Charles Esther
Microsoft has long warned users about the end of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October 14, 2025.
However, a recent poll by Canalys has shown that a surprising number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are still woefully unprepared for the change.
Over a third of channel partners (35%) reported that their SMB customers either have no plan to upgrade or are unaware of the looming Windows 10 end-of-service (EoS) deadline.
The Startling Lack of Awareness Among SMBs
Breaking down the 35% figure, 21% of SMB customers are aware that Windows 10 support will end but have yet to make any upgrade plans.
Even more concerning, 14% of SMBs are completely unaware that support is ending soon.
This lack of preparation puts these businesses at significant risk, given that running unsupported systems can lead to serious security and compliance issues.
How SMBs Are Responding to the Windows 10 Deadline
On the brighter side, 30% of SMB customers are actively evaluating their options for upgrading.
Meanwhile, only 35% of SMBs have fully committed to and planned their system upgrades.
This means almost two-thirds of small businesses remain either passive or undecided regarding how to handle the end of Windows 10 support.
The Hidden Costs of Delaying Upgrade Plans
Businesses that delay their planning risk facing much steeper costs down the line.
Ishan Dutt, Principal Analyst at Canalys, warned that customers waiting too long will likely find themselves operating in a much higher-cost environment when they finally decide to refresh their PC fleets.
The situation could worsen as global factors such as tariffs and supply constraints hit the hardware market harder.
Why Ignoring EoS Management Is a Big Mistake
Managing end-of-service transitions like this should be treated as an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time project.
Sadly, many businesses overlook this need until it becomes a crisis.
Canalys reported that even though global business PC shipments rose 9.4% year-on-year in Q1 2025, software preparedness among businesses is lagging badly behind hardware growth.
The Risks for Businesses and Their Users
When Windows 10 support officially ends, millions of business laptops and PCs will no longer receive updates or security patches.
Without essential security updates, these systems will become vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and compliance failures.
Dutt also pointed out that with higher tariffs expected to take effect soon, prices will rise, and demand will cool off sharply in the coming quarters.
Those who wait too long to upgrade may find themselves facing both inflated costs and limited availability of new devices.
Microsoft’s Challenge with Windows 11 Adoption
While Microsoft still needs to make Windows 11 more appealing to a broader base of users, the looming deadline for Windows 10 is unavoidable.
Businesses must act now to avoid disruptions, vulnerabilities, and higher expenses later.
Conclusion
The Canalys findings are a wake-up call for SMBs still sitting on the fence.
Ignoring Windows 10’s upcoming end-of-service will not only jeopardize security but also strain budgets when demand spikes and tariffs take effect.
Businesses must prioritize their upgrade plans immediately to ensure they stay protected and operational in a changing technological landscape.
