Windows 10 end of support: what London businesses should do now
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Here is what that means for your London business, and your options: upgrade, replace or Extended Security Updates.
Guide · 22 Oct 2026Microsoft Solutions PartnerLondon
14 Oct 2025The date Windows 10 support ended
3 optionsUpgrade, replace or pay for ESU
10 Oct 2028Security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 continue until then
Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025. If any PCs in your office still run it, they no longer receive technical support, feature updates, or quality updates, which include security and reliability fixes.
Those PCs still work. The risk is that new vulnerabilities are no longer patched for free, so the exposure grows each month.
Overview
What has changed
Microsoft's own lifecycle documentation is clear about the final Windows 10 releases.
No technical support
From 14 October 2025, for the final Windows 10 releases (version 22H2 and the LTSB editions).
No feature updates
The operating system stays as it is.
No security or reliability fixes
Microsoft directs customers to upgrade compatible devices to Windows 11, or replace them.
In detail
Your three options
Most offices end up using a mix of all three.
1
Upgrade compatible PCs to Windows 11
The cheapest route where hardware qualifies. Microsoft recommends doing it through Windows Autopatch or Microsoft Intune so it can be managed centrally rather than machine by machine.
Where hardware qualifies2
Replace PCs that can't run Windows 11
Check compatibility first. Microsoft provides the PC Health Check app and published Windows 11 system requirements.
Where hardware does not qualify3
Pay for Extended Security Updates
A paid, annual-subscription stop-gap covering security updates only: no new features, no design changes, no general technical support. Treat it as a bridge while you plan, not a destination.
Stop-gap onlyIn detail
What about Microsoft 365 apps?
The apps outlast the operating system, but only for a while.
Short-term position only
Microsoft will keep delivering security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 until 10 October 2028. Feature updates and Copilot support continue only until version 2608, after which devices stay on that version with security updates only.
Microsoft also notes that using an unsupported operating system can cause performance and reliability issues in Microsoft 365 Apps.
In detail
A practical plan for a London office
Four steps, in this order.
1
Inventory
List every device and its Windows version.
2
Sort
Upgrade, replace, or ESU for the awkward few.
3
Pilot
Try Windows 11 on a small group before rolling out.
4
Manage
Put the rest on a managed update schedule so this does not happen again.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers, based on Microsoft's own documentation.
Can I keep using Windows 10?
Those PCs still work. The risk is that, since 14 October 2025, new vulnerabilities are no longer patched for free, so the exposure grows each month.
What does Extended Security Updates (ESU) cover?
ESU is a paid, annual-subscription programme for organisations of any size. It covers security updates only: no new features, no design changes and no general technical support. Devices must be on Windows 10 version 22H2.
Will Microsoft 365 Apps still be updated on Windows 10?
Microsoft will keep delivering security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 until 10 October 2028. Feature updates and Copilot support continue only until version 2608.
How do I check whether a PC can run Windows 11?
Microsoft provides the PC Health Check app and publishes the Windows 11 system requirements. Check compatibility before deciding whether to upgrade or replace.
In detail
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