Windows 10 end of support: what the Windows 11 upgrade means for your business

28/07/2025
Sara
Technology Blog

Windows 10 end of support

Since its launch in 2015, Windows 10 became a standard choice for businesses. It was stable, worked with most corporate tools and received security fixes and support for years.

Its standard support period has now ended.
🔔 Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Windows 11 had already been available since 2021.

This article explains the risks and options for businesses that still use Windows 10.

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What does end of support mean?

Businesses with computers that do not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements need to plan what to do before attempting an upgrade to Windows 11For standard Windows 10 installations after October 2025:

Routine security and quality updates ended. Eligible devices enrolled in ESU can receive certain security updates.

Standard technical support ended.

Systems without security updates are exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Unsupported devices can complicate security reviews and compliance assessments.

Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11

Before moving to the latest version of Windows 11, check your computer against Microsoft’s requirements. Windows 11 has stricter hardware and firmware requirements than Windows 10..

Microsoft’s minimum requirements include:

Internet connection: Needed for updates and for initial setup of Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use.

Processor1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores on a supported 64-bit processor or system on a chip.

RAMAt least 4 GB.

Storage: A storage device with at least 64 GB of capacity.

System firmware: UEFI, compatible with Secure Boot.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Version 2.0. 2.0 Check that it is available and enabled.

Graphics: DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.

Display: HD (720p), larger than 9 inches diagonally.

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What problems do companies face if they continue to use Windows 10?

Exposure to cyberattacks

Attackers can exploit flaws that remain unpatched on unsupported systems. The risk is well established. Previous versions such as Windows XP and Windows 7 also remained in use after support ended.

🔍 Check your inventory. Identify which machines are unsupported and which are covered by ESU.

Compliance and audit risks

GDPR, ISO 27001, ENS and other compliance frameworks may require controls for unsupported operating systems and evidence that security updates are managed..

An unsupported system can make those controls harder to demonstrateand can affect audits, certifications or contracts.

Hidden costs of keeping unsupported systems

Downtime following technical incidents.
Loss of data.
Incident response costs and potential legal costs.
Loss of confidence among clients and business partners.

Four options for businesses

Here are four routes to consider after Windows 10 end of support.

Option 1: Move to Windows 11 on compatible computers

This is usually the clearest long-term route for a business that needs Windows.
Windows 11 uses security features such as TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and hardware-based isolation. You can upgrade a compatible PC or replace equipment that falls short of the requirements.

Benefits:

A supported operating system for modern applications.
Access to current Windows security features.
Better use of newer hardware.
Ongoing updates while the installed Windows 11 release remains supported.

At in4byte, we handle equipment selection, setup and data migration. We schedule changes to minimise disruption.

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Option 2: Use Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU)

If you rely on a legacy application or need more time to replace equipment, consider Extended Security Updates (ESU).

What does ESU include?

Critical and important security updates.
New features and general technical support are outside the programme.
Businesses can buy commercial ESU annually for up to three years.

💰Pricingdepends on the licensing route and year of coverage. Commercial costs increase in later years.

📎 Eligibilitydepends on the Windows edition and how the device is used. The commercial programme covers eligible business devices, including those running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise..

In in4byte we can help with enrolment, configuration and checking that eligible devices receive updates.

Option 3: Windows 11 on unsupported hardware

Microsoft advises against installing Windows 11 on PCs that fall short of its hardware requirements. Check supported hardware first.Unsupported installations can have these drawbacks:

Microsoft does not guarantee updates for those devices..
Compatibility problems and instability are possible.
Microsoft does not provide support for the installation.
Some security features may be unavailable.

Review supported alternatives before relying on a device for daily work,especially where it handles business-critical or sensitive information.

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Option 4: Keep using Windows 10 without security updates

This leaves the device without routine protection against newly discovered flaws.

Security exposure increases as unpatched flaws accumulate.
Your business data and systems may be exposed.
Unsupported systems may also fall short of a client or public-sector contract’s security requirements .
A preventable incident can create legal and financial exposure.

. Review the risk before keeping any device in service without updates.

What does in4byte recommend?

We’ve helped small businesses plan operating system changes around their own equipment and software. Start with an inventory and make a plan before you replace anything. Planning a migration usually costs less than dealing with an avoidable incident.

Here’s how we can help.

