As the October 14, 2025, deadline for the end of Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 approaches, UK businesses are increasingly aware of the looming cybersecurity risks. With the United Kingdom excluded from Microsoft's free Extended Security Updates (ESU), the situation becomes more challenging. Recent research carried out by Panasonic TOUGHBOOK underscores widespread alarm among UK businesses, particularly concerning ransomware, regulatory compliance, and escalating security costs.
The survey by Panasonic TOUGHBOOK included insights from 200 IT decision-makers in the UK and Germany. The findings reveal a significant disparity in concerns between the two regions, with UK firms expressing more anxiety than their German counterparts. A remarkable 76% of UK respondents admitted to worrying about ransomware and other malware if migration plans are delayed. Moreover, 73% of participants feared potential data breaches, while 68% expected compliance issues. Unpatched vulnerabilities are already a worry for 67% of respondents, and over half anticipate climbing cybersecurity expenses if migration extends beyond the October deadline.
Chris Turner, Head of Go-to-Market at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Europe, remarked on the severe risks posed by delaying the migration to Windows 11 or opting out of the costly ESU. Turner emphasized the danger of heightened exposure to cyber threats, compliance failures, and rising costs. The research highlights that UK businesses are substantially more worried than those in Germany, attributing the disparity to differing regional attitudes toward technological upgrades.
Financial Implications of Delaying Migration
For businesses relying on an extensive deployment of Windows 10 devices, the financial implications of deferring migration are considerable. Companies operating 1,000 devices could face unplanned costs exceeding £340,000 due to ESU fees, which double annually over a three-year period. Such ballooning expenses render the ESU an unsustainable short-term solution, suggesting that for most organizations, dedicated migration planning to Windows 11 has become non-negotiable.
Beyond cost concerns, a reported 47% of IT managers have flagged software compatibility as a significant barrier in transition efforts. These challenges stem from potential disruptions, as older hardware and critical business applications may soon fall out of support.
Unsupported systems are vulnerable to ransomware attacks, and compliance failures could lead to hefty regulatory penalties. Organizations providing crucial services face additional risks, including potential downtime and threats to public safety and operational continuity.
Microsoft’s ESU is positioned as a temporary measure, yet its costliness combined with the end of Windows 10 support underscores an urgent need for strategic updates. As deadlines loom, transitioning to Windows 11 emerges as a prudent step forward for minimizing risk and securing business continuity.
