End of Windows 10 updates: what companies need to do

As of October 13, 2026, Microsoft will stop fixing security issues for Windows 10. Computers will continue to work but will become increasingly vulnerable to attacks. The solution is to upgrade to Windows 11 or replace PCs that are too old to support it.

What changes in practice

On the surface, nothing. The PC turns on, programs work, and files are in their place.

The problem is invisible. New “flaws” in operating systems are discovered every month, and until now, Microsoft has patched them with updates. Starting in October, those in Windows 10 will remain unpatched. Cybercriminals know this and specifically target these PCs.

And a single vulnerable computer is enough to put the entire company at risk: from there, a virus can reach the server, customer data, and backups.

Can my PC be updated?

It takes just two minutes to find out. Microsoft offers a free app called “PC Health Check“: you download and launch it, and it immediately tells you whether your computer is compatible with Windows 11.

As a general rule:

• PCs less than 5 years old: almost always compatible, and the upgrade is free.
• PCs over 6 years old: often incompatible, and it is better to replace them.

Don’t have the time or struggle to manage your PCs? Contact us: we will check all your company’s computers and let you know which ones need updating and which ones need replacing.

The solutions

1. Upgrade to Windows 11. It is free for compatible PCs. However, proceed with caution: first back up your data, then test it on a single computer to ensure that your management software, printers, and programs are working correctly. Only then should you update the others.

2. Replace old PCs. If a computer doesn’t support Windows 11, it is already quite old. Spending money to keep it running is rarely worth it. You can plan its replacement gradually, starting with the most heavily used PCs.

3. Take time, only in special cases. For certain PCs—such as those connected to machinery that runs only on Windows 10—Microsoft sells paid extended updates. The cost increases annually, making this a temporary solution. These PCs must also be isolated from the rest of the corporate network to prevent any potential attack from spreading.

Three mistakes to avoid

• Three mistakes to avoid Working does not mean being safe.
• Installing Windows 11 on incompatible PCs using tricks found online only postpones the problem.
• Update without a backup. A management system that fails to start on a Monday morning costs more than the update itself.

In summary

Check which PCs you have, update the compatible ones, and schedule the replacement of the others. It is also a good time to get your company computers organized.

Do you have Windows 10 PCs at your company in Brescia or the surrounding province? We check all your workstations and let you know which ones need updating or replacing, and the associated costs. Discover our IT support service.