Expert Opinion: Windows 10 End of Support and why waiting could cost more than you think

With Windows 10 Extended Security Updates set to end in October 2026, Amshire IT’s Dave Taylor explains of the risks of not upgrading business devices.

Many businesses are still running Windows 10 because everything appears to be working as expected. Systems start, staff complete their tasks, and security updates are still arriving through Extended Security Updates.

That sense of stability feels reassuring.

However, it is important to remember that this situation was never designed to last.

With the Windows 10 support deadline approaching, now is the time to move from awareness to action.

The Countdown Is Already Underway

Standard support has ended

Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025. Since then, organisations have relied on Extended Security Updates to remain protected.

Extended support ends in October 2026

This is the date that truly matters. After October 2026, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security updates.

That means any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unpatched.

For businesses, that changes the risk landscape significantly.

Why Extended Support Is Only a Temporary Safety Net

Extended support can create a false sense of security.

Yes, it buys time.

No, it does not remove the need to upgrade.

Relying on extended support without a clear upgrade strategy increases exposure to:

• Cybersecurity threats
• Compliance concerns
• Insurance complications
• Supplier and customer scrutiny

What begins as a technical issue quickly becomes a commercial one.

The Hidden Challenge Many Businesses Discover Too Late

Not every device supports Windows 11

One of the biggest surprises during upgrades is discovering that some hardware simply cannot support the next operating system.

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements. Some older machines may:

• Fail compatibility checks
• Perform poorly after upgrade
• Require replacement rather than updating

Without early planning, this can lead to rushed purchasing decisions and unnecessary disruption.

Why Businesses Delay, Even When They Know the Deadline

Delaying upgrades rarely happens because businesses are careless.

More often, it happens because:

Familiar systems feel safe

Teams know how Windows 10 works. Changing systems introduces uncertainty.

Extended support feels like a solution

Signing up for updates can create the impression that the problem has been solved.

In reality, it has only been postponed.

The Real Cost of Leaving It Too Late

Waiting until the final months before October 2026 often leads to avoidable challenges.

These can include:

• Increased hardware costs
• Supply delays
• Installation bottlenecks
• Staff disruption
• Higher stress across teams

Businesses that start early stay in control of their timeline and budget.

Those that wait often react under pressure.

What a Well Planned Transition Looks Like

Preparing for the Windows 10 transition does not need to feel overwhelming.

In fact, most successful upgrades begin with a few practical steps:

Review your current devices

Understand which systems can upgrade and which will need replacing.

Assess compatibility

Check that your key applications and workflows will perform properly on newer systems.

Plan upgrades in stages

Spreading upgrades over time reduces disruption and helps manage costs.

Communicate with your team

Clear guidance and preparation make transitions smoother for everyone involved.

The Key Question Many Businesses Are Now Asking

Do we still have time?

Yes. But the most valuable time is the time you use to plan.

Extended support should act as breathing space, not a long term solution.

Businesses that treat it as part of a structured exit strategy remain in control. Those that delay risk facing sudden pressure as the deadline approaches.

Are Your Systems Ready for What Comes Next?

If your business is still running Windows 10, now is the ideal moment to review your environment and understand your options.

A proactive review can help you:

• Identify upgrade ready devices
• Spot hardware that needs replacing
• Estimate realistic timelines
• Plan budgets with confidence