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We offer IT support throughout the transition, tailored to your equipment and budget.

IT assessment

We review your equipment and software to identify what can be upgraded, moved or covered by extended security updates.

Windows 11 migration

Back up and transfer data.
Reinstall applications and reconnect peripherals.
Help staff get started.

Commercial ESU setup and monitoring

Help with enrolment in Microsoft’s programme.
Configure the delivery of updates.
Check that updates are applied.

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Equipment options for Windows 11

New, refurbished or custom-built computers.
Equipment leasing options.
Warranty and after-sales technical service.

Roll out the change in stages

For larger fleets, we plan the migration in phasesto minimise interruptions.

Windows 11 and Windows 10 ESU FAQs

Can I still use Windows 10 after 2025?

Windows 10 still runs, but standard support has ended.Check whether the computer is covered by ESU and whether your applications still support it.

What are Extended Security Updates?

Microsoft’s ESU programme provides critical and important security updatesfor eligible devices during the transition to a supported system.

Can I upgrade my current computer to Windows 11?

That depends on the hardware. Check for TPM 2.0, a supported processor, Secure Boot capability and the other requirements. We can help you check.

How much does a move to Windows 11 cost?

It depends on the number of computers, the data to transfer, licensing and your business needs. We can give you a quote that shows what is included..

What happens if Windows 11 is installed on an unsupported device?

Compatibility issues are possible. Microsoft does not guarantee updates or provide support for that installation.

Key differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11

The two systems share a common foundation but differ in performance, security and user experience. The table below summarises the main differences.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 compared

Feature	Windows 10	Windows 11
Launch date	2015	October 2021
Standard support	Ended 14 October 2025 for Windows 10 22H2	Depends on the Windows 11 version and edition
Minimum requirements	1 GHz processor and 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)	Supported two-core processor, 4 GB RAM and TPM 2.0
User interface	Familiar interface with a left-aligned taskbar	Redesigned interface with centred taskbar icons by default
Start menu	In the lower-left corner by default	Centred by default, without Live Tiles
Security	Security features vary by device and Windows edition	Greater emphasis on hardware-backed security
Performance on modern hardware	Depends on the device and workload	Designed for newer hardware and multitasking
Productivity tools	Virtual desktops and window snapping	Virtual desktops, Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Application compatibility	Broad support for older Windows applications	Broad Windows app support. Check legacy and specialised applications before migrating.
Updates	Standard feature development has ended	Feature releases with separate support dates

What changed in Windows 11?

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Interface changes

Windows 11 includes:

Redesigned icons.
A simpler Start menu without Live Tiles.
Rounded corners, a revised notification centre and widgets.
Window management with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for arranging and reopening groups of windows.

Hardware-backed security

Windows 11 puts more emphasis on security features backed by hardware.:

These features include: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
Hardware-assisted isolation for some critical processes.
Security controls that can help defend against ransomware and malware.
Passwordless sign-in with Windows Hello , where supported by your hardware and organisation’s policies.

Which features are available depends on the device, Windows edition and how it is configured.

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Performance on modern equipment

Windows 11 can make use of newer hardware for:

Faster startup on compatible devices.
Better power management on supported laptops.
Scheduling work across modern multicore processors..
Graphics improvements on supported hardware.

Communication and collaboration

Windows 11 supports Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 collaboration tools for:

Calls and meetings with colleagues.
Internal chats.
Working together across Microsoft 365 apps.

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Support for newer tools

Windows 11 is designed to:

Run modern applications on supported hardware.
Support current collaboration and hybrid working tools.
Run eligible AI features on compatible devices.

How to choose

Does your computer meet the requirements of Windows 11?	✅ Consider upgrading to keep your devices on a supported system.
Do you have legacy software or specific hardware?	Assess whether commercial ESU can cover your Windows 10 devices while you plan the migration.
Need to spread the work out?	Ask for an assessment so you can phase the change around your business.

At in4byte we help you decide

Are you unsure whether your computers can run Windows 11?
Do you have business software that only runs on Windows 10?
Does your network mix modern and old PCs?

At in4byte We can review your equipment and recommend a plan based on:

Technical compatibility.
Security risks.
Actual costs.
Operational continuity.

Official guidance: Microsoft’s commercial ESU documentation, Windows 11 specifications.

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