If you still have Windows 10 PCs in your office, the clock’s running. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ends support—no more security or feature updates. Your computers won’t shut off, but the risk ramps up. Here’s a no‑nonsense plan Robb.Tech uses to keep Lubbock teams safe, productive, and on budget.
What’s actually changing?
- End of support: After Oct 14, 2025, Windows 10 stops getting security fixes and tech support from Microsoft. Version 22H2 is the final Windows 10 release. Microsoft Learn
- Microsoft 365 (Office) on Win10: Microsoft 365 Apps won’t be supported on Windows 10 after Oct 14, 2025—but Microsoft will continue shipping security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 until Oct 10, 2028 to help during the transition. Microsoft Support
- Edge browser on Win10: Microsoft Edge and WebView2 will keep receiving updates on Windows 10 22H2 until at least Oct 2028—and you do not need ESU to get those Edge updates. That’s helpful, but it doesn’t patch the OS itself. Microsoft Learn
Your options (plain-English)
1) Upgrade to Windows 11
If a PC meets Windows 11 requirements (UEFI/Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, compatible CPU), upgrading is usually the fastest, safest path. Many machines already have TPM 2.0 but it’s disabled—turning it on in BIOS can save a replacement. Microsoft Support
2) Replace aging or incompatible PCs
If a device can’t meet Windows 11 requirements—or it’s simply too old—replacement is often cheaper than years of troubleshooting. We’ll help decide “upgrade vs. replace” by role, risk, and cost.
3) Buy time with Extended Security Updates (ESU)
- Organizations: ESU provides critical/important Windows 10 security updates for up to three years post‑EoS. Year 1 is $61 per device via volume licensing/CSP, and the price doubles each year (max three years). Use ESU sparingly—it’s a bridge, not a destination. Windows Blog
- Individuals/Home: A $30 one‑year ESU option is available for consumers (Windows 10 Home/Pro). Enrollment runs through Oct 13, 2026—again, this is just a short‑term safety net. Microsoft Support
Heads‑up: ESU requires Windows 10 version 22H2, so make sure your remaining Win10 PCs are on that build. Microsoft Support
A no‑drama 30‑day rollout plan
Week 1 — Inventory & risk snapshot
- List every PC with OS version, CPU, RAM, storage, and business role (front desk, accounting, field).
- Flag line‑of‑business apps (QuickBooks, EMR, CAD/CAM, controller software) and attached devices (label printers, scales, CNC).
Week 2 — Windows 11 readiness
- Check Secure Boot/UEFI and TPM 2.0 status; validate CPU compatibility.
- Sort each machine: Upgrade, Replace, or Hold (ESU + isolation). Microsoft
Week 3 — Pilot & proofs
- Upgrade a small pilot group (different departments).
- Validate printers, VPN, M365 sign‑in, and any specialty software. Fix issues in the lab—not on payroll day.
Week 4 — Rollout & training
- After‑hours upgrades, desk by desk, with a rollback plan.
- 30‑minute “what moved in Windows 11” coaching so folks hit the ground running.
If something truly can’t move yet (e.g., a legacy controller), we’ll isolate it on the network, harden the device, and cover with ESU while the replacement plan proceeds.
Budget guardrails (so this doesn’t sting)
- Prioritize by risk and revenue: Upgrade systems touching money, customer data, or regulated data first.
- Standardize models: Fewer models = faster imaging, fewer help‑desk tickets.
- Use ESU like a fire extinguisher: Only where absolutely necessary and time‑boxed with an exit date. Microsoft Learn
Quick FAQ
Will Microsoft 365 stop working on Windows 10 on Oct 14, 2025?
It will still run, but it’s not supported on an out‑of‑support OS. Microsoft plans to ship security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 through Oct 10, 2028 while you transition. We still recommend moving to Windows 11 as soon as practical. Microsoft Support
Can we just rely on Microsoft Edge updates until 2028?
Edge will keep updating on Windows 10 22H2 through at least 2028—but the operating system won’t. Edge updates don’t fix Windows vulnerabilities. Microsoft Learn
What’s the ESU price?
Businesses: $61 per device for Year 1, doubling each year (max three years). Consumers: $30 for one year (through Oct 13, 2026). ESU requires Windows 10 22H2. Microsoft Support
How do we know if a PC can take Windows 11?
We check CPU compatibility, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. Many devices have TPM available but disabled—enabling it often clears the path. Microsoft Support
How Robb.Tech makes this painless
- Free 15‑minute Windows 10 Readiness Check (inventory + quick risk map).
- Fixed‑scope upgrade projects with after‑hours cutovers and rollback plans.
- App testing lab for line‑of‑business tools before anyone goes live.
- Device lifecycle: standardize, image, deploy, and securely decommission.
- Contingency protection: where Win11 can’t happen yet, we isolate, harden, and (if appropriate) cover with ESU while we finish the move.
Ready to get a plan on paper?
👉 Book your free 15‑minute readiness check (Lubbock & West Texas). We’ll bring the checklists, the coffee, and the plan.