Update, February 2026:

Standard support for Windows 10 ended in October 2025. Many organisations still have computers running Windows 10. In January 2026, the industry benchmark site GlobalStats StatsCounter reported that 28% of desktop Windows PCs in Australia were still running Windows 10. This article explains what that means for risk, insurance, and planning, and outlines the remaining options.

Even though standard support has ended, many organisations are still running Windows 10 on one or more devices. The risk does not show up all at once - it increases over time as new vulnerabilities are found and remain unpatched.

Let’s break down what end of support means in plain English, why it matters for security and compliance, and how to quickly confirm whether your organisation is affected.

What It Actually Means When Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Support

Microsoft ending Windows 10 support means:

• No more security patches or bug fixes after October 14, 2025

• Software and systems may gradually stop supporting Windows 10

• Devices may still work—but certainly won't be secure or compliant

You might think: "My computer still works. What's the problem?" But when Microsoft stops releasing security updates, any new vulnerabilities discovered won't be patched—leaving your systems open to attack.

Over time, other software providers will also stop supporting Windows 10, which means your business apps might stop working properly. Hackers pay close attention to end-of-support dates because they know vulnerabilities will accumulate over time on unpatched systems.

What about Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU)?

Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for organisations that need additional time beyond standard support. ESU can continue providing important security patches for a limited period, but it requires enrolment and is not automatic. It is designed as a temporary bridge while systems are upgraded or replaced, not a long-term solution. Costs, eligibility requirements, and administrative overhead should be considered when deciding whether ESU is appropriate.

Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) pricing:

• Businesses (Volume Licensing with 10 or more machines):

  • Year 1: $61 USD per device

  • Year 2: $122 USD per device

  • Year 3: $244 USD per device

• Home users: $30 USD for one year only

Why This Catches So Many Businesses Off Guard

Over the years, we've seen this same pattern play out: businesses assume that because their devices are relatively new, they must also be up-to-date.

Here's why that's often not true:

• Devices purchased in 2020–2021 may still be running Windows 10 out of the box

• Staff working remotely or using shared/repurposed computers may not be on your radar

• IT systems often "just work" until something breaks—then the problems come all at once

It's a big problem: according to global internet usage monitoring firm Statcounter, as of March 2025, approximately 54.23% of desktop PCs worldwide are running Windows 10. It is certainly a problem here in Australia, too, with our IT Health Check often finding computers in organisations still running Windows 10, including machines that store sensitive customer or commercially sensitive data.   UPDATE: As noted above, more than 1 in 4 computers in Australia are still running on Windows 10 as of January 2026.

Why This Matters for SMBs and Not-for-Profits

When support ends, the consequences don't appear immediately—which is part of the danger. Issues creep in quietly:

🔒 Security Risks

• Without updates, systems become easy targets for hackers

• Phishing and ransomware attacks are more likely to succeed

✉️ Compliance Concerns

• Depending on your industry, using unsupported systems could breach standards (e.g., NDIS, data privacy laws)

⏳ Hidden Inefficiencies

• Outdated systems slow down your team

• Compatibility issues increase support costs

Continuing with Windows 10 past its end of life is like driving a car with no brakes. It might move, but it's not a risk you want to take.

How Do You Know If You're Still Using Windows 10?

The short answer: you might not.

Many businesses don't have a clear record of which computers are running what. Even organisations with internal IT support may not have visibility into every user device.

You could ask all your staff and contractors, including everyone who works from home, to check manually, but who will manage this process to ensure everyone does this and then collate the information to check where you stand?

That's where an independent IT Health Check can help.

We help you:

• Identify every machine still running Windows 10

• Review your IT inventory for other hidden risks

• Give you clear, non-technical advice on what to do next

Not Sure Where to Start? That's Why We're Here.

You don't need to figure this out on your own.

At IT Health Check, we offer independent, expert evaluations designed to help you:

• Understand what systems you're using

• See where risks are hiding

• Make informed, confident decisions—without any pressure to buy ongoing services

  
  

Not sure if you're affected?

Our IT Health Check shows you where Windows 10 is still in use and gives you clear, independent advice on what to do next—without selling you anything.

📅 Book your free 15-min