On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10: from this date onwards, no more security updates will be issued for this OS, thus launching a critical countdown for businesses. This marks an important milestone for business environments, where this OS is still massively used. This change implies much more than a system update: it involves a strategic rethink of workstation management, IT security and, more generally, the company’s digital transformation. In a context of cost rationalization and infrastructure modernization, many companies rely on IT experts to anticipate the impact of this change.
Why is Windows 10 still so prevalent in the enterprise?
Despite the release of Windows 11 in 2021, Windows 10 continues to equip a majority of corporate workstations. There are several reasons for this:
- Strict hardware prerequisites: Windows 11 requires the use of the latest components (compatible processors, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot). This means that many companies have to renew part of their IT infrastructure, which represents a significant investment.
- A cautious IT culture in the face of change: in IT departments, major transformations are often postponed in order to preserve stability. Many environments are optimized for Windows 10, with tools, scripts and processes already well established.
- A mixed launch for Windows 11: at the time of its release, the OS drew criticism for its software compatibility, its new interface and the imposition of the Microsoft account. This slowed adoption, particularly in professional environments.
But as October 2025 approaches, failing to anticipate the replacement of Windows 10 represents a significant security, compliance and performance risk. Migration must now be considered as a priority project in the IT roadmap.
End of support = end of safety
From October 2025, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for Windows 10 (all editions). Companies maintaining this OS will be exposing their systems to critical risks:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities
- Non-compliance with cybersecurity standards (ISO 27001, RGPD, DORA)
- Application performance degradation
- Roadblocks to modern SaaS tools
As part of a company’s digital transformation, maintaining an unsupported system is at odds with current security and governance policies.
What are the options for IT departments?
1. Migration to Windows 11
This is the natural route, but it requires a precise hardware assessment: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot and recent processors. This calls for an audit of the IT estate to plan a coherent upgrade. This operation is often carried out with the support of Digital Workplace consultants orIT experts capable of managing large-scale deployment.
2. ESU (Extended Security Updates) program
For critical systems or non-compatible equipment, Microsoft will offer paid security updates until 2028. This solution should be seen as a transitional one, with costs rising each year.
3. Virtualization and cloud desktop
Using Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, you can maintain Windows 11 environments without hardware renewal by virtualizing desktops via the cloud. This solution is ideal for companies with a digital workplace strategy.
A key moment in the company’s digital transformation
The end of Windows 10 represents much more than a change of operating system: it’s an opportunity to rethinker the digital work environment, unify tools, improve security and modernize collaborative uses.
Companies that succeed in this transition often rely on structured support for digital transformation, integrating :
- IT audit
- mapping uses
- change management
- a modern, secure workstation
Digital Workplace experts play an essential role here, particularly withinESNs specializing in digital transformation.
