If your business is still running Windows 10, time to upgrade safely is running out.
By this time you’ve already had to spend extra to sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) if you want to stay current and protected.
If this isn’t something you watch closely, we understand — you have a business to run after all.
It may also seem like all is well for now: Windows 10 machines still boot up and run as stable as you’re accustomed to. They even get security updates…for now.
But that changes for good in October.
Windows 10 Extended Support Ends October 2026
Microsoft already ended standard support for Windows 10 back in October 2025, advising businesses to upgrade to Windows 11 to get the latest and greatest (and most secure) Windows experience.
But for a variety of reasons, that didn’t work for every business. For example, if:
- You’re still running old machines that can’t officially upgrade to Windows 11.
- You rely on legacy software that doesn’t operate past Windows 10.
- You use specific industrial equipment that runs on dedicated Windows 10 machines.
To help businesses that needed a little extra time, Microsoft offered a paid program called Extended Security Updates. This does what it sounds like: if you pay for the service, you keep getting security patches for Windows 10.
Technically, Microsoft was clear from the outset (well, clear-ish) that this program wouldn’t last forever. Once October 2026 hits, ESU is done.
But in practice, it’s way too easy to enroll in ESU (just a couple of clicks when you got a warning screen last October), and many users don’t see a sense of urgency around updating.
What Happens After ESU
To be clear, ESU doesn’t have a kill switch. It’s not like you’ll wake up one morning in October and all your Windows 10 machines will just be dead.
So what happens next? Nothing you’ll notice immediately, and that’s part of the problem. Your Windows 10 machines will for the most part keep working like they do right now.
They’ll keep running, but they won’t get any new security updates. Any vulnerabilities not yet patched (including new vulnerabilities that inevitably get discovered after October) will just remain open and vulnerable.
In other words: no one’s minding the store…except the thieves looking for a way in. Even once they find a way in (and they will), Microsoft isn’t putting any formal effort into plugging the gap.
This puts your business at risk to data theft, cyberattacks, ransomware attacks, and so on.
Why It Matters Today
October 2026 might sound like a faraway date, but it’s only a few months away.
In the context of business IT, that’s no time at all. Think about the reasons you haven’t upgraded yet:
- If you’re running a fleet of laptops that can’t support Windows 11, you need to upgrade at scale (which takes planning, time, and money).
- If you’re relying on software that doesn’t work on Windows 11, you need to find a new answer for that business function (which takes testing, exploration, implementation, and training).
- If you have industrial equipment or machinery that’s stuck in the past, you may need to replace it entirely.
These things don’t happen overnight. And the cost of not upgrading goes beyond cybersecurity risk. You may eventually have to contend with insurance and/or compliance requirements, and suppliers or customers may expect you to operate on a current, secure tech stack.
The bottom line is this: you need a Windows 10 exit plan. If you don’t have one yet, this needs to become a top priority immediately.
If you’re not sure how to make this transition or need guidance or a clear roadmap, that’s what we’re here for. Call or email today to set up a consult.