The Hidden Costs of Not Upgrading from Windows 10
It’s natural to want to delay an IT upgrade. For many small businesses, if the computers still work, the temptation is to keep things as they are. But with Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 on 14th October 2025, delaying a decision could come with serious and unexpected consequences, not just technical, but financial, operational, and reputational.
At System Plus, we’ve been speaking to a growing number of local business owners who simply aren’t aware of what “end of life” really means in practice. It doesn’t mean your PC will stop working overnight but it does mean it will no longer receive essential security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. And in today’s threat landscape, that’s a big deal.
A False Sense of Security
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that antivirus software alone will be enough to protect older systems. The truth is, once Microsoft stops issuing security patches, any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain wide open and cybercriminals know this. They watch for these dates because they know businesses often delay upgrades, hoping to save money. In reality, this inaction could be the most expensive decision of all.
A compromised system doesn’t just risk your files. It risks your customers’ data, your operations, your finances, and your reputation. And increasingly, cyber insurance providers are reviewing claims and policies and many won’t honour payouts if the business was running unsupported software at the time of an incident.
The Long-Term Cost of “Making Do”
On the surface, it might feel like sticking with Windows 10 is the cheaper option. But older operating systems often need more support, not less. As your IT provider, we’ll always do what we can to keep your business running, but the truth is that working on unsupported systems takes longer, carries more risk, and limits what we can do to help.
It’s also worth thinking about software compatibility. More and more third-party software providers are phasing out support for Windows 10. You might find your accounting software no longer updates, or Microsoft Teams begins to glitch. Web browsers become sluggish, antivirus programs stop updating properly and day-to-day productivity starts to take a hit. It’s not dramatic at first, but it builds over time.
There’s also a compliance angle. If your business deals with sensitive information, or is working towards standards like Cyber Essentials, you could be putting your certification at risk. Data protection laws such as GDPR require businesses to take “appropriate technical measures” to safeguard information. Running unsupported software could easily be seen as a failure to meet that responsibility.
It’s Not Just About Windows 11
Even if you’re aware of the need to move on from Windows 10, the next step isn’t always straightforward. Many existing devices, particularly those purchased before 2019, may not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. That could mean the need for new hardware, which, if left too late, could be expensive or hard to source in bulk.
And looking slightly ahead, Windows 12 is already being talked about, with a potential release in 2025. It might feel overwhelming, but the key is to start planning now — not to jump on the newest thing, but to ensure your systems are modern, supported, and secure.
Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Painful
We understand that IT upgrades aren’t at the top of everyone’s list. That’s why we approach this with common sense. At System Plus, we’ve helped many local businesses create simple, phased plans that match their budget and work patterns.
We’ll start by auditing your existing equipment and highlighting what can be upgraded versus what may need replacing. Where needed, we can supply refurbished systems that are Windows 11-ready — fully tested, professionally cleaned, and ideal for cost-conscious upgrades. And we’ll guide you through every step, whether you’re ready to make the switch now or want to plan it over the coming months.
A Quick Word About Compliance and Risk
One final thing to consider is insurance and certification. If you suffer a data breach while still using Windows 10 after the October 2025 cut-off, you may find it harder to prove due diligence. Insurers, auditors, and certifying bodies may all question why unsupported systems were in use. For many, the potential financial fallout from non-compliance is far greater than the cost of replacing a few desktops.
Now Is the Time to Take Action
You don’t need to replace everything tomorrow. But if your business is still running Windows 10, now is the time to start asking the right questions. What systems do we have? What’s the upgrade path? What would it cost to stagger this over a few months instead of all at once?
We can help with those answers and more. If you’d like a no-pressure chat about where your business stands, just get in touch.
📞 01759 361861
📧 support@system.plus
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