Two-thirds of UK businesses unprepared for Windows 10 switch off
According to new research, two-thirds of UK businesses are either unaware that support for Windows 10 is ending later this year or don’t have a migration strategy in place.
Microsoft announced it would be sunsetting Windows 10 more than two years ago, with official security updates for the operating system set to end on 14 October 2025.
Despite giving organisations more than enough time to transition, a new study by Cloudhouse has found many are still unprepared.
Just 38% said they have plans in place to switch to a new Windows OS.
More worryingly, 18% admitted they didn’t know support was closing, while 14% said they had yet to think about the ramifications.
Cloudhouse CEO Math Clothier said: “This is a ticking time bomb for business. The lack of awareness and preparedness we’re seeing suggests many organisations are sleepwalking into a major security and operational crisis”.
Only a fifth of respondents believe they are fully equipped to combat the cyber security threats of using an outdated operating system.
That could leave many exposed to major hacks and breaches.
With less than six months to go until the deadline, organisations are being urged to take steps to prepare for a switchover.
Consumer watchdog Which? has offered a helping hand with a quick guide for getting ready to upgrade to Windows 11.
It advises businesses to “act now” by either upgrading current systems to Windows 11 for free, buying new computers, or installing ChromeOS Flex or Ubuntu.
Microsoft is also offering a £24 one-year extension for those that need a little more time, though the full details for the scheme are unlikely to be confirmed until summer.