What will happen when Windows 10 end support

Windows 10 may be nearing its end, but it still powers nearly 43% of Windows desktops worldwide as of July 2025. With Windows 11 adoption steadily rising, the clock is ticking for those yet to make the switch. From October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, cutting off updates, patches, and technical assistance.

For organizations still relying on it, this isn’t just a routine version change. Unpatched systems will become prime targets for cyberattacks, face compliance risks, and struggle to keep up with modern applications and workflows.

The question is no longer if you should prepare, but how soon you can get ahead of the curve.

What “End of Support” Means

When Windows 10 reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop delivering the following:

• Security updates: No patches for new vulnerabilities, leaving devices exposed to emerging threats.
• Feature updates: No enhancements or compatibility fixes for new hardware or software.
• Technical support: Microsoft will no longer provide assistance for Windows 10 issues.

While systems running Windows 10 won’t stop working overnight, they’ll operate in an increasingly fragile state. Without security updates, even routine tasks could open the door to malware, ransomware, and other exploits.

For IT admins, the stakes are higher:

• Regulatory risks: Unsupported systems can breach standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
• Application challenges: New software may not support Windows 10, and older apps could lose vendor support.
• Lifecycle complexity: Managing a mix of legacy and modern systems strains IT resources and increases overhead.

Simply put, staying on Windows 10 post‑support is not just a technical risk, it’s a business risk.

Options After October 14, 2025

1. Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade

For most users and organizations, moving to Windows 11 is the best path forward. Not only does it keep your systems supported, but it also unlocks a host of modern features:

• Enhanced security: With requirements like TPM 2.0 and virtualization-based security (VBS), Windows 11 introduces stronger safeguards against advanced threats.
• Modern UI: A refreshed design optimized for productivity and collaboration.
• AI-powered tools: Features like Copilot bring built-in AI assistance to streamline workflows.

2. Buy a New Windows 11 PC

If your current hardware doesn’t meet Windows 11’s requirements like TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, or a supported processor upgrading may not be an option. In that case, the most practical path is to replace outdated systems with Windows 11-ready devices.

Most modern PCs already come equipped with:

• A 1 GHz or faster dual-core CPU
• 4 GB RAM
• 64 GB storage
• TPM 2.0 and other built-in security standards

For organizations, this is also a good opportunity to standardize hardware, reduce maintenance overhead, and ensure future compatibility with evolving software requirements.

If you’re managing a large device fleet, now’s the time to assess which endpoints need replacing and plan procurement accordingly.

3. Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU)

For devices that can’t be upgraded or replaced right away, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers a temporary safety net. ESU delivers critical security patches for Windows 10 beyond the official end-of-support date—but no new features or performance improvements.

• Pricing:
  • Consumers: $30 for Year 1 (Oct 2025–Oct 2026)
  • Businesses: Starts at $61/year per device, increasing each year (up to $244 in Year 3)
• Availability: ESU enrollment wizard is expected to roll out in mid-2025

4. Alternative OS Paths

(If an Upgrade Isn’t on the Table Just Yet)

If moving to Windows 11 isn’t something you’re considering right now, there are still a few workarounds to keep things running at least in the short term. Each comes with trade-offs, but they can help buy time while you figure out your long-term plan.

Featured resource

Introduction to Hexnode

Hexnode’s Windows Management solution helps organizations seamlessly manage device upgrades, automate patch deployment, enforce compliance policies, and maintain visibility throughout the Windows 10 to Windows 11 transition.

Download the brochure!

Preparing for the Transition

Prepare for the transition

Audit & Planning

Before any migration, it’s important to get a clear picture of what you’re working with. That starts with a full audit of your existing endpoints—hardware, OS versions, installed apps, and connected peripherals.

• Which devices meet the Windows 11 requirements?
• Which apps rely on legacy compatibility?
• What hardware is too outdated to make the cut?

This is where centralized visibility becomes critical. Hexnode’s reports and app inventory offer real-time insights into your fleet – right down to OS versions, installed applications, and compliance posture. With that data, IT teams can easily segment devices into upgrade-ready, replace-soon, or retire-now buckets, making the transition more structured and less reactive.

Backup & Migration Strategy

Once your audit is done, the next step is making sure no data gets left behind. Whether you’re upgrading in-place or rolling out new hardware, a solid backup strategy is non-negotiable.

Use Windows Backup or other built-in tools to preserve user data, system settings, and configurations. If you’re planning a broader rollout, consider a phased migration or explore cloud-based options like Windows 365 for flexible access and easier endpoint provisioning.

During this process, data security becomes critical. With tools like BitLocker encryption, firewall policies, and secure configurations, Hexnode helps protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that devices stay compliant and locked down throughout the migration.

Data Privacy and Data Security: the connection and distinction

Deployment

With planning and backups sorted, deployment is where the migration takes shape. Whether you’re upgrading existing machines or provisioning new hardware, the goal is to minimize downtime and keep things moving smoothly.

