As of 14 October 2025, Microsoft officially ended free security updates for Windows 10. Organisations that continue operating Windows 10 devices today - in 2026 - are now doing so in a post‑support environment, relying either on paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) or accepting increasing cyber risk.
Windows updates are the backbone of endpoint security, identifying new vulnerabilities and closing them before attackers exploit them. Since the end of support deadline passed, unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate quickly, creating growing exposure across any estate still running Windows 10.
Continuing with Windows 10 in 2026 can lead to:
- Higher cyber‑attack risk, particularly ransomware
- Compliance issues (Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, GDPR, FCA/financial sector requirements)
- Reduced software compatibility with modern applications and security tools
- Increased helpdesk overhead due to outdated hardware and OS issues
For organisations, this is no longer preparation for a future deadline - it’s about reducing risk now and completing the transition to a modern, supported operating system.
Your organisation’s options in 2026
Businesses now have three strategic pathways depending on their hardware, budget cycle, and deployment readiness.
1. Upgrade existing compatible devices to Windows 11
If your current hardware meets Microsoft’s requirements, upgrading remains the fastest and most cost‑effective way to move away from Windows 10 ESU dependency.
Benefits include:
- Ongoing security updates
- Modern protection (TPM 2.0, enhanced kernel security, improved identity protection)
- Support for AI‑powered features and future Microsoft roadmaps
- Lower risk and long‑term stability
If your business has Windows 10 machines still capable of upgrading, this should be the first route explored.
2. Refresh your estate with Windows 11‑ready devices
Many Windows 10 machines still in use in 2026 are now five to eight years old, and often:
- Fall below modern security standards
- Cause productivity bottlenecks
- Increase support tickets
- Consume disproportionate IT resources
A structured hardware refresh offers:
- Predictable lifecycle management
- Improved reliability and performance
- Standardisation across departments
- Compatibility with modern security and MDM tooling
3. Continue using Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU programme is still available, but it is:
- Paid per device, per year
- Increasing in cost each year (designed to encourage migration)
- Security‑only - no features or performance improvements
- A temporary safety net, not a long‑term strategy
ESU is most appropriate when:
- Line‑of‑business applications are not yet Windows 11 certified
- You need additional time for a phased rollout
- Budget cycles are delaying upgrades or refresh
- Remote / operational environments require longer transition periods
Most organisations still using ESU in 2026 should plan to exit it within the next 12–24 months.
Assessing your Windows 11 readiness in 2026
At this stage, businesses need more than a simple device‑level compatibility check. A comprehensive analysis includes:
- Hardware readiness across the estate
- Application and vendor compatibility
- Driver and firmware validation
- Intune / MDM alignment
- Security baselines and policy impacts
- User profile and data considerations
- Deployment sequencing and pilot planning
Wavenet offers full readiness assessments to provide a clear view of which devices can be upgraded, which require replacement, and where ESU may remain temporarily necessary.
Why 2026 is a critical year for migration
With the end of support now behind us, delaying migration further increases:
- Security exposure
- Operational risk
- Compliance penalties
- ESU costs
- End‑user frustration from aging hardware
A well‑structured migration programme delivers:
- A secure, modernised endpoint environment
- Lower long‑term support cost
- Improved employee experience
- Better alignment with Microsoft’s cloud and security roadmap
Many organisations are now accelerating migration to remove the remaining Windows 10 footprint entirely.
How Wavenet supports your Windows 11 journey
Wavenet provides end‑to‑end Windows 11 migration services, including:
- Estate discovery & readiness assessment
- Hardware lifecycle planning and procurement
- Application compatibility testing
- Managed upgrade or Autopilot deployment
- Configuration, security baselines, and Intune alignment
- ESU planning (where absolutely necessary)
- Phased rollouts with minimal disruption
Whether you’re upgrading compatible devices, refreshing your estate, or transitioning off ESU entirely, Wavenet ensures a smooth, secure, and controlled migration.
