So far this month, we've focused on AI. This week, we're answering a more down-to-earth question we've been hearing constantly: "What do we do about our Windows 10 computers?"

It's a fair question, because the deadlines keep moving and the headlines don't always distinguish between home computers and business ones. Here's where things actually stand, and how to make a plan.

When did Windows 10 support end?

Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Since then, the only way to keep receiving security patches has been the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, and the first year of ESU coverage ended on October 13, 2026.

PCs on Windows 10 keep working after support ends. What stops is the flow of fixes for newly discovered security holes.

Didn't Microsoft extend Windows 10 updates to 2027?

Yes, but for personal-use devices. In June 2026, Microsoft extended its free consumer ESU program so that enrolled home PCs keep getting security updates through October 12, 2027.

Business computers follow a separate, paid commercial ESU program. Organizations can renew it year by year, with fees that increase each year, up to a final cutoff in October 2028. ESU delivers security patches only, with no new features, and Microsoft positions it as temporary breathing room.

Sources: TechRepublic on the 2027 consumer extension, TrustedTech Windows 10 ESU timeline.

Why are some businesses still running Windows 10?

Across the computers we manage, only about 3% are still on Windows 10. For the businesses behind that 3%, the reason is almost always the same: money.

Many Windows 10 computers work perfectly well. They run the software the business depends on, and the people using them have no complaints. But a lot of them don't meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, so the only path to a supported operating system is a new computer. If you own a business with ten PCs that do everything you need, being told to replace all ten is a hard pill to swallow, especially when that capital was meant for something else.

That frustration is fair. The goal isn't to replace working computers for the sake of it. It's to keep your business protected without wrecking your budget, and there's usually a way to do both.

What are the risks of running Windows 10 without updates?

An unpatched computer has known security holes that attackers can find and use, and the list grows every month. Once updates stop, every newly discovered Windows 10 vulnerability stays open on that machine permanently.

The practical risks for a business:

Easier entry for ransomware. Attackers look for unpatched systems because the path in is already documented.
Cyber insurance problems. Many insurers ask whether you run supported operating systems, and unsupported machines can complicate renewals or claims.
Compliance gaps. Businesses that handle health, financial, or payment data are generally expected to run supported, patched systems.
Software compatibility. Over time, line-of-business apps, browsers, and security tools drop support for older operating systems.
One weak machine affects everyone. A single unpatched PC can become the foothold for an attack on the rest of your network.

Should a business pay for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?

Paying for ESU makes sense for a small number of machines that genuinely can't be replaced yet, like a PC that runs specialized equipment or software that isn't ready for Windows 11. It rarely makes sense as a plan for the whole office, because the cost rises each year and you'll still have to upgrade eventually.

Think of ESU as a short extension on a deadline, not a reason to stop planning.

Can my computers upgrade to Windows 11?

Many computers bought in the last few years can upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost, but older machines often don't meet its hardware requirements, such as the security chip and processor generation Windows 11 needs. For those, replacement is usually the better investment.

A quick inventory answers the question for every machine:

List every Windows 10 device, including laptops that rarely come into the office.
Check each one for Windows 11 compatibility.
Note anything special the machine runs, like equipment software or older apps.
Sort into three groups: upgrade, replace, or temporarily cover with ESU.

How do you plan a Windows 11 upgrade without disrupting work?

Plan the upgrade in phases instead of all at once. Start with the machines that are easiest to upgrade or most at risk, test your key business applications on Windows 11 first, and schedule replacements around your busy seasons.
Year-end is a good time to budget. Replacing a few machines a month spreads out the cost, and new hardware usually brings faster performance and better security features your team will notice every day.

Make the plan before the next deadline makes it for you

Windows 10 deadlines have moved before, and they may move again. What won't change is that every month on an unsupported system adds risk. A clear inventory and a phased plan turn this from a scramble into a routine project.

Let's take inventory together

At Absolute, we do IT differently. We help East Texas businesses figure out exactly which machines can upgrade, which need replacing, and how to spread the work and cost so nobody's day gets disrupted. If you're not sure how many Windows 10 computers you still have, we'll help you find out.