It might feel like there's still plenty of time, but October 2025 will be here before you know it. And for many organisations, this change could expose you to unnecessary risks, unexpected costs, and avoidable headaches.

Let's break down what this means in plain English, why it matters, and how to find out if your business 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. And you can bet that hackers and cybercriminals have all circled October 14, 2025, on their calendar, so if you're not ready, they will be.

Microsoft will offer something they call "Extended Security Updates" (ESU) for a limited time, but this only covers security updates—not full support—and it comes at a cost:

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.  

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

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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