Windows 10 End of Life: Why Now Is the Time to Plan Your Next Move

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. Security patches, compliance updates, and bug fixes for the OS will no longer be released, leaving Windows-based businesses that haven’t upgraded their systems vulnerable to cyberattacks and compliance violations.

For many organizations, it wasn’t simply a software issue – it was a security gap. In fact, recent research shows that 46% of businesses now refresh PCs primarily to reduce breach risks, slightly more (42%) than businesses motivated solely by the end-of-support deadline. In other words, the looming deadline wasn’t just about an operating system – it was about security and staying ahead of threats.

By preparing devices early, businesses not only improved their current performance but also positioned themselves to adopt emerging AI technologies seamlessly in the future, avoiding costly hardware bottlenecks or repeated refresh cycles.

If you haven’t transitioned to Windows 11 already, below we explore the available options and provide recommendations to help organizations make well-informed decisions as they navigate the transition from Windows 10.

Option 1: Do Nothing

Choosing to do nothing and continuing to use Windows 10 is risky. Without security updates and technical support, systems become vulnerable to cyber threats and compliance issues.

This option is not advisable for organizations that prioritize security and operational stability.

Option 2: Stay on Windows 10 and Pay for Extended Support

For organizations that are not ready to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware, retaining Windows 10 and paying for extended support is an option.

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee, which provides critical security updates beyond the end-of-support date. However, this is a temporary solution, as extended support is typically available for a limited period, and organizations will eventually need to transition to a supported operating system.

Option 3: Buy New Devices

Investing in new devices pre-installed with Windows 11 appears to be a straightforward solution. New hardware ensures compatibility with the latest software and security features, offering a seamless transition.

However, this option can be costly and may not be feasible for all organizations, especially those with budget constraints. Yet, if you’re looking to acquire new devices, the next key question is: do you buy an AI PC or a non-AI PC?

Buying an AI PC

While AI PCs offer cutting-edge technology and advanced capabilities, there are several limitations that organizations should consider before making a purchase.

AI PCs are often more expensive than traditional PCs due to the inclusion of advanced components like NPUs (Neural Processing Units) and high-performance CPUs and GPUs. This can be a significant investment, especially for organizations with tight budgets.

Additionally, organizations looking to acquire AI PCs face another decision: should they opt for devices with ARM chipsets, such as Qualcomm Snapdragon, or X86 chipsets, like those from Intel or AMD?

While Snapdragon AI PCs offer better overall performance compared to their Intel and AMD counterparts, there are some drawbacks. Running x86 applications on Snapdragon CPUs often requires emulation, such as Prism on Copilot+ PCs. However, emulation can lead to slower performance and some emulated OS features may not always be compatible with the hardware.

Although this is improving for many popular business applications, the same cannot be said for bespoke or niche applications that many businesses use.

Despite the hype around AI PC capabilities, many organizations struggle to find immediate, practical applications for them. The benefits of AI PCs may not be fully realized until more AI-driven software and applications become mainstream. By which point early adopters may find themselves stuck with devices with inadequate specifications – and having to buy twice within their usual refresh cycle.

Buying a non-AI PC

While non-AI PCs may appear the best route forwards to replace existing devices due to their straightforward specifications and compatibility with a wide range of software, you do need to consider the future – as devices are typically expected to last between 3 and 5 years.

And as AI PCs and their applications continue to expand in both breadth and purpose, they are likely to become the default choice for many users. This can mean that non-AI PCs may become less compatible with new software and updates, leading to potential obsolescence.

In short, if you buy non-AI PCs for your business, you might find yourself needing to upgrade to an AI PC sooner than expected which again could also result in you buying twice.

Option 4: Upgrade Existing Devices

Upgrading existing devices to Windows 11 is a cost-effective alternative. This approach extends the life of current hardware while providing access to enhanced security and productivity features.

Given the current landscape, where app maturity and compatibility for new AI PCs are still evolving, upgrading existing devices with additional memory and SSD storage can be a strategic move. However, it's essential to ensure that the devices meet at least the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.

This upgrade can significantly improve performance and extend the lifespan of current hardware, allowing organizations to delay a full hardware refresh until the market is more mature, reducing the need for immediate replacements.

Turning end of support to an upgrade opportunity

While some may have seen the Windows 10 sunset as an operational burden, others used it as a catalyst for transformation. The same research shows that 71% of IT decision-makers view this moment as an opportunity to invest in AI-ready hardware rather than simply swap operating systems.

Organizations cite stronger security, higher productivity, and futureproofing for AI workloads as the primary benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 and modern hardware. Beyond compliance, these upgrades help businesses stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats while enabling employees to work more efficiently. With AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot+ increasingly integrated into everyday workflows, having hardware that can fully support these capabilities from day one allows teams to leverage automation, streamline repetitive tasks, and make faster, data-driven decisions.

However, even with a solid plan, organizations often face challenges during a Windows 10 migration. Common issues include software compatibility problems, hardware mismatches, and downtime that disrupts daily operations. The best way to minimize these risks is to follow a clear, phased roadmap, starting with a full inventory of your current device fleet to build a budget that accounts for both upgrades and replacements.