Photo by Clint Patterson on Unsplash
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. This means no more security updates, no bug fixes, and no technical assistance unless you pay for what Microsoft calls Extended Security Updates (ESUs).
This is more than just another software milestone. It represents a turning point for millions of users and businesses still relying on the operating system — and it’s not just a technical problem. It’s an economic one, a strategic one, and for some, it feels like a calculated move by a tech giant to clear the deck for its next big wave.
What End-of-Support Actually Means
End-of-support (EoS) isn’t just about losing access to cool new features. It means:
• No security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities
• No updates for compatibility with new software or hardware
• No Microsoft customer support for troubleshooting
In effect, you're on your own.
Continue using Windows 10 at your own risk — and that risk is growing by the day in an increasingly hostile cyber environment.
Microsoft’s Next Move: Pragmatism or Profit?
Microsoft is offering a one-year grace period to consumers, with security patches available for NZ $50 per device.
For businesses, the cost is NZ $100 per device in Year 1 — but doubles each year for up to three years of coverage. There’s no guarantee that this extension will be offered to consumers beyond one year.
Why the charge?
Microsoft says it’s about allocating resources effectively.
But from another angle, it feels like a classic forced upgrade strategy — a way to “encourage” users to move to Windows 11, or to buy into new hardware designed for their AI-powered “Copilot+ PC” strategy.
It’s worth noting: Microsoft’s own marketing is very clear . . .
“The future is Windows 11.” And that future, apparently, comes at a cost.
Security: The Silent Catalyst?
Behind the scenes, the real challenge may be deeper than financial motivation.
There are mounting reports of critical vulnerabilities in the Windows 10 kernel, many of which are costly to identify, patch, and test across such a massive user base.
In short: continuing to support Windows 10 may no longer be economically or practically viable — especially if the engineering teams are already focused on future technologies.
If zero-day exploits are piling up faster than they can be addressed, then withdrawing support isn’t just about making money — it might also be about limiting liability and managing risk exposure.
Still, that doesn’t make the decision any easier for businesses.
Hardware Cliff: Where Many Will Fall
The transition to Windows 11 isn’t seamless.
In fact, hundreds of millions of machines can’t make the leap.
Why? Microsoft has set strict requirements for Windows 11:
- A supported CPU (Intel 8th gen or newer)
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
- UEFI Secure Boot
- 4 GB RAM minimum and 64 GB storage
Many otherwise-functioning systems — especially in schools, SMEs, and community organisations — are left behind.
According to industry estimates, over 400 million devices worldwide cannot be upgraded without a hardware refresh.
That’s not just an inconvenience.
That’s a massive capital expense, especially for sectors with thin margins or stretched IT budgets.
Business Implications: More Than Just Upgrades
The business impact of Windows 10’s end-of-life is multi-dimensional:
- Security Risks
Running an unsupported OS makes your business more vulnerable to ransomware, malware, and supply chain compromise. Even one unpatched endpoint could be an open door.
- Cost Implications
ESU costs can add up quickly. A 200-device business could be looking at NZ $20,000+ per year for three years — with no hardware upgrades included.
- Productivity Disruptions
Hardware replacement means downtime, training, system migration — and potential compatibility issues with legacy applications.
- Compliance & Liability
Regulated sectors (finance, health, legal) may not be allowed to run unsupported systems. This could expose organisations to audit failures or legal risk.
- E-waste & Sustainability
Millions of machines headed to landfill simply because they can’t meet Windows 11’s hardware spec? That’s not good optics for companies claiming sustainability credentials.
Workarounds, Extensions, and Alternatives
Microsoft isn’t leaving everyone high and dry. Some options are available — but they’re imperfect and time-limited.
Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Available to both consumers (1 year only) and businesses (up to 3 years), ESUs are a stop-gap. They’re not free, and they only buy time.
- Rewards-Based Extensions
Microsoft has quietly allowed some consumers to extend support by redeeming Microsoft Rewards points. It’s a generous move — but inconsistent and hard to scale across an enterprise.
- Alternatives for devices that can't upgrade:
- ChromeOS Flex: Fast, light, and great for web-first roles (education, admin).
- Linux: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and others offer long-term support and enterprise-level security — but with a learning curve.
- Virtual Desktops: Offloading to cloud VDI (e.g., Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop) lets older machines act as thin clients.
These alternatives may not suit every use case — but they can delay costly hardware refreshes.
Strategic Planning for IT Leaders
For IT managers, this is a chance to rethink strategy — not just react to change.
- Step 1: Audit Everything
Create an inventory of every endpoint running Windows 10. Identify machines that are eligible for Windows 11, and those that are not.
- Step 2: Segment Use Cases
Not every device needs full local compute power.
Could a Linux-based machine or Chromebook replace the role?
Are there public kiosks, reception areas, or POS terminals that don’t require Windows?
- Step 3: Evaluate Costs vs ESU
Compare the cost of buying new devices versus paying ESUs for a couple of years. Can you stagger replacements over time?
Step 4: Build the Timeline
Three years may seem like a long time — but device replacement programs, procurement, staff training, and migration take time.
Start planning now to avoid panic in 2026.
Step 5: Communicate to Stakeholders
Boards, finance teams, and department heads need to understand this isn’t “just an IT thing.”
It’s a business continuity issue.
Frame it as an investment in security and resilience, not just a cost.
Final Thoughts: Greed or Good Governance?
It’s easy — and perhaps justified — to view Microsoft’s move as a money grab.
Ending support, charging for patches, and pushing hardware upgrades is hardly altruistic.
And yet, one can also argue this is responsible governance.
After a decade of patches, it’s reasonable to sunset an aging OS — especially one struggling under the weight of new exploits and evolving threats.
So maybe the question isn’t whether this is greedy.
Maybe it’s whether we’re ready.
The clock is ticking. October 14, 2025 is not far away — and the cost of doing nothing may be higher than the cost of acting now.