Windows 10 End of Life: What it Means for Businesses and Cyber Essentials Compliance

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its official End of Life on 14th October 2025. For businesses still relying on the operating system, this means urgent decisions need to be made to maintain security and compliance, particularly for those with Cyber Essentials certification.

What Does ‘End of Life’ Mean for Windows 10?

When an operating system reaches End of Life, Microsoft stops providing:

✅ Security updates

✅ Bug fixes

✅ Technical support

From October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security patches, making it increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, malware, and exploits. Any business that continues using Windows 10 after this date risks exposure to cyber-attacks and potential non-compliance with industry security standards.

How Does This Impact Cyber Essentials Compliance?

Cyber Essentials, the UK government-backed certification for cybersecurity best practices, requires businesses to use supported and up-to-date software. Running an End-of-Life operating system will breach Cyber Essentials requirements, potentially leading to:

🔴 Certification failure – Non-compliance could mean losing existing Cyber Essentials certification or being unable to renew.

🔴 Increased cyber risk – Unpatched vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers, increasing the risk of data breaches and ransomware attacks.

🔴 Regulatory issues – For businesses handling personal or sensitive data, using outdated software could breach GDPR and other data protection laws.

What Should Businesses Do Next?

To stay secure and compliant, businesses should take proactive steps now:

✔ Upgrade to Windows 11 – Microsoft’s latest OS is fully supported and meets Cyber Essentials requirements. However, businesses should check hardware compatibility before upgrading.

✔ Plan for new devices – Some older PCs may not support Windows 11, so budgeting for new hardware should be a priority.

✔ Review Cyber Essentials compliance – Ensure all software, firewalls, and security measures meet certification standards.

Final Thoughts

With just under a year left until Windows 10’s End of Life, businesses must act now to protect their systems, maintain compliance, and avoid cybersecurity risks. Upgrading to Windows 11 or an alternative supported OS is the best way to safeguard your organisation’s security and ensure continued Cyber Essentials certification.

For more information on how to prepare for Windows 10 End of Life, contact our team today.