As of today, no more security patches for Windows 10. Small businesses must upgrade, pay for extensions, or risk non-compliance.
What’s happening: Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The company will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, feature updates, or technical support for the operating system. Research shows that 38% of Australian computers were still running Windows 10 between July and September this year.
Why this matters: Computers running Windows 10 continue to function, but without ongoing software and security updates, devices are at greater risk from viruses and malware. Attackers often target SMBs, viewing them as easier prey due to perceived weaker defenses compared to larger organizations.
The clock is up on Windows 10. After a decade of service, Microsoft has closed the door on technical support, feature updates and security patches for an operating system that still runs on millions of business devices across Australia. For small and medium-sized businesses, the consequences are immediate and costly.
Without constant software and security updates, computers are at greater risk from viruses and malware. Unlike larger organizations with dedicated IT departments and advanced security infrastructure, most SMBs lack the internal expertise and resources to manage complex transitions or cushion the impact of a cyberattack.
Attackers often target SMBs, viewing them as easier prey due to perceived weaker defenses compared to larger organizations. This makes the security implications of continuing to operate on unsupported systems particularly acute for smaller companies operating on tight margins.
More than 1.4 billion devices worldwide are currently running Windows 10. According to digital workplace platform TeamViewer, 38% of Australian computers using that software between July and September this year were running Windows 10. Many of these are owned by small businesses that have postponed the upgrade decision.
The safety risk is not theoretical. Companies still using Windows 10 after the deadline will no longer receive security updates, leaving systems vulnerable to cyber attacks and potentially out of compliance with industry standards.
Three paths ahead
Microsoft has outlined three options for companies approaching the deadline. The first concerns upgrade existing hardware to Windows 11provided devices meet minimum system requirements. Business owners can check their eligibility through Settings, Update & Security, and then Windows Update.
The second option requires purchasing new devices with Windows 11 pre-installed. For SMEs, this represents a significant capital expenditure that may not be included in the budget. However, it addresses the challenge that many face: hardware incompatibility with the newer operating system.
The third path involves Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program. Extended security updates for organizations and businesses on Windows 10 can be purchased through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program for $61 USD per device for the first year. Commercial organizations will have to pay $61 per device per year, with the price doubling each year in a row.
For small businesses that use multiple devices, these costs add up quickly. A company with ten Windows 10 computers would pay $610 for just one year of extended support, with no long-term solution in place.
Your action plan
The immediate priority for SMEs is to conduct a hardware audit. Business owners need to determine which devices can support Windows 11 and which need to be replaced. This assessment determines both the timeline and budget required for compliance.
For devices that can’t upgrade, the calculation becomes stark: invest in temporary ESU coverage or replace the hardware entirely. The decision depends on the age of the device, replacement costs, cash flow and business continuity requirements.
SMBs without dedicated IT staff should consider bringing in external consultants to manage the transition. The cost of professional guidance can prove to be cheaper than the downtime and security incidents that result from poorly executed upgrades.
The transition period also provides an opportunity to strengthen overall cybersecurity measures. Small businesses should review their backup systems, implement multi-factor authentication, train staff on security protocols, and ensure that antivirus software remains current in addition to any operating system changes.
Business owners should also communicate with software vendors to confirm that applications will continue to function on Windows 11. Some apps may stop working, hardware drivers may stop receiving updates, and peripherals may not work properly. Discovering compatibility issues after upgrading creates operational disruptions that small businesses cannot afford.
The real cost of waiting
The deadline for support creates complications beyond immediate security concerns. Companies that do not upgrade will face compatibility issues with modern software and hardware, resulting in lost productivity, and will find it difficult to comply with changing data protection regulations.
For Australian SMEs, regulatory compliance adds a new dimension. Companies that process customer data may not be able to meet privacy obligations while using unsupported systems. The reputational and financial damage resulting from a data breach is often greater than the cost of an upgrade.
Over time, the accumulation of problems makes day-to-day operations increasingly difficult. Software suppliers stop supporting applications, new peripherals refuse to connect and security vulnerabilities increase. What starts as a manageable inconvenience escalates into an operational crisis.
The ESU program offers breathing space, but is a temporary solution with rising costs. Microsoft will no longer provide routine technical assistance or the regular monthly security patches that kept the decade-old operating system current, a move that forces companies to make decisions.
For small businesses, the preparation time is effectively closed. The demand now focuses on managing the transition while maintaining safety, operational continuity and cash flow. Those who continue to use Windows 10 devices without extended security updates accept increased vulnerability to cyber threats, potential compliance issues, and declining software compatibility.
The deadline has arrived. Small and medium-sized businesses are faced with a choice that directly affects their ability to operate safely and compete effectively. The cost of doing nothing may prove much higher than the price of upgrading.
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