Introduction

After nearly a decade of service, Microsoft is officially winding down support for Windows 10, one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. On October 14, 2025, regular security updates, patches, and technical assistance for Windows 10 will come to an end — signaling a major transition point for both personal and business users.

For many organizations, this is not just a software change — it’s a security, compliance, and business continuity issue. Millions of devices across industries still rely on Windows 10 for daily operations, point-of-sale systems, and endpoint management. Without ongoing updates, these systems become prime targets for cyberattacks, particularly ransomware and exploits targeting unpatched vulnerabilities.

To help bridge this gap, Microsoft is offering an optional Extended Security Updates (ESU) program — allowing customers to extend critical security patching for up to one additional year, through October 2026. While this temporary reprieve buys time for migration, it also raises key questions:

• What happens to your Windows 10 devices after October 2025?
• How can small businesses plan and budget for the transition?
• Is enrolling in the ESU program worth it — or just delaying the inevitable?

At Poole Technology Solutions, we believe preparation beats panic. Below, we break down the facts, expectations, and best practices so you can take a proactive approach before the clock runs out on Windows 10 support.

Facts & Key Dates

• Support for Windows 10 ends for all editions on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, software updates, or technical support for devices running Windows 10 (unless they are enrolled in ESU). Microsoft Support
• Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows devices running Windows 10 to receive only security updates (not feature updates or bug-fixes) for an additional year — through October 13, 2026. Microsoft Support
• Enrollment in ESU is required (it doesn’t happen automatically). WIRED
• For devices running Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10, feature updates will stop earlier and support ends for those apps on Windows 10 by October 10, 2028 (only security updates for those apps) in many cases. Microsoft Learn
• To enroll in ESU as a consumer, Microsoft offers multiple pathways: a one-time purchase (about US$30) or by meeting certain conditions (such as syncing PC settings to the cloud via a Microsoft Account) to get the extra year. PCWorld

Expectations & What This Means for You

• Functionality doesn’t end on October 15, 2025: Your PC running Windows 10 will continue to work, but after that date it will become significantly more vulnerable to security threats because Microsoft will no longer issue updates unless you are enrolled in ESU.
• ESU is a stop-gap, not a long-term solution: The ESU only delivers security updates — no new features, bug fixes or full support services. It gives you extra time to migrate to a modern OS (e.g., Windows 11) but is not equivalent to full support.
• Upgrading is strongly recommended: For full functionality, security, and feature updates, the best path is to move to a supported OS, such as Windows 11, or a new device. If your existing hardware is not eligible for Windows 11, you should consider replacement options. Microsoft Support
• Compliance, business risk, and legacy systems: Organizations that remain on unsupported OS versions may face increased cyber-risk, regulatory non-compliance, compatibility issues with applications and worsening performance/dependencies over time.
• Planning window: With the end of support date set, this is the moment to audit all devices, identify which ones are Windows 10 and unsupported, check hardware compatibility for upgrade, estimate budget/time for migration, and determine which devices may enroll in ESU (if necessary) during the transition.

Best Practices – What Poole Technology Solutions Recommends

1. Audit your environment now: Identify all devices still running Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise). Document hardware specs, age, applications, dependencies and upgrade eligibility.
2. Check Windows 11 readiness: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or similar tools to determine whether the device can upgrade to Windows 11. If not eligible, plan for replacement hardware.
3. Enroll for ESU if needed: For devices that cannot be upgraded or replaced right away, enroll them in the Windows 10 ESU program to keep receiving security updates through October 13, 2026.
   • Make sure the device meets requirements (e.g., running latest Windows 10 version, version 22H2 in many cases). WIRED
   • Understand enrollment routes (one-time purchase, cloud settings sync, Microsoft Rewards) and evaluate costs.
4. Schedule migration projects: Prioritize devices that are business-critical or hold sensitive data. Plan the timeline, budget, testing of applications, compatibility verification.
5. Back-up and test: Before performing an in-place upgrade or new device deployment, ensure proper backups. For legacy systems, consider phasing them out.
6. Communicate to stakeholders: If you’re managing a business environment, inform leadership, users, support teams about the risk of running unsupported OS, the upgrade plan and timeline.
7. Monitor the transition period: After migration, stay up to date on patches, driver updates, application compatibility. Decommission or isolate older hardware that remains on Windows 10.
8. Secure unsupported devices: For any device remaining on Windows 10 beyond the support horizon, apply compensating controls: strict network segmentation, up-to-date antivirus, minimal exposure, limited access to critical systems.

Conclusion

The end of standard support for Windows 10 marks a key moment for organizations and individuals alike. While Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers some breathing room — allowing devices to remain patched for an additional year — it is not a substitute for full OS support, feature updates, and long-term viability.

At Poole Technology Solutions, we believe proactive planning, auditing your hardware estate, timely migration to Windows 11 (or another supported platform), and disciplined backup/upgrade processes are the hallmarks of responsible cybersecurity and infrastructure management.

If you haven’t yet begun the journey to upgrade or replace Windows 10 devices in your environment, now is the time. Let us help you map out your path, minimize disruption and maintain your security posture during the transition.