongoing ESU costs and the risk of ageing hardware failing at the wrong moment.
How to Plan the Transition
You don’t need to sort everything at once, but you do need a plan. A practical starting point:
- Compile an inventory of every device still running Windows 10
- Use the PC Health Check tool to identify which ones can upgrade to Windows 11
- Upgrade eligible devices — it’s free and preserves existing files and applications
- For ineligible devices, weigh up ESU versus replacement based on age, condition, and business criticality
A managed IT provider can run that inventory quickly and give you a clear recommendation for each machine — no guesswork required.
Don’t Leave It to Chance
The longer Windows 10 devices stay unpatched, the more your attack surface grows. If you’re not sure where your business stands, we can help you assess your fleet and put a sensible migration plan in place.