Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Computers running Windows 10 have not suddenly stopped working, but standard versions of the operating system no longer receive free security updates, software fixes, new features or general technical support from Microsoft.
For Australian businesses still using Windows 10, this is no longer an approaching deadline. It is a current security and technology issue that needs a practical plan.
Whether you operate a single computer, a small office or multiple business locations, now is the time to identify any remaining Windows 10 devices and decide whether they should be upgraded, replaced or temporarily covered by Extended Security Updates.
What Does the End of Windows 10 Support Mean?
A Windows 10 computer will still turn on and continue running existing programs. However, Microsoft is no longer routinely fixing newly discovered security vulnerabilities in unsupported installations.
As time passes, this can leave Windows 10 computers increasingly exposed to malware, ransomware, unauthorised access and other cyber threats.
Businesses may also encounter:
- New programs that no longer support Windows 10
- Printer, scanner and peripheral compatibility problems
- Reduced support from software vendors
- Cyber insurance or compliance concerns
- Increasing reliability and performance problems on ageing hardware
- Difficulty receiving technical assistance when something goes wrong
An unsupported computer may appear to work normally, but that does not mean it remains properly protected.
Can Your Existing Computer Upgrade to Windows 11?
Some Windows 10 computers can still be upgraded to Windows 11 without purchasing a new Windows licence. However, the computer must meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements.
These include:
- A compatible 64-bit processor
- At least 4GB of memory
- At least 64GB of storage
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
- Trusted Platform Module version 2.0, commonly called TPM 2.0
- Compatible graphics hardware
These are minimum requirements rather than recommendations for comfortable business use. A modern business computer will generally benefit from at least 8GB of memory, with 16GB often being a better choice for multitasking, Microsoft 365, accounting programs, web applications and video meetings.
Microsoft’s PC Health Check application can help determine whether a computer officially supports Windows 11. Compatibility should also be checked for important business applications, printers, scanners and specialist equipment before an upgrade is performed.
Avoid bypassing Microsoft’s hardware requirements simply to force Windows 11 onto an incompatible computer. An unsupported installation may experience update, driver, reliability or future support problems.
When Is Replacing the Computer the Better Option?
Even when an older computer can technically run Windows 11, upgrading is not always the best business decision.
Replacement may make more sense when a computer:
- Is already slow or unreliable
- Uses an ageing processor
- Has insufficient memory or storage
- Requires several hardware upgrades
- Regularly interrupts staff productivity
- Is approaching the end of its practical working life
- Cannot officially support Windows 11
A new business computer can provide improved performance, current security features, faster solid-state storage and several more years of supported operation.
The right decision should consider the age of the computer, the cost of upgrading it and the consequences of downtime—not just whether Windows 11 can be installed.
What Are Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?
Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program, known as ESU, for organisations that need more time to complete their transition.
Commercial ESU provides critical and important security updates for eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 computers. It does not provide new features, general technical support or the full benefits of moving to Windows 11.
Commercial ESU licences are purchased annually and can provide eligible organisations with security updates for up to three years after Windows 10 reached end of support. Costs increase in later years, making ESU most suitable as a temporary transition measure rather than a permanent alternative to upgrading.
Microsoft also offers a separate consumer ESU program for eligible home computers. Businesses should not assume that the consumer offer applies to commercially managed, domain-connected or centrally administered devices.
If your business needs ESU, it should be treated as additional time to organise an orderly migration—not a reason to postpone the decision indefinitely.
Does Microsoft 365 Still Work on Windows 10?
Microsoft 365 applications may continue to operate on Windows 10, but Microsoft ended normal support for running Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 when the operating system reached end of support.
Microsoft has stated that it will continue supplying security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 until 10 October 2028 to assist with the transition. This does not restore support or security updates for the Windows 10 operating system itself.
Receiving an update for Word, Outlook or Excel does not mean the computer’s operating system is fully supported.
A Practical Windows 11 Migration Plan
Businesses do not need to replace every computer without first assessing what they have. A structured migration can reduce costs and minimise disruption.
1. Identify every Windows 10 device
Create a list of desktops and laptops still running Windows 10. Include shared computers, reception PCs, workshop computers, spare laptops and devices used at secondary locations.
2. Check hardware compatibility
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool and review the age, specifications and condition of each computer.
3. Review business software and equipment
Confirm that accounting software, industry applications, printers, scanners, label printers and other essential devices will work correctly with Windows 11.
4. Back up important data
Ensure files, email data, browser information and other essential business records are properly backed up before beginning an upgrade or replacement.
5. Decide whether to upgrade, replace or use ESU
Separate devices into three groups:
- Computers suitable for a Windows 11 upgrade
- Computers that should be replaced
- Essential devices requiring temporary ESU coverage
6. Test before upgrading the entire workplace
Where possible, upgrade or replace one computer first. Confirm that applications, printing, scanning and business workflows operate correctly before proceeding with the remaining devices.
7. Complete the migration in stages
A staged rollout can minimise disruption and spread replacement costs while moving the business towards a fully supported environment.
Do Not Ignore Remaining Windows 10 Computers
The October 2025 deadline has passed, but it is not too late to address unsupported computers properly.
Continuing to use Windows 10 without ESU or a migration plan increases risk over time. Acting now gives your business greater control over costs, scheduling, data transfer and hardware selection.
Hunter Office Technology can help businesses source suitable Windows 11 laptops and desktop computers based on their software, workload and budget. For complex migrations, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, cloud services and ongoing business IT support, we can also connect you with our trusted IT partner, Elevated IT.
We assist businesses throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast.
Contact Hunter Office Technology to discuss replacement business computers or the next step for your remaining Windows 10 devices.