After a decade, Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10. If your organization still runs Windows 10, here’s what changes today—and the practical paths forward to stay secure and compliant.

What “End of Support” Means

• No more free security updates or fixes for Windows 10 (version 22H2). Your PCs will still run, but new vulnerabilities won’t be patched via Windows Update. Microsoft Support+1
• Microsoft 365 Apps continue on a security-updates-only track through October 10, 2028 when installed on Windows 10, but feature updates and full support are aligned to supported Windows versions. Microsoft Learn
• LTSC note: If you use Windows 10 LTSC, those releases follow their own lifecycle dates. Most small businesses aren’t on LTSC, so check your edition. Microsoft Learn

Your Options (from fastest to most durable)

1) Upgrade to Windows 11 (Recommended)

If your hardware meets requirements, upgrading provides the most secure and fully supported path with ongoing features and security updates. Techbinova can run a compatibility assessment and plan upgrades with minimal downtime. Microsoft

2) Use Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)

If you need more time to migrate, ESU delivers critical/important security patches beyond today.

• For home/very small offices: A consumer ESU option is available through October 13, 2026 with several enrollment paths (including at no additional cost if PC settings sync is enabled, Microsoft Rewards redemption, or a one-time $30 purchase). Limits apply (e.g., not for domain-joined/MDM-enrolled devices). Microsoft
• For organizations (commercial ESU): Businesses can purchase ESU annually (cumulative by year) to cover Windows 10 devices while you complete migration. Expect rising costs each year—ESU is intended as a temporary bridge, not a long-term strategy. Microsoft Learn+1

Reality check: ESU buys time, but it doesn’t add features or tech support—and enrollment has eligibility rules. Treat it as a short runway to complete your Windows 11 transition. Microsoft

3) Refresh Hardware

If your PCs don’t meet Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, supported CPU, etc.), a device refresh may be the cleanest, most cost-effective approach over the next 12–24 months. We can help prioritize which machines to replace first and handle data migration. Microsoft

Risks of Staying on Unpatched Windows 10

• Higher breach risk: Unfixed vulnerabilities invite malware/ransomware.
• Compliance exposure: Many frameworks expect supported, patched OSes.
• App friction: New apps and integrations increasingly assume Windows 11.

How Techbinova Can Help

As a Virginia-based IT services firm, Techbinova supports SMBs through this transition with:

1. Fleet Assessment & Roadmap
   Inventory versions, health, and Windows 11 readiness. Create a phased upgrade/refresh plan aligned to budget and risk.
2. In-Place Upgrades & Imaging
   Zero-touch or white-glove deployments, app validation, driver/firmware updates, BitLocker and backup checks.
3. ESU Advisory & Enrollment
   Determine where ESU makes sense, enroll eligible devices, and set clear exit dates.
4. Hardware Refresh & Procurement
   Source Windows 11-ready devices, migrate data and profiles, decommission or recycle securely.
5. Security & Compliance Hardening
   Post-upgrade baselines: modern endpoint protection, patch automation, local admin lock-down, and policy enforcement.

Key Dates to Know

• October 14, 2025 — Windows 10 standard support ends (today). Microsoft Support+1
• Through October 13, 2026 — Consumer ESU coverage window for eligible devices. Microsoft
• Through October 10, 2028 — Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 receive security updates only. Plan to be on Windows 11 well before then. Microsoft Learn

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Need help deciding the fastest, safest path off Windows 10?
Techbinova can assess your environment and execute the plan—upgrade, ESU stop-gap, or device refresh—without disrupting your business.

Contact us to schedule a readiness check and migration plan.