- Canalys reveals that over a third of SMBs have no clear plan to leave Windows 10 afterwards
- Shocking at 14% of SMBs not even that Windows 10 -Support soon ends
- Lack of upgrade plans could cost SMBs more when customs and demand tips hit hard
Microsoft has repeatedly announced that it will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 – but a surprising number of small and medium -sized businesses (SMBs) are still unprepared.
A poll conducted by Canalys revealed over a third (35%) of Channel Partners said their SMB customers are either not aware of Windows 10 End-of-Service (EOS) deadline or have no plans to upgrade their PCs.
Of these 35%, 21% of SMB customers are aware of the upcoming Windows 10 EOS, but have no upgrading plans, while 14% are completely ignorant. Given security and compliance risks by operating outdated systems after support are ends, this lack of attention and preparation is alarming.
What will this mean for SMBs and users?
On the other side of the spectrum, 30% of SMB customers are aware of the moment upgrade options, while only 35% have actively planned to upgrade their systems.
This means that almost two -thirds of SMBs remain passive or uncertain in their approach to the upcoming change. Unfortunately, many companies do not treat EOS management as an ongoing responsibility, a point of view that must change.
“For customers in these situations, the delay in planning means that they are likely to have a higher cost environment when the time comes to update their PC fleets,” said Ishan Dutt, main analyst at Canalys.
The company added Global Business PC broadcasts rose 9.4% years to years to reach 62.7 million units in the 1st quarter of 2025, but despite this hardware growth, many companies are still left in software preparedness.
The end of service leaves millions of business -bearable computers without updates or security fixes. Dutt also warned that when higher tariffs come into force, “Subsequent quarters this year are likely to see a slowdown” when prices rise and require softening.
Companies that wait much longer can face supply restrictions as the endpoint security becomes more critical than ever.
While Microsoft still has work to do with making Windows 11 more appealing, that doesn’t change the reality of Windows 10’s threatening deadline – here’s a six -step count to Windows 10 EOS and how to prepare for it.
