Windows 10 end of life – what small businesses need to know and do now

The clock is ticking. On October 14th, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. That means no more updates, no more security patches, and no more technical support.

For small businesses that don’t have a dedicated IT team, the time to act is now to avoid disruption, security vulnerabilities, and compliance headaches.

At IT Support & Security, we’re here to make this shift as smooth and stress-free as possible—especially for smaller businesses who may not have tackled something like this before.

Steps to get ready – a quick guide for smaller businesses

Here’s how you can start preparing:

1. Audit your devices – identify every device still running Windows 10. Prioritise older systems or those most at risk.
2. Check hardware compatibility – not all devices can run Windows 11. Many older machines will need to be replaced, so factor this into your planning early.
3. Plan team training – Windows 11 introduces new features and a fresh interface. Prepare your team with a bit of guided training to help the transition.
4. Get help from experts – let our experienced team manage your migration—from hardware checks to installation and support.

Why does Windows 10 end of life matter?

When Microsoft retires an operating system, they stop releasing updates—including security fixes. From October 14th, 2025, here’s what that means if your business is still using Windows 10:

1. Increased cybersecurity risks – without ongoing security updates, any weaknesses in Windows 10 will remain exposed. Hackers actively target unsupported systems, making your business a prime target—especially if you handle sensitive data or customer information. Use this opportunity to boost your cybersecurity and close any gaps in your IT setup.
2. Compliance violations – sticking with Windows 10 after support ends could mean falling out of line with standards like Cyber Essentials. It might also affect your cyber insurance, as many policies expect systems to be up to date. You could even risk breaching GDPR rules—so it’s not worth leaving this too late.
3. Performance and compatibility issues – outdated systems struggle with modern software. Expect glitches, slower performance, and compatibility issues that drain your team’s productivity.
4. No support when you need it – once support ends, Microsoft won’t help with issues on Windows 10. If something breaks, you’re on your own—unless you’ve already made the switch.

Take action today

It’s important to take action today to prepare for the 14^th October. After this date no more support or security updates will be provided.  Solutions may involve upgrading your current kit or replacing older hardware, and this can take up to two months, so best not to leave it too late.

If you’re not sure which version of Windows your computer is running on you can check:

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type winver and press Enter.
3. A small window will pop up showing your Windows version and edition

Get in touch

Whether you need help auditing your devices, choosing the right hardware, or managing the upgrade to Windows 11, IT Support & Security is here for you.

Let’s start your transition today. Contact us now to discuss how we can help you make the transition as seamless as possible.