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Navigating Windows 10's End of Support: A Guide for New Zealand Businesses

  • Oct 14, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 10

Windows currently powers over 1.4 billion monthly active devices. This impressive figure breaks down as follows:


  • 55% have upgraded to Windows 11 (730 million PCs)

  • 45% are still on Windows 10 (620 million PCs)


Estimates suggest that at least 240 million Windows 10 PCs won't meet Windows 11’s upgrade requirements. This situation poses a risk of these devices becoming e-waste.


Fortunately, approximately 380 million Windows 10 PCs can still make the jump to Windows 11. At MyImprint, we are committed to sustainability. As part of our lower impact strategy, we use 2nd hand laptops. This means we are among the 620 million PCs still on Windows 10, and we need to decide our next steps come October. You may find yourself in a similar position.


A Late - But Welcome - Reprieve


Microsoft has made the situation quite complex. Let's break it down:


  1. Microsoft has created a consumer “Extended Security Update” (ESU) that you can purchase. This adds one more year of security updates for Windows 10 starting from October 2025.

  2. Enrollment and pricing options include:

  3. $30 USD per year

  4. 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points

  6. Linking a Microsoft account with Settings backup to OneDrive (note: this option is not available for commercial use and has other caveats).


More info on the Microsoft Extended Security Update link is *here


A Temporary Solution to Reduce E-Waste


While Microsoft's one-year ESU is a helpful step, it only provides a temporary solution. The company could demonstrate leadership by committing to a longer service period. This would ensure that functional hardware isn't pushed toward landfill.


In New Zealand, Consumer NZ is advocating for Microsoft to extend support. They warn that the cutoff could be “one of the most wasteful events in modern technological history.” They describe the removal of support as irresponsible, environmentally damaging, and anti-consumer.


Practical Ways to Extend the Life of an Ineligible PC


If you find yourself with a Windows 10 PC that isn't eligible for an upgrade, here are some practical steps you can take:


1. Take the Extra Year, Securely


Install the August update and enroll in Windows 10 ESU from Settings → Windows Update. This will buy you security patches through to October 2026 while you plan your next steps.


2. Double-Check Upgrade Eligibility


Some “blocked” PCs may actually be eligible once firmware/BIOS settings (like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot) are enabled. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check guide to verify your device's eligibility.


3. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot


Many PCs are blocked from upgrading simply because these firmware settings are off. Follow Microsoft’s guides to enable TPM 2.0 and configure Secure Boot. Keep in mind that if your processor is not on the supported list, these steps won’t change your eligibility.


4. Consider Alternative Operating Systems


If you're open to learning something new, consider a light alternative Operating System. Here are a couple of options:


  • ChromeOS Flex can revive older laptops and desktops with fast boot, secure updates, and a web-app focus. You can test it from a USB before installing.

  • A friendly Linux distro, such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu LTS, can keep older hardware fully supported with long security lifecycles.


5. Explore Third-Party Patching


Services like 0patch promise micro-patches for Windows 10 for up to five additional years beyond Microsoft’s deadline. Do your due diligence here, as this is a paid, non-Microsoft option.


Summary


Based on current data:


  • 730 million PCs have already upgraded to Windows 11.

  • 380 million Windows 10 devices appear upgrade-capable.

  • 240 million look permanently stranded due to hardware rules.


Microsoft’s one-year ESU is a step toward reducing waste. However, with hundreds of millions of viable machines at stake, the company with the world’s largest desktop footprint should extend support longer. They should show leadership in reuse and maintenance rather than doing the bare minimum.


Come on, Microsoft, it’s simple: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.


Helpful Links


Assess Your Device


Extended Service Updates


Upgrade to Windows 11


Alternative Operating Systems


Consumer New Zealand Perspective



 
 
 

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