🚨 Reminder: Windows 10 End of Life is Coming – UK Businesses, Act Now!
- Alex Hughes
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
When it matters most: Microsoft ends mainstream support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. That’s just around the corner, and the risks – to security, compliance, and operations – are real and urgent.
🔐 Why This Isn’t Just Another Reminder
Zero security patches post‑EOL - After support ends, no more updates or hotfixes. Every new vulnerability becomes permanent danger.
Cyber threats spike - Unsupported systems are magnets for ransomware and malware; hackers know everyone will still be on Windows 10 six months from now.
Regulatory red flag - Running unsupported systems may breach GDPR, Cyber Essentials, and ISO standards – insurers may even deny cyber‑attack claims.
🛡️ Windows 11: Not Just New, but Safer
Intel-backed security - TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, virtualisation-based protections – non-negotiable foundations for modern defence.
Enterprise-grade threat resistance - Enterprises see up to a 58% drop in security incidents on Windows 11 Pro devices.
Total Economic Impact (TEI) - Windows 11 Enterprise drives productivity gains, IT efficiency, and security savings – reducing risk costs significantly.
🧪 Scenario Spotlight: What Could Go Wrong
Morning at “Acme Financial Ltd.” (fictional)
An employee on outdated Windows 10 opens a phishing email. A zero‑day vulnerability – discovered after EOL – enables ransomware to spread silently. With no patch forthcoming, damage is widespread:
Sensitive client data encrypted
Ransom demanded in BTC
GDPR breach: £millions in regulatory fines
Claims denied by insurer citing lack of support
Major reputational fallout; clients transfer business
Disclaimer: The above scenario is fictional but based on typical cybersecurity risks and real-world outcomes experienced by businesses running unsupported operating systems.
🛠️ What Small and Medium UK Businesses Should Do
Audit every device - Identify Windows 10 systems, assess TPM 2.0 and hardware readiness.
Plan phased upgrades - Prioritise user groups with sensitive data—finance, compliance, customer service.
Budget for hardware refresh - Many machines over 5 years old won’t meet Windows 11 specs.
Use Modern Management - Leverage tools like Intune or Autopatch for automated, secure rollouts.
Temporary bandaid: ESU - Extended Security Updates offer a short grace period — £50–£60 per device (year one), doubling each year – but it’s expensive and temporary.
Educate & train - Ensure staff know the risks and follow secure email and browsing practices.
EOL Software = Automatic Non-Compliance
Cyber Essentials requires that all devices run supported and patched software. Any unsupported ("legacy") software is effectively a breach - and results in an automatic fail during both self-assessment and external audit.
Cyber Essentials Plus involves an external audit where assessors will scan devices. Discovery of any EOL software (like post-EOL Windows 10) means instant non-compliance.
What this means?
❌ One or more Windows 10 devices that remain post-EOL will result in a FAIL for renewals or audits of both Cyber Essential certifications.
✅ But, if you remove or upgrade any Windows 10 devices, you are eligible to renew or maintain certification.
Final Takeaway - Windows 10 IS end of life
The Windows 10 end of life deadline is fast approaching on 14 October 2025. Post-EOL, every device left unattended is a ticking bomb. The move to Windows 11 isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for security, compliance, and continuity.
🔹 Act now: Audit systems, plan upgrades, invest in modern hardware, and train your team.
🔹 Avoid the fallout: Don’t let ransomware, fines, and data breach nightmares become your reality.
🔹 Future‑proof your business: With stronger defences, better performance, and peace of mind, Windows 11 is your platform for resilience.
👨💼 About the Author
This article was written by the IT strategy team at IT Desk, trusted by UK businesses for over 20 years. We help organisations of all sizes stay secure, compliant, and future-ready with expert IT support, managed services, and cyber resilience planning.
