UK firms face cyber risks as Windows 10 support nears end

Many UK businesses are at risk of increased cyber threats and compliance issues as the deadline for the end of Windows 10 support approaches, according to FLR Spectron.

With Microsoft discontinuing support for Windows 10 in October 2025, FLR Spectron has highlighted several urgent reasons why businesses should plan their transition to Windows 11 well ahead of the deadline. Current statistics indicate that 53% of desktop users worldwide continue to run Windows 10, with usage in the UK broadly in line with global figures.

Security concerns

One of the central issues for companies relying on unsupported software is vulnerability to cyberattacks. The UK Government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 found that half of all UK businesses reported a cyber incident in the past year. FLR Spectron noted that Windows 11 provides a significant security upgrade with features such as hardware-level protections and enhanced ransomware defences.

"Windows 11 offers advanced security features, such as hardware-level protections and ransomware defence, that Windows 10 simply can't match. Staying on Windows 10 after support ends means no more security updates, leaving businesses vulnerable."

Without regular security updates, businesses remaining on Windows 10 could become targets for new forms of malware, ransomware, and other evolving threats. This could lead to costly downtime and an increased risk of data breaches, which could be particularly damaging for regulated sectors.

Cost implications

Delaying an upgrade to Windows 11 also carries financial risks. Once official support ends, Microsoft will only provide extended security updates for a fee starting at GBP £23 per device per year. FLR Spectron stressed that for organisations with a significant number of devices, these fees can accumulate rapidly.

"After support ends, Microsoft will charge for extended security updates on Windows 10 devices starting at £23 per device per year. For many businesses, this adds up quickly. Upgrading now avoids these fees and ensures ongoing free updates."

By moving to Windows 11, companies can not only avoid these recurring charges but also benefit from operational efficiencies such as lower maintenance costs and fewer support calls. Windows 11 introduces features like Energy Saver, which can lengthen battery life by up to 14% and automate maintenance tasks, reducing demand on internal IT resources.

Productivity and compliance

Productivity gains have also been reported with Windows 11, which offers faster startup times, improved multi-tasking capabilities, and integrated collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams. FLR Spectron cited business surveys where productivity increased by up to 42% following adoption of Windows 11.

For organisations required to meet data protection and privacy legislation, staying up to date with operating systems is essential. Windows 11's enhanced encryption and identity management features are designed to simplify compliance with laws such as GDPR.

Compatibility and investment return

Another factor highlighted is future compatibility. Many software vendors and hardware manufacturers are optimising their products specifically for Windows 11, which may present increasing compatibility issues for those persisting with Windows 10.

"New apps and hardware are increasingly designed for Windows 11. Businesses sticking with Windows 10 risk compatibility issues that can slow down operations and increase IT costs."

Despite the initial expense of migration, FLR Spectron noted that some UK companies have achieved a 250% return on investment within three years, attributed to fewer security incidents, productivity improvements, and reduced maintenance spend.

Migration guidance

To support organisations in managing the transition, FLR Spectron has issued a step-by-step upgrade plan. This begins with assessing device readiness using Microsoft's PC Health Check tool and thoroughly backing up necessary files, preferably using cloud solutions such as OneDrive or SharePoint.

The company recommends piloting the upgrade with a small user group, providing staff training on Windows 11's new interface and features, and rolling out the transition in phases to avoid widespread disruption. Ongoing monitoring and feedback collection are also advised to troubleshoot any problems post-migration.

Organisations are encouraged to partner with IT providers to ensure a smooth and secure transition, minimising any negative impact on business operations as support for Windows 10 draws to a close.