Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10 as of October 14, 2025. As of now, any device still running Windows 10 is no longer receiving security updates, bug fixes, or official support from Microsoft.
This isn’t a theoretical problem anymore—it’s a live risk. Attackers are already scanning unpatched endpoints, and unsupported systems no longer have a safety net. If your devices haven’t been upgraded or protected, you’re already operating in exposed territory.
If you still have Windows 10 devices in your environment, now is the time to act. Running unsupported systems leaves you open to security threats, compliance violations, and limited support capabilities.
To help you move forward quickly and securely, we laid out the five strategic options you have to address your Windows 10 devices.
Best for: Organizations that need more time to migrate but can’t afford to be exposed.
Extended Security Updates (ESUs) allow your Windows 10 machines to continue receiving critical security patches after the October 2025 deadline.
This gives your team time to plan and execute an upgrade—without leaving systems unprotected.
ESUs for Windows 10 are available either per device or per user (via Intune), depending on how your environment is managed.
| Year | Commercial | Education | Notes |
| Year 1 | $61 | $1 | Standard ESU license using activation keys |
| Year 2 | $122 | $2 | Price doubles from Year 1 |
| Year 3 | $183 | $3 | Price doubles again from Year 2 |
Bottom line: ESUs offer a short-term bridge—but they’re not a long-term fix. Think of it as life support, not a cure. Use this time wisely to move toward modernization.
Best for: Devices that meet Windows 11 requirements and teams ready to move forward.
Upgrading to Windows 11 brings your organization onto a secure, supported platform and unlocks modern features and performance improvements.
As a top Microsoft partner, ProArch can support every step of the upgrade process—from compatibility assessments and application testing to deployment automation that minimizes user disruption.
Even if you’re not ready to upgrade immediately, you can pair this option with ESUs to stay secure while your Windows 11 migration is underway.
Best for: Organizations seeking flexibility, scalability, and secure remote access.
For many, Windows 10 end-of-support isn’t just a problem—it’s a turning point. Platforms like Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 Cloud PC offer a forward-looking alternative to traditional endpoints.
These solutions provide
Today marks more than the end of Windows 10—it’s an opportunity to shed outdated infrastructure and build a future-ready, cloud-powered desktop environment.
Our cloud strategy team can help you evaluate if it’s the right fit
Best for: Devices that are not eligible for Windows 11 upgrades or are nearing end-of-life.
Some older Windows 10 machines simply don’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. In those cases, the most practical long-term solution is to replace them with modern, Windows 11 supported devices.
To replace your devices
Replacing legacy systems not only eliminates the risk of unsupported software, but also boosts speed, reliability, and productivity across your organization.
Just like option 2, you can take a hybrid approach and utilize ESUs in the interim to ensure continuous protection.
For some organizations, keeping Windows 10 running after support ends might seem like an easy short-term fix. But it’s important to approach this choice with a full understanding of what’s at stake.
Devices running unsupported software
While it’s technically possible to operate this way, we recommend it only in very specific, controlled scenarios—and with clear mitigation plans in place.
Hear from Our Expert
With support officially ended, any devices still running Windows 10 are now exposed to increased risk. Acting quickly will help you stay secure and minimize potential disruption.
Here’s what to do next
Need help deciding?
Windows 10 may be done, but your modernization strategy starts now. Whether you’re moving to Windows 11, leveraging ESUs, or stepping into AVD and Cloud PC, we’re here to help you make your next move count.
Contact Us