For compatible devices, an in-place upgrade to Windows 11 is the most straightforward path. It allows you to:

• Retain user data, installed applications, and most system settings
• Trigger upgrades remotely via Windows Update, installation media, or using Hexnode’s patches and updates solution.
• Roll out in phases to manage load and isolate early-stage issues

When rolling out new Windows 11 devices, the focus shifts to setup and onboarding. Best practices include:

• Pre-configuring devices with standard security baselines, policies, and user profiles
• Using tools like OneDrive sync or User State Migration Tool (USMT) to migrate data and user preferences
• Ensuring devices are enrolled in your Hexnode UEM dashboard from day one

For IT Admins: Best Practices

With the Windows 10 deadline fast approaching, IT teams need a structured game plan. Waiting until October 2025 isn’t an option, start now to stay ahead of security risks and minimize disruption.

1. Begin the migration process early:

Give yourself enough time to test upgrades, validate app compatibility, and iron out deployment challenges. A phased rollout well ahead of the October 2025 deadline helps reduce pressure on support teams and ensures a smoother transition.

2. Use ESU as a fallback, not a strategy:

ESU can keep older systems protected in the short term, but it’s not meant to replace a full migration. Use it to buy time where needed, but make sure there’s a clear plan in place to phase out those devices.

3. Leverage Hexnode UEM throughout the transition:

Hexnode provides the visibility and control needed to manage a large-scale OS shift:

• Audit endpoints using real-time reports and app inventory to track OS versions and upgrade readiness.
• Automate patch deployment across ESU-enrolled devices to keep them secure during the transition.
• Enforce security baselines like BitLocker encryption, firewall policies, and Wi-Fi/VPN configs to keep data protected.

4. Embrace hybrid management tools:

For organizations juggling multiple tools, Hexnode offers a unified platform that covers device management, security enforcement, patch automation, and compliance tracking, without needing to depend on multiple siloed solutions like Intune, SCCM, or standalone patching tools.

Security & Compliance Implications

When Windows 10 support ends, it’s not just about missing out on features—it’s about leaving your systems wide open.

Without regular security updates and patches:

• Devices become high-value targets for ransomware, zero-day exploits, and firmware-level attacks.
• Threat actors often reverse-engineer old patches to exploit unpatched machines—making unsupported systems a growing liability over time.

From a compliance standpoint, continuing to run an unsupported OS can also put your organization at risk:

• Regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS require systems to be patched and secured.
• Falling out of compliance doesn’t just risk data breaches—it can lead to audits, fines, and reputational damage.

Whether you’re in finance, healthcare, retail, or government, unsupported systems weaken your security posture and expose your business to unnecessary risk. Upgrading or isolating them isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Timeline & Next Steps

With the Windows 10 end-of-support date locked in, here’s what the transition window looks like and what you should be doing at each stage:

1. Mid-2025:
   Microsoft will begin rolling out compatibility tools and issuing upgrade notifications to eligible devices. This is the signal to finalize audits and lock in your migration strategy.
2. July–August 2025:
   The ESU enrollment wizard goes live, giving businesses and consumers an official path to extend security patching if needed. Only a short-term solution, use this time to push upgrades forward.
3. October 14, 2025:
   Windows 10 reaches end-of-support. Devices still running the OS will no longer receive updates or support, marking the start of increased security and compliance risks.
4. Until October 13, 2026:
   Year 1 of ESU coverage is available for enrolled devices. This gives you a narrow window to wrap up migrations while keeping essential legacy systems temporarily protected.

Next steps:

• Finalize your device audit
• Segment upgrade-ready vs replace-required systems
• Line up your deployment schedule
• Use tools like Hexnode to monitor, patch, and secure devices throughout the transition

Helpdesk Highlights: FAQs 📌

📍Can Windows 10 still be used after 2025?

Yes, you can continue using Windows 10 after support ends on October 14, 2025 – but you won’t receive security updates, bug fixes, or support from Microsoft. This increases your exposure to vulnerabilities and compliance risks.

📍 Is the Windows 11 upgrade still free?

Yes, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 remains free for eligible devices that meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements. You can check eligibility using the PC Health Check tool.

📍 Is Windows 10 or 11 better?

Windows 11 builds on Windows 10 with stronger built-in security, a modern interface, and productivity features like Snap Layouts and AI tools like Copilot. While Windows 10 is more familiar, Windows 11 is better suited for long-term use.

📍 How do I prepare for Windows 10 end of support?

Start with a full audit of your device fleet, check compatibility with Windows 11, and segment systems for upgrade, replacement, or temporary ESU coverage. Use tools like Hexnode to track OS versions, manage updates, and secure your endpoints.

📍 How much RAM is needed for Windows 11?

The minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4 GB of RAM. However, 8 GB or more is recommended for smooth performance in business environments.

The window’s closing

The end of Windows 10 support isn’t just a deadline – it’s a turning point for IT strategy. Whether you’re managing a lean internal setup or a large, distributed device fleet, the message is the same: waiting until the last minute is not an option.

What comes next isn’t only about migrating to a new OS, it’s about aligning your next move with long-term priorities like system reliability, operational control, and reduced risk exposure. That path will look different for every organization. Some may either move quickly to Windows 11, lean on ESU, or use this moment to reassess their endpoint strategy altogether.

The key is to approach the transition with intent, not urgency. There’s still room to act thoughtfully and on your own terms – before the deadline takes that choice away.