Windows 10 End-of-Life Approaching: How to Prepare and Why It’s Critical 

Recent reports indicate that Windows 10 still powers 50% of desktop systems in Australia, even though Microsoft will end support, security updates, and bug fixes for it on October 14, 2025. This isn’t just an IT challenge—it’s a serious business risk with significant security and compliance implications that need attention from top management. 

While many businesses are delaying the migration, hoping for possible extensions, the scale of the transition requires action now. A successful migration to Windows 11 involves careful planning, testing, and execution to prevent disruptions, especially for large organizations with hundreds or thousands of devices spread across multiple locations. 

The risks of delaying Windows 11 

When Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, Australian organisations face immediate security and compliance implications. Without Microsoft’s regular security updates and patches, systems become increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks, exposing sensitive data and disrupting operations. 

According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), vulnerabilities can be exploited very quickly after a patch is released. In many cases, exploitation occurs within a few days and sometimes even within hours. This rapid exploitation highlights the importance of timely patch management and robust security measures to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. The ACSC Essential Eight framework calls for critical OS patches to be applied as quickly as within 48 hours when an exploit also exists. Published vulnerabilities can make for an easier target for bad actors. In a study by Google Cloud, 42% of vulnerabilities were exploited after a patch was released. 

Recent data shows that cyber incidents cost medium-sized enterprises an average of $62,800 in losses3. This figure can escalate when running unsupported systems, which also creates immediate compliance risk for organisations adhering to security frameworks like the Essential Eight. 

Beyond security and compliance, organisations face broader operational challenges. As third-party applications and drivers gradually stop supporting Windows 10, compatibility issues will begin to impact business operations. The cost implications of delay extend beyond immediate security risks to include operational disruptions and potentially higher migration costs later. 

Organisations face two main choices before October 2025: 

Upgrade to Windows 11 

This will ensure continued support, security updates and access to the latest productivity, security and compliance features. 

Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU)​ 

This temporary measure buys you more time to plan and execute an upgrade, but it doesn’t solve the core issue and only provides security updates. 

While ESU provides critical security patches for up to three years (until October 2028), it’s a costly stopgap, paid annually, that only delays the inevitable need to upgrade. When total costs are added up, the subscription-based ESU costs often exceed a well-planned migration investment. 

Why Windows 11 matters 

Beyond maintaining and strengthening security and compliance,
Windows 11 delivers significant benefits: 

• Enhanced built-in security features protect against modern cyber threats  

• Improved productivity tools support hybrid work  

• Better integration with cloud services and modern applications  

• Regular feature updates ensure systems stay current  

• Optimised performance for the latest hardware capabilities  

•  Tested compatibility with everyday business applications and legacy systems  

Taking action: What’s the next step? 

The path to successful Windows 11 migration begins with a comprehensive assessment. Your action plan should: 

• Assess hardware compatibility and upgrade requirements  

• Audit applications for Windows 11 compatibility  

• Define how to utilise new security features  

• Evaluate user training needs  

• Calculate the total cost of ownership, security risks and ROI to justify budgets  

• Develop a phased implementation plan  

• Create detailed resource allocation plans  

• Build board-level business cases demonstrating risk mitigation and value  

Organisations that start planning now can use the transition to modernise their workplace technology while minimising disruption and risk. It can be a win-win. 

Contact Saxons IT today if you need help to plan and implement your Windows 11 migration journey.