Windows 10 end of life: What are your options?

With Microsoft Windows 10 support ending on 14th October 2025, organisations face a critical decision about their next steps. This decision will significantly impact their efficiency, security and overall IT strategy.

Here, we explore the available options and provide recommendations to help organisations make well-informed decisions as they navigate the transition from Windows 10.

Option 1: Do nothing

Choosing to do nothing and continue using Windows 10 after its support ends is risky. Without security updates and technical support, systems become vulnerable to cyber threats and compliance issues.

This option is not advisable for organisations that prioritise security and operational stability.

Option 2: Stay on Windows 10 and pay for extended support

For organisations that are not ready to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware, retaining Windows 10 and paying for extended support is another 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 organisations 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 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 organisations, 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 organisations 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 organisations with tight budgets.

Additionally, organisations 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 organisations struggle to find immediate, practical applications for them. The benefits of AI PCs may not be fully realised 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 organisations to delay a full hardware refresh until the market is more mature, reducing the need for immediate replacements.

Your strategy beyond Windows 10

As Windows 10 reaches its end of support, organisations must carefully consider their next steps. While buying new devices with Windows 11 is a viable option, upgrading existing hardware to Windows 11 and enhancing it with additional memory and SSDs offers a balanced approach.

This strategy provides improved performance and security without the immediate need for a full hardware refresh, allowing organisations to navigate this transition period effectively. If you are unsure how to tackle this or require support, our Ask an Expert team is on hand to assist.

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