Microsoft has long announced that it will end its official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. However, a significant portion of small and medium -sized enterprises has not yet prepared this critical change. The latest survey conducted by Canalys shows that most of the SMEs remain indifferent to this approaching change. Considering the size of security and compatibility risks, the resulting picture is worried.
According to the results of the survey, 35 %of the channel partners said that its customers are not aware that Windows 10 support will end, or that there is no plan to renew their systems. 21 %of this group knows that the approaching ends, but does not take any steps. 14 %of the process is not completely aware of the process. Such an unpreparation may leave businesses with serious cyber threats after the end of support. It is also seen that various problems are at the door in terms of compatibility.
On the other hand, 30 %of SMEs are in the process of evaluating the options for renewing their systems. However, only 35 %of the group is actively conducting studies. Therefore, almost two -thirds of businesses have not yet taken a clear step. This approach can bring a more challenging picture with cost increases in the future. In particular, the possibility of increasing supply chain problems requires that businesses be even more prepared.
Although global PC sales increase, software transitions are progressing slowly
In the first quarter of 2025, global business computer sales increased by 9.4 %to 62.7 million. Despite this rise in hardware sales, it is seen that the same speed could not be achieved in software transitions. Although many businesses purchase new devices, there are serious shortcomings in the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Although the hardware is sufficient, it is noteworthy that software planning is not made. This may lead to the growth of security deficits when the support period expires.
Microsoft will present the extended security updates (ESU) program as an additional solution for Windows 10 users. However, this service means additional cost for users. As with the previous Windows 7 experience, the annual payment model will be applied per device. Since the US $ 1 is at the level of TL 38.45, additional costs of $ 25 (approximately 961 TL) will arise annually. This fee may increase over time and increase to 100 dollars (approximately 3,845 TL) at the end of the third year.
However, businesses that continue to be waiting may face not only increasing costs, but also with supply problems. In particular, the increase in demand towards the end of the year and the narrowing of supply may cause serious problems in the discovery of the device. In such a scenario, businesses may have to allocate larger budgets in transition to current systems. In addition, continuing with old devices will create an open target against cyber attacks.
In spite of everything, it is of great importance that businesses accelerate the adaptation process to the new era. After the end of the Windows 10 support, systems that do not receive update and security patch will have serious deficits. Especially companies operating in sectors such as finance, health and law are expected to take this risk more seriously. Since compatibility requirements are entered into a period in which they will increase, criminal sanctions for unprepared enterprises may also be on the agenda.
In addition, Canalys research predicts that with the end of the support process, approximately 240 million computers will become waste. Devices that do not meet the hardware requirements will be largely into the electronic waste category because they cannot find the chance to re -evaluate. This will bring new discussions in terms of environmental impacts. Businesses will have to develop more sustainable solutions at this point.
However, it should not be ignored that Windows 11 is still unable to reach the desired charm for some users. In particular, compatibility problems of old software used in certain sectors slow the transition process. However, the fact that Windows 10 support will end does not change. The adaptation of businesses to this new period will play a critical role in the long run in terms of safety and efficiency.