As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. This announcement has significant implications for businesses of all sizes, but particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For companies still operating on Windows 10, the countdown is ticking toward a critical decision. SME’s can either upgrade to Windows 11 or risk operating on an unsupported platform, carrying major security and operational risks.
In this post, we’ll explore the key effects of this shift on SME’s. We delve into why transitioning to Windows 11 isn’t just about keeping up with the latest software, it is about ensuring business continuity, enhancing security, and future-proofing operations.
Why Is Microsoft Ending Support for Windows 10?
With the end of support in 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, crucial security patches and technical assistance.
This means any vulnerabilities discovered after the end-of-support date will remain unpatched, leaving businesses exposed to cyber threats. As cybercriminals are quick to exploit systems running unsupported software, it is imperative to consider all options before the deadline.
The Potential Impact Of Not Upgrading to Windows 11
- Increased Security Risks
Cybersecurity is a primary concern for SMEs. A 2023 UK government report revealed that nearly 39% of small businesses experienced a cyber-attack in the last 12 months. Running an unsupported operating system like Windows 10 post-2025 would expose businesses to known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Without regular security updates, malware and ransomware attacks become more likely. This is especially relevant for small businesses with fewer resources and less sophisticated IT infrastructures. Even a single cyber-attack could lead to data breaches, financial loss, or damage to their reputation.
- Compliance Issues
Industries handling sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, and legal services, are subject to stringent regulations around data security. Using an unsupported OS could put businesses out of compliance with laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Non-compliance not only exposes SMEs to the risk of data breaches but can also result in significant fines.
- Compatibility and Software Support
As Windows 10 becomes outdated, newer software applications and hardware will likely be incompatible with the system. Businesses may find themselves unable to use essential business tools or integrate with modern cloud services. This would limit innovation and put SMEs at a competitive disadvantage in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
- Increased Costs Over Time
There is an immediate investment or cost when upgrading to Windows 11. However, delaying this decision could prove more costly in the long run. Unsupported systems often require more IT resources to maintain, troubleshoot, and protect, leading to higher operational expenses. Additionally, productivity may decline if employees are stuck using outdated technology.
Why Windows 11 Is the Better Option for SMEs
Windows 11 offers a range of features to enhance security, productivity, and ensure seamless integration with modern software and hardware. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures that businesses can stay protected and competitive while benefiting from the latest technology.
Key Security Enhancements in Windows 11
- Enhanced hardware-based Security features are much harder to bypass than software-only solutions.
- Secured-Core PCs combine hardware, firmware, and operating system protections to prevent firmware attacks. This added layer of security is a strong defence against sophisticated cyber threats.
- VBS (Virtualisation-Based Security) and HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity) prevent malicious software from tampering with the operating system.
- Designed with Zero Trust Architecture in mind, assuming that no one inside or outside the business is trusted by default. The risk of unauthorised access to business systems is thus significantly reduced.
Safeguard your businesses and thrive in an increasingly digital and security-conscious world.
The end of support for Windows 10 is not just a technology issue. This business issue affects security, compliance, and operational efficiency. SMEs that fail to upgrade to Windows 11 risk exposure to significant cyber threats, legal repercussions, and operational disruptions.
As the deadline approaches, it’s time to develop a clear migration plan and a smooth transition without compromising business operations.