Support for Windows 10 officially ended on 14 October 2025, marking the conclusion of one of the most widely deployed operating systems in enterprise environments. The change leaves millions of business devices operating without official security updates, patches, or technical assistance.
More than 40% of Windows devices worldwide were still running Windows 10 at the time support ceased, according to recent market data. Many organisations now face a choice between costly extended support options, phased large-scale device refresh, or alternative deployment models to maintain compliance and security.
Rising costs and compliance pressure
To ease the transition, an extended security programme has been introduced, offering continued updates for up to three years. The service, however, is priced per device and increases each year. For enterprises managing thousands of endpoints, the cost of maintaining older systems could quickly become unsustainable.
Compounding the issue, many existing business machines lack the hardware capabilities required for newer operating systems. Embedded and specialised devices, such as those used in retail, financial services, and manufacturing, present additional challenges due to their closed design and long service cycles. The result is a widening gap between modern software requirements and the hardware infrastructure still in daily use across many sectors.
The shift toward intelligent devices
The end of Windows 10 support coincides with a broader transformation in workplace technology. Windows 11 devices are being designed with advanced processors capable of running artificial intelligence functions locally, offering faster performance and improved security.
These systems incorporate automation and analytical tools directly into the desktop experience, allowing for more efficient workflows and enhanced protection from modern threats. They are also more energy efficient, aligning with sustainability objectives increasingly prioritised by large organisations.
The shift signals a move away from static desktop environments toward adaptive, intelligent systems that integrate with cloud services and enterprise applications more seamlessly than before.
A strategic turning point
The end of Windows 10 support has accelerated a wave of reassessment across corporate IT. Maintaining unsupported devices exposes organisations to compliance failures, rising maintenance costs, and security vulnerabilities.
Enterprises that act now gain operational efficiency, lower long-term costs, and access to the latest productivity tools. Delaying transition prolongs risk and increases the complexity of eventual migration.
Windows 10’s retirement closes an era in enterprise computing. Its conclusion underscores a shift toward a new generation of devices and infrastructure built for intelligence, automation, and secure connectivity. For most organisations, the window for postponing change has now closed.
Partnering for a seamless transition
Axiz stands out as a premier IT distributor, offering the expertise and resources necessary to guide businesses through the transition to Windows 11. Its team of technical specialists supports every stage of the device refresh, leveraging readiness assessment and compatibility tools to help enterprises evolve into a modern work environment.
To complement the move to Windows 11, Axiz provides access to leading device brands including Dell, HP, and Lenovo, allowing organisations to select hardware that fits modern workplace needs that ensure advanced security, compatibility, and performance as they upgrade their infrastructure.
Visit Axiz to explore your options and take the next step in strengthening your organisation’s endpoint environment.
