This article first appeared in News in the Channel magazine issue#32
Support for Windows 10 ends next month, which has implications for businesses of all sizes, and the channel has a vital role to play in supporting them, says Natalie Noor UK&I Channel & SMB Director, Lenovo UK & Ireland.
Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will officially end on 14 October 2025. While this date may feel comfortably distant, the end-of-support deadline carries significant implications for companies of all sizes.
Recent data suggests that many companies are unprepared. A study by SJ Systems found that 88% of enterprise machines are fully compatible with Windows 11, but 82% of businesses have yet to initiate the transition. This disconnect between capability and action reveals a widespread inertia around critical IT decisions that could prove costly as the deadline approaches.
Channel partners are in a unique position to bridge this gap. Capable of advising on readiness assessments, tailored migration plans, and clear value propositions, they can help accelerate adoption and minimise disruption in business operations as the deadline nears.
Understanding end of support: what happens after October 14
Once Windows 10 reaches its official end of support, Microsoft will cease delivering all future updates for the operating system. This includes not only technical support and minor performance enhancements but also critical monthly security patches – the backbone of modern enterprise security. Without these updates, systems will remain frozen at their last supported state, leaving any newly discovered vulnerabilities permanently unpatched.
As history has shown, the consequences can be severe. When support for Windows 7 ended in January 2020, many organisations that delayed upgrading found themselves vulnerable to widespread threats. Similar patterns occurred after the end of support for Windows XP, which became a case study in the risks of running outdated software. In both cases, unsupported systems were disproportionately affected by ransomware outbreaks and data breaches, often leading to operational downtime and significant financial losses.
For many IT leaders, this transition is part of a wider workplace transformation that all too often takes a back step. In fact, Lenovo’s recent research shows that 44% of IT leaders rank competing priorities among their top three challenges to digital workplace transformation. Other IT objectives compete for time and budget – namely sustainability, security and, of course, AI.
But while devices running Windows 10 will still power on and function normally, the risks grow steadily each day they remain connected to the internet or internal networks. Cybercriminals aware of which operating systems have reached their end of support, often scan networks for precisely those outdated systems. Exploits targeting legacy platforms are routinely shared on underground forums, and attackers use automation to identify and compromise unprotected machines within minutes.
Beyond the security risks, the end of support also signals the beginning of a gradual decline in compatibility and reliability. Over time, software vendors and hardware manufacturers will stop testing and certifying their applications and devices for Windows 10. This can result in performance issues, driver failures, and an inability to access the latest features or tools essential for modern business operations.
For regulated industries, these risks come with added consequences. Operating unsupported systems could result in non-compliance with data protection laws, cybersecurity frameworks and industry standards. Whether it’s the GDPR in Europe, HIPAA in the US, or sector-specific regulations, continued use of insecure platforms can create significant legal and financial exposure.
Despite these risks, many companies delay large-scale operating system upgrades because they are seen as resource-intensive, potentially disruptive, or simply low-priority. However, postponing action only makes the eventual transition more difficult. Organisations that begin planning early will benefit from having more time to test software compatibility, identify devices that require replacement and implement upgrades in phases rather than rushing everything at once. Upgrading an operating system across a business is rarely a single event – it is a process that involves coordination between IT, procurement, security and business units.
Preparing for the transition: a strategic and operational imperative
The shift away from Windows 10 is also an opportunity to evaluate broader questions about technology strategy.
As part of the upgrade process, companies can take stock of aging hardware, modernise outdated workflows and strengthen their approach to device lifecycle management. Businesses might also consider whether their current systems support flexible work models, cloud integration and collaborative tools that employees now expect as standard.
With channel partners strategically positioned to align upgrade plans with an organisation’s key priorities, this transition can do more than just deliver necessary updates. It can act as a catalyst for broader digital transformation, enabling the creation of a more resilient and future-ready IT environment that maximises value.
Cybersecurity should be central to that planning. Modern operating systems are built with security in mind, often incorporating features such as hardware-based isolation, secure boot processes and more robust data protection mechanisms. By moving to a supported and more advanced OS, businesses benefit not only from staying protected against known threats but also from stronger defences against emerging ones.
Channel partners are rightly emphasising these security benefits in client discussions to foster urgency and confidence in the upgrade. This is especially crucial as threat actors continue to advance their tactics, employing automation, artificial intelligence and zero-day exploits to circumvent outdated security frameworks.
Waiting until the final months before support ends is a high-risk strategy. The longer an organisation waits, the more strain it places on its IT teams and the greater the likelihood of facing software conflicts, last-minute procurement delays or operational disruptions. With time running out, companies that adopt a proactive and structured approach position themselves ahead of the curve. Channel partners, drawing on their close relationships and expertise, can guide businesses towards early planning and execution, ensuring a smoother and more successful transition.
Act now
In an era where operational continuity, data protection and digital agility are essential to business success, keeping core systems up to date is not optional – it’s essential. The end of Windows 10 support is not just a date to mark on the calendar. It is a signal that every organisation must take seriously. Preparing now will reduce risk, strengthen security and lay the groundwork for smarter, more resilient operations in the years ahead.
Through strategic assessments and customised migration plans, channel partners can help to ensure that technology investments align with broader business goals, from enhancing cybersecurity to enabling digital agility. By working closely with clients, they transform a mandatory upgrade into a catalyst for ongoing innovation and growth.
With partners uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate this critical moment by providing tailored guidance and hands-on support throughout the transition, their expertise can enable any organisation to reduce risk, strengthen security and avoid costly disruptions in a timely manner before the deadline.
