Windows 10 End of Life: UK Firms Face Rising Security Risks

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and the deadline is already putting pressure on UK businesses. Unlike some regions, the UK will not receive free Extended Security Updates (ESU), forcing companies to either move to Windows 11 or pay rising annual fees.

New research from Panasonic Toughbook warns that many organisations are unprepared, raising concerns over ransomware, compliance failures, and escalating costs.

When support for Windows 10 ends, Microsoft will also stop issuing patches and technical fixes. While customers in countries such as the US will get a year of free ESU protection, British companies are excluded.

That leaves two costly paths: pay for ESU, which rises in price each year, or migrate to Windows 11. Experts say delaying the move could leave critical systems exposed.

Panasonic Toughbook execs spoke with 200 IT leaders in the UK and Germany. The survey showed that IT leaders in the UK are most concerned about ransomware, data breaches, and weak security. Many of them doubted they could keep systems safe without either upgrading or paying for ESU. In contrast, German businesses showed less concern, which suggests that UK firms feel more exposed to the growing risks.

Chris Turner, Head of Go-to-Market at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Europe, said the numbers must serve as a wake-up call. He warned that if firms delay upgrades or skip ESU, they risk more hacks, rule gaps, and high costs.

Turner added that once Microsoft ends support, old systems will not get key fixes or security updates. That gap can leave groups, mainly those in core areas, at risk of virus strikes and serious system failure.

Panasonic gave a wide report that shows how big the cash hit can be. For a biz with 1,000 Win 10 units, ESU cost may pass £340,000. The price then can grow two fold each year for up to three more.

That makes ESU a short fix that can not last. At the same time, many firms face more hard work to move to Win 11, with nearly half of IT leads citing software gaps and old gear as a major block.

Microsoft and Panasonic are clear on the fact that it is a huge risk if nothing is done. This means that it will be super easy to hack devices. Also, brands will face bans because they will fail to meet the requirements if there is no support.

For key service providers, the danger is not just money, but the entire system could fail. This will put the public at serious risk. According to the experts, it will be good to begin plans to move to Win 11.