Windows 10 End of Support: 5 Essential Business Steps

Seasoneds October 16, 2026 4 min read

Windows 10 end of support arrived a year ago, but many computers still run it. In September 2026, 18.93% of U.S. Windows desktops were on Windows 10, according to StatCounter. If you own a small business, it’s time to act, because security updates for business PCs now cost more each year.

Why Windows 10 End of Support Matters After 50

Many owners over 50 run lean businesses on a few trusted computers that “still work fine.” But Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Since then, PCs no longer get technical support, feature updates or security fixes unless they’re enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU), according to Microsoft.

Unpatched software is a known risk. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns that out-of-date software “creates a major risk for your business.” It advises replacing hardware or software that is end of life.

What Does ESU Cost a Small Business?

For organizations, Microsoft sells ESU by the year. Year One cost $61 per device, and the price doubles each year, for a maximum of three years. ESU is cumulative, so if you join in Year Two, you pay for Year One too.

You may have heard that home PCs got an extra free year. Microsoft’s consumer ESU page now says that program runs until October 12, 2027. That is a separate program for home users. Business computers fall under the paid commercial program, so check which one applies to you.

Step 1: Take Inventory of Every Computer

List each PC, who uses it, its Windows version and its age. CISA recommends keeping an up-to-date inventory of your hardware and software. Note which machines can move to Windows 11 and which can’t. The Windows Update screen in Settings will usually tell you.

Step 2: Should You Upgrade, Replace or Pay for ESU?

Upgrade PCs that meet Windows 11’s requirements.
Replace older machines that can’t upgrade.
Pay for ESU only as a bridge for a machine you truly can’t replace yet, such as one running an older program you depend on.

Compare ESU’s rising yearly cost with the price of a new PC. For many owners, a planned replacement is the better long-term value.

Step 3: Back Up and Check Your Software

Before any change, back up your files and confirm that you can restore them. Then check whether your accounting, point-of-sale or industry software supports Windows 11. A quick call to each vendor can prevent surprises on switch-over day.

Step 4: How Do You Retire Old Computers Safely?

Old PCs hold customer records, passwords and financial files. Wipe or destroy the drives before you donate, sell or recycle them. Our guide to essential tech steps before selling your small business covers data cleanup in more detail.

This is also a good moment to review your bigger technology plans. See our articles on a small business technology upgrade after 50 and staying safe online.

Step 5: Turn On Automatic Updates

Once your computers run supported software, keep them that way. CISA advises enabling automatic updates whenever possible. It also suggests encouraging staff, including remote workers, to do the same on their devices.

When You Need a Partner for a Bigger Project

Replacing one laptop is simple. Moving a whole office, with its data and business software, is a project. It needs a plan, a budget and someone to manage the details.

Principium Technology offers consulting for organizations in AI, corporate transactions and digital transformation, and highlights 25+ years of enterprise consulting. Engagements begin with proposal and scoping, with a fixed-fee or time-and-materials proposal. After delivery, it provides transition documentation, with optional retainer support. For a board-level view of tech projects, see our guide to nonprofit board technology questions.

Disclosure: Principium Technology is part of the same family of tools as Seasoneds.

Looking Forward

Windows 10 end of support doesn’t have to be a crisis if you plan for it. Take inventory, decide which PCs to upgrade or replace, back up your data and retire old machines safely. A few hours of planning now can protect your customers, your records and the business you’ve worked hard to build.