Windows 10 End of Life — What SMEs Must Do Now

DSM Systems
Apr 30
3 min read

Windows 10 support has officially ended; devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support unless businesses pay for short‑term Extended Security Updates.

How many people are still using Windows 10?

If you think everyone has already moved to Windows 11, the numbers tell a very different story.

As of late 2025, around 40–45% of desktop PCs worldwide were still running Windows 10, according to data from StatCounter and TeamViewer
A Kaspersky study found nearly 60% of corporate users were still on Windows 10
Research also shows that up to 87% of Windows 10 business PCs are technically capable of upgrading to Windows 11 without replacement hardware

In other words, millions of businesses are heading towards 2025 unprepared, often without realising their existing machines can already be upgraded.

Why Windows 10 end of life matters for SMEs

Once Windows 10 support ends:

❌ No security patches for newly discovered threats
❌ Increased risk from malware, ransomware, and data breaches
❌ Potential compliance and cyber‑insurance issues
❌ Software vendors will gradually stop supporting older Windows versions

This creates what cybersecurity experts call a “known‑vulnerability environment”, attackers actively target systems they know will never be patched again.

Simply put: staying on Windows 10 after October 2025 is a business risk, not just an IT inconvenience.

The benefits of moving to Windows 11 for small businesses

Windows 11 isn’t a painful leap, and for most SMEs, the benefits are immediate.

1. Stronger security by default

Windows 11 is designed around modern threats:

Hardware‑based protection (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot)
Built‑in ransomware resistance
Improved Microsoft Defender capabilities
More secure sign‑in with Windows Hello (passwordless options)

This is especially important for businesses using Microsoft 365, cloud apps, and remote working.

2. Better performance and productivity

Windows 11 feels faster and smoother on supported hardware:

Faster boot times
Smarter memory and CPU management
Improved battery life on laptops
Snap Layouts for multitasking and large screens

It’s a noticeable upgrade for staff — without a steep learning curve.

3. Designed for modern work

Windows 11 is built for how people work today:

Native Microsoft Teams integration
Better support for multiple monitors
Improved virtual desktops
Optimised for hybrid and remote working

Your users log in, get on with their jobs, and don’t need retraining.

4. Future‑proofing your IT

New software, AI features, and security improvements will target Windows 11 first. Staying current avoids rushed upgrades later and spreads the cost more sensibly.

“But isn’t upgrading difficult?”

This is one of the biggest myths we encounter — especially among SMEs.

In reality:

✅ Many Windows 10 PCs can be upgraded with a straightforward in‑place upgrade
✅ Existing applications usually remain untouched
✅ User data and settings are preserved
✅ Downtime can be minimal with proper planning

Where hardware does need replacing, it’s often devices already overdue for refresh — making this a good opportunity to modernise sensibly rather than reactively.

What should SMEs do now?

With October 2025 approaching faster than it seems, the smartest approach is:

Audit your current PCs and laptops
Identify which devices can upgrade to Windows 11
Plan replacements only where genuinely required
Schedule upgrades ahead of the rush
Avoid costly last‑minute decisions or paid security extensions

Final thought

Windows 10 end of life isn’t about forcing change — it’s about reducing risk and staying secure.

Most SMEs don’t need a big‑bang project or disruptive overhaul. They just need clear advice, proper planning, and a calm transition.

If you leave it too late, you’ll be competing with everyone else for hardware, engineers, and support. If you act now, it’s simply business as usual — just safer and more future‑ready.