Windows 10 End of Support: What It Means for Your Houston Business (And What to Do About It)
If your office computers are still running Windows 10, there's something you need to know: as of October 14, 2025, Microsoft stopped supporting it. No more security patches. No more bug fixes. No more technical support.
Your computers still turn on. They still run your programs. That's exactly what makes this easy to ignore — nothing looks different. But underneath the hood, every new security flaw discovered in Windows 10 from here on out will never be fixed. And for businesses across Houston that rely on secure, compliant systems, that's a real problem.
At Griffin Technology Solutions, we help Houston-area businesses navigate exactly this kind of transition. Here's what end of support actually means, why it matters more than it seems, and the three paths forward.
What "End of Support" Actually Means
When Microsoft retires a version of Windows, the updates stop coming — including the monthly security patches that close newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 no longer receives security fixes, quality updates, feature updates, or technical support as of October 2025.
Your PCs won't shut off or stop functioning. But every flaw uncovered from now on stays open permanently, since there's no longer a mechanism to patch it. Over time, that adds up to a growing list of unlocked doors into your network.
Why Houston Businesses Should Take This Seriously
This isn't just about running an outdated operating system — it carries real operational and financial risk.
You become a bigger target. Cybercriminals actively look for unsupported software because they know its vulnerabilities will never be patched. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre notes that unpatched software remains exploitable indefinitely — often by attackers with relatively basic skills.
Compliance can slip. If your business handles payment data, health records, or other sensitive information, frameworks like PCI DSS and HIPAA expect you to run supported, patched software. Windows 10 no longer meets that bar, which could put your business out of compliance.
Cyber insurance gets complicated. More insurers are asking whether your systems are current and patched before issuing or renewing a policy. An unsupported OS can raise your premiums, shrink your coverage, or give an insurer grounds to dispute a claim.
Your other software starts dropping support too. Browsers, accounting platforms, and line-of-business apps will gradually stop supporting Windows 10, meaning tools you depend on daily may stop updating — or stop working altogether.
CISA lists running supported, up-to-date software among its core recommendations for business cybersecurity.
Your Three Options
Most businesses we work with in Houston end up using a mix of these, depending on the age of each machine.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 (Free, If Your Hardware Qualifies)
If your PC was purchased in the last few years, upgrading to Windows 11 is free and typically the best move. The catch is hardware compatibility — Windows 11 requires a supported processor, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot, which rules out a lot of older machines. Microsoft's free PC Health Check tool can confirm whether a specific device qualifies, or your IT provider can check this for you across your whole fleet.
2. Buy Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a Short-Term Bridge
For machines that can't move to Windows 11 right away, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates to keep security patches flowing a bit longer.
Businesses: $61 per device in year one, doubling each year after that for up to three years — roughly $427 per device total if kept on Windows 10 the entire time.
Home users: A one-time $30 payment covers up to 10 devices through October 12, 2027 — free if you sync your PC settings.
ESU buys you time and security patches only. No new features, no general tech support. It's a bridge, not a destination.
3. Replace the Machine
Some computers are simply too old to run Windows 11 and not worth paying escalating ESU fees on year after year. In those cases, a new Windows 11 device often costs less over time than stacking ESU fees on top of an aging machine.
How to Plan Your Transition
You don't need to tackle everything at once, but you do need a plan. Here's a practical sequence:
Inventory every computer in your business still running Windows 10.
Check eligibility for each device using PC Health Check or your IT provider.
Upgrade the machines that qualify — it's free and keeps your files and programs intact.
Decide between ESU or replacement for the rest, based on age and how critical the machine is to your operations.
A trusted IT partner can run this inventory quickly and recommend the right path for each device — which is exactly where Griffin Technology Solutions comes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 10 still safe to use after October 2025? It still runs, but without security updates the risk grows every time a new vulnerability is discovered and left unpatched. If you need to keep using it temporarily, enroll in Extended Security Updates while you plan your move to Windows 11.
What happens if I keep using Windows 10 and do nothing? Your computers keep working, but they become easier targets for attackers, can put you out of compliance with payment and privacy regulations, and may affect your cyber insurance. Over time, the software you rely on daily will also stop supporting Windows 10.
How much does Windows 10 ESU cost for a business? $61 per device in the first year, doubling annually for up to three years — about $427 per device in total. Home users get a better deal: a one-time $30 payment covers up to 10 devices through October 12, 2027, or it's free with settings sync enabled.
Can my PC upgrade to Windows 11 for free? Yes, if it meets the hardware requirements: a supported processor, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. Most PCs purchased in the last few years qualify — PC Health Check will confirm it for any specific machine.
Should I just buy a new computer? If a PC can't run Windows 11, a new machine is often more cost-effective than paying rising ESU fees year after year on aging hardware. If it can be upgraded, start with the free Windows 11 upgrade instead.
Let Griffin Technology Solutions Handle the Transition
Every business in Houston has a different mix of hardware, software, and compliance needs — there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline. Our team can inventory your systems, tell you exactly which machines qualify for a free Windows 11 upgrade, and build a plan for the rest — whether that's ESU or replacement — so your business stays secure, compliant, and running smoothly.
Contact Griffin Technology Solutions today to schedule a free Windows 10 risk assessment for your Houston business.