Windows 10 Support Ends October 2025 – What It Means & What You Should Do

15/07/2025

📅 1. What’s Happening?

Microsoft has officially set October 14, 2025 as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 (Home and Pro editions). All builds—including the final 22H2 update—will stop receiving free security patches and feature updates after this date. While Windows 10 will still run, it becomes increasingly vulnerable and unsupported—think Windows 7 all over again.


🚨 2. Why This Matters to Business

  • Security risk increases: Post‑support systems won’t receive patches, and hackers are likely to target them.

  • Compliance/GDPR issues: Running unsupported OSes may violate regulatory requirements.

  • Application compatibility: Software vendors will gradually drop Windows 10 support.


🛡️ 3. Extended Security Options

  • Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU):

    • Free for 1 year if backed up via OneDrive or enabled with Windows Backup/Rewards.

    • Paid ESU for consumers ($30/device/year) and higher tiers for businesses through 2028 .

  • The LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) version of Windows 10 can receive support until 2032—but it’s aimed at specialist systems, not offices.


🔁 4. Your Migration Choices

A. Upgrade to Windows 11

  • Check compatibility via Settings → Windows Update.

  • Free upgrade if your device meets specs (TPM 2.0, UEFI, etc.)

  • Benefits: enhanced security, modern UI, hardware performance.

B. Purchase new Windows 11 PC

  • For older hardware that doesn’t meet requirements.

  • Plan ahead to avoid supply or budget issues.

C. Alternative OS’s

  • ChromeOS Flex for lightweight, web-based needs.

  • Linux distributions (e.g., Mint) for privacy/security-focused users .


⚙️ 5. Recommended Action Plan

Step What to Do Why It Matters
1. Audit all PCs running Windows 10 Know which ones are affected by support ending
2. Check Windows 11 compatibility Some are ready, others may need hardware upgrades
3. Plan upgrades before Oct 2025 Avoid last-minute scramble and security gaps
4. Use ESU temporarily for legacy systems Secure patching while you migrate
5. Train staff and update documentation Smooth transition and user readiness
 

💡 6. How Fusion IT Can Help

At Fusion IT, we specialise in:

  • Full migration planning: Device audits, compatibility checks, backup and data migration.

  • Seamless Windows 11 deployment: Image preparation, rollout, and user support.

  • ESU setup: Ensuring continuous security for legacy systems.

  • Post-migration support: Ongoing training, monitoring, and endpoint protection.


✅ 7. Key Takeaways

  • Action needed urgently: October 14, 2025 is only 3 months away.

  • Running Windows 10 unpatched after this date exposes your business to serious security and compliance risks.

  • Fusion IT can guide your migration to Windows 11 or another secure platform, ensuring continuity and peace of mind.


👇 Ready to upgrade before time runs out?

Get in touch with Fusion IT today to plan your Windows 10 migration and avoid disruption when support ends this October.


What areas do we cover?

We provide IT support to businesses across the UK. Based in the North West, we regularly support clients in areas such as Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, Birkenhead, Wrexham, North Wales, Cheshire, the Wirral, Merseyside, Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd and Ynys Môn. Whether you’re looking for local IT support or nationwide coverage, Fusion IT is here to help.