Last updated January 14, 2026.
If you’re still running Windows 10 in 2026—and you’re not paying Microsoft for security updates—then it’s time to take action.
Windows 10 became EOL (end of life) on October 14, 2025. Devices that aren’t protected by Microsoft’s one-year Extended Security Updates program are increasingly at risk of compromise by cyber criminals.
Whether you’re working with a managed IT services provider or not, it’s time to address this issue.
If you’re still running Windows 10, here’s everything you need to know—and what you can do.
Key takeaways:
- Windows 10 became EOL on October 14, 2025.
- If you’re running Windows 10 unprotected, you need to take action to secure your devices and your organization’s data.
- Before upgrading to Windows 11, back up your data to be safe.
- Consider HaaS (hardware as a service) if you need to replace a large number of Windows 10 machines that can’t support Windows 11.
How long was Windows 10 supported?
Microsoft stopped providing full support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. At that time, these specific services and updates were discontinued:
- Technical support
- Feature updates
- Security updates and patches
Machines running Windows 10 may still work today, but as time goes on, their risk of security breaches will increase, since Microsoft no longer provides security updates.
If you need more time before you upgrade, you can enroll your workstations in Microsoft’s one-year Extended Security Updates program, which costs $30 per device. This program will run until October 13, 2026. It provides only critical and important security updates. It doesn’t provide other updates or technical support.
What is the adoption rate for Windows 11?
Here are some shocking stats.
According to Statcounter, Windows 11 had only 50.68% of the Windows desktop market as of December 2025, the last full month reported.
That’s right. Nearly two months after Windows 10 became EOL, only half of all Windows desktop computers have been upgraded to a secure OS.
In fact, nearly half the market is still on Windows 10. Statcounter reports that Windows 10 still held 44.64% of market share in December 2025.
If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 11 yet, you’re not alone—but you need to take action ASAP. As time goes on, Windows 10 devices will present a larger and larger security risk as hackers uncover more vulnerabilities. Unless you’re paying for Microsoft’s security updates, those vulnerabilities won’t get patched—and Microsoft’s paid security program for Windows 10 ends on October 13, 2026.
Is it worth upgrading to Windows 11?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth upgrading to Windows 11 in 2026—especially since Windows 10 became EOL in 2025. The security benefits alone are enough to make the change worthwhile for large and small enterprises. Without Microsoft’s paid protection, your Windows 10 workstations are sitting ducks for cyberattacks. You want to protect them ASAP.
Of course, there are other benefits beyond cybersecurity and active Microsoft support. Windows 11 comes with new features and capabilities that will make your team more productive.
Here’s what you get in Windows 11 that wasn’t available in Windows 10.
- A new GUI that makes it easier than ever to navigate your computer.
- Smart recommendations in file searches and the Start menu.
- Your computer can automatically wake as you approach it and lock when you leave.
- Built-in capabilities for voice transcription to text.
- Voice commands for opening apps, minimizing windows, scrolling, and more.
- File restoration in addition to file backup.
These are only a few highlights. Get the full picture from Microsoft here: Windows 11 vs. Windows 10.
Will upgrading to Windows 11 delete my files?
The short answer is no, as long as your upgrade is installed correctly and you select the option to retain files and applications.
Of course, as with any operating system upgrade, it’s best to back up all your files beforehand. This ensures that you don’t lose anything in case the upgrade isn’t implemented correctly.
When you work with a service provider like Corsica Technologies, you can rest assured that every workstation is properly backed up, your files are safe, and every upgrade is performed correctly.
What if our workstations don’t support Windows 11?
Older machines may not be compatible with Windows 11. You can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check application to determine if a workstation is compatible, or your IT service provider can advise you.
If your computers aren’t compatible, you’ll need to upgrade to machines that can run Windows 11. There are two ways to accomplish this.
- Purchase new workstations.
- Choose a hardware as a service (HaaS) plan from an IT service provider.
Which option is right for your organization?
The answer depends on two factors:
- Whether you have the cash reserves on hand to purchase new computers.
- Whether you prefer capex (capital expenditure) or opex (operating expenditure) for meeting your hardware needs over the long term.
Generally speaking, organizations with limited cash reserves but stable cashflow get a better value out of HaaS.
How can enterprises seamlessly upgrade to Windows 11?
The answer depends on many factors.
- How many computers are on Windows 10 Enterprise?
- How many are compatible with Windows 11?
- Are you purchasing Windows 11 Enterprise?
- Do you want to move to a HaaS model as part of your Windows 11 upgrade?
- Do your users have essential software on their machines that will need to be upgraded as well?
- Does your organization have cloud storage in place (OneDrive or SharePoint), or is everyone saving files locally?
- Do you want to roll out Microsoft Copilot as part of your Windows 11 upgrade?
- When should you perform the upgrade based on seasonal activity and demand?
Each of these factors will help determine what a good upgrade plan looks like. You can go through this process yourself, developing this plan, or you can engage a trusted partner. Here at Corsica Technologies, we’ve helped numerous companies transition seamlessly to Windows 11. No two upgrades are the same, and we help organizations determine their goals and the right processes to achieve them.
The takeaway: Address Windows 10 security risks today
Windows 10 has been EOL since October 2025. If you haven’t experienced a cyberattack, consider yourself lucky—but realize that you need to take action ASAP. Here at Corsica Technologies, our Microsoft experts can work with you to understand your current status with Windows computers, where you want to end up, and how you’ll get there. Contact us today to start your Windows upgrade process.
Ready to upgrade to Windows 11?
Reach out to schedule a consultation with our Windows specialists.
