Windows 10 End of Life (EOL): What IT Teams Should Do Next

Windows 10 officially reached end of support on October 14, 2025. That means Microsoft no longer provides security updates, bug fixes, or technical support to devices still running Windows 10. 

These machines will continue to run, but they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks the longer they remain unpatched. IT teams must now choose between upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling their devices in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program while they develop a phased migration plan.

This guide discusses what IT teams should do next now that Windows 10 has reached end of life and the options they can choose from. 

When did Windows 10 reach end of life?

Windows 10 reached its end of life and end of support on October 14, 2025. On that day, Microsoft released its final free security updates for both standard and enterprise editions. 

While users can continue using Windows 10 devices, they’ll be at much greater risk of new security threats since Microsoft no longer provides security or software updates for the OS. 

What are the risks of running Windows 10 beyond its end date?

Without regular security updates and system patches, newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, leaving Windows 10 devices exposed to malware infections, data breaches, and other security incidents.

Cyber attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business data. According to Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities is the most common way attackers break into networks, accounting for 31% of breaches recorded between November 2024 and October 2025. Using Windows 10 devices past their EOL is like leaving your home’s door open to burglars. 

Software incompatibility is another major concern. As more software developers shift testing and support to Windows 11, core business applications will eventually become incompatible, leading to more unplanned outages and device malfunctions.

Without technical support, troubleshooting will also become more difficult and time-consuming. IT teams will have fewer options for resolving compatibility issues and system errors, potentially increasing downtime. 

These risks compound the longer your Windows 10 devices stay online. Delaying the inevitable may seem like a great way to save hundreds of dollars in the short term, but the added security and operational risks will cost your organization more in the long run. 

What are the options now that Windows 10 has reached EOL?

IT teams can either upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11 or enroll them in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. 

Upgrading to Windows 11

For most organizations, the easiest and most straightforward solution is to upgrade to Windows 11. Not only does it come with a  more intuitive and modern user interface, but it also has:

• Stronger security protections, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and Virtualization-Based Security (VBS).
• Faster startup times and improved resource management.
• Better integration with Microsoft 365 services such as Office, Teams, and OneDrive. 

Most modern PCs and laptops are compatible with Windows 11, but it’s best to check if your Windows 10 has the following hardware requirements:

• A compatible 64-bit processor
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
• TPM version 2.0  

Enrolling devices in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program

Organizations that need more time to transition to Windows 11 can enroll their devices in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. 

ESU is a paid annual subscription that delivers “critical” and “important” security patches to Windows 10 devices for vulnerabilities discovered after the end-of-support date. The free consumer program has been extended to run until October 12, 2027, while commercial and educational organizations can purchase ESU coverage for up to three years after Windows 10 EOL. 

The ESU offers users a more secure way to continue using Windows 10 devices. It provides IT teams with ample time to plan and complete their Windows 11 migration without leaving their Windows 10 devices exposed to emerging security threats. But it’s important to note that the program was designed as a temporary solution. 

It does not come with any additional updates, nor does it offer technical support, so it’s not an ideal replacement for an upgrade. What’s more, its price will double annually, making it more expensive than replacing outdated devices over time.

Which solution is best? If you ask Microsoft, they would encourage you to upgrade to Windows 11, especially if your entire fleet is eligible. It’s the only solution that guarantees you full technical support, ongoing feature updates, and advanced security protections. 

But it will ultimately depend on where your fleet stands today and your budget. If the majority of your devices are eligible for an upgrade, then it’s the more sustainable move. However, if a large portion of them don’t meet the hardware requirements, ESU should buy you enough time to develop a phased hardware replacement plan. 

In reality, many organizations land somewhere in between: they upgrade every eligible device now and enroll ineligible but still usable units in the ESU program until their hardware can be upgraded or replaced altogether.

How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you need to:

Step 1: Back up your data

Before making any changes, ensure all your important data is backed up. Use reliable backup solutions to prevent data loss during the transition. Regular backups safeguard your information and provide peace of mind as you move to a new operating system.

Step 2: Review hardware requirements

Check if your current hardware meets the specifications for newer operating systems to avoid compatibility issues after upgrading. Ensuring your devices are compatible with Windows 11 helps you avoid potential problems and enables a smoother transition.

Step 3: Evaluate software compatibility

Identify critical software used in your operations and verify its compatibility with Windows 11 or other alternatives. This step ensures that your essential applications will function correctly after the upgrade and prevent disruptions to your workflow.

Step 4: Plan your upgrade

Develop a detailed plan for upgrading to Windows 11 or another supported operating system. Include timelines, resource allocation, and potential downtime in your plan. A well-thought-out plan helps you manage the transition effectively and minimizes any negative impact on your operations.

Step 5: Install Windows 11 on a test device

Once you’ve finalized your upgrade plan, install Windows 11 on a test device to validate your process. The easiest way to do this is through Windows Update:

1. Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. 
2. Select Check for updates.
3. If the device is eligible for an upgrade, you’ll find a message that says Windows 11 is ready to be installed. 
4. Click Download and install, and follow the installation prompts.
5. The update should start automatically. 

For larger environments, you can use deployment tools such as Command Prompt or PowerShell to upgrade multiple devices. For a step-by-step walkthrough on how to update your Windows 10 EOL systems, watch our video How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11.

Step 5: Evaluate the new environment

Before fully transitioning, evaluate the new operating system in a controlled environment. This helps you address potential problems early before you roll out changes system-wide, ensuring a smoother and more reliable upgrade process.

Next steps for IT teams after Windows 10 EOL

With Windows 10 officially reaching end of life and end of support, IT teams must act quickly to close the security gap it has left behind. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program gives organizations more time to plan their eventual migration to Windows 11, but it should never be treated as a replacement for upgrading.

A more practical approach would be to upgrade all eligible devices to Windows 11 and enroll ineligible devices in ESU while you develop a longer-term migration plan.

Managing this transition across a distributed fleet can be challenging, but NinjaOne’s endpoint management platform can help simplify the process. It allows IT teams to manage Windows 11 upgrades, ESU patching, hardware refreshes, and backups from a single cloud-based console. 

Now that Windows 10 no longer receives regular security and software updates, you must take action now to reduce security risks and keep your operations running smoothly.