Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) & PC Shortages - What You Need To Know

Is your device still running Windows 10?

On 14 October 2025, Microsoft will officially end all support for Windows 10, and as we approach the End of Life for Windows 10, demand for compatible PCs and laptops is steadily increasing across the industry. Stock availability for certain models is becoming more limited and prices are starting to rise as supply adjusts to higher demand.

With limited stock and rising costs expected to continue in the coming months, planning your upgrades early will give you the best chance to:

• Avoid price increases driven by high demand.

• Secure the devices you need before supply becomes even more constrained.

• Ensure your business remains secure and supported beyond the Windows 10 deadline.

Here’s what you need to know, what we’re doing to help and the steps you can take to prepare.

Why This Matters Beyond Stock and Pricing

Once Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, your devices will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes or technical assistance. Over time, this can reduce protection against online threats, make it harder to meet certain compliance standards such as GDPR or Cyber Essentials, and may cause some software and hardware compatibility challenges.

Running unsupported systems can make IT management more complex and lead to less predictable maintenance and more upgrade costs over time.

What It Means For You

If you are currently running Windows 10, your device will stop receiving critical security updates after 14 October 2025.

This limits protection against online threats, making it harder to meet compliance requirements and creating compatibility issues with key software and applications.

However, upgrading to Windows 11 is not always as simple as running an update. Many PCs and laptops will not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, meaning they will need to be replaced.

With so many organisations in the same position, demand for Windows 11-ready devices is increasing and we are seeing:

• Limited stock availability for certain models

• Prices creeping up as demand outpaces supply

• Longer delivery times which could delay your upgrade

Delaying your upgrade could result in higher costs, longer lead times and continued reliance on systems that no longer receive updates.

What We’re Doing To Help

We’re already contacting customers we know are still using Windows 10 to make sure they have plenty of time to plan their next steps. If you’re not sure whether your devices are ready for Windows 11, we can check this for you and guide you through any upgrades or replacements needed.

Here’s how we’re supporting you and where your input will help:

Early upgrade planning
We’re reviewing customer hardware now to confirm which devices are Windows 11-ready and which will need replacing, well ahead of the October 2025 deadline. The sooner we have your device list or requirements, the sooner we can plan your upgrade effectively.

Securing stock in advance
For devices that do need replacing, we’re placing orders early to secure availability and avoid future price increases. We can only do this in time if we know what you’ll need.

By starting these steps together now, we can make sure your upgrade is planned smoothly, equipment is ready when you need it, and your business is prepared for the transition to Windows 11 without disruption.

What You Can Do Now

The earlier you act, the more options you will have. Planning now means we can secure the right equipment at the right price and schedule your upgrade with minimal disruption.

Here’s how you can help us help you:

Review your current devices
If you’re an existing customer and we supply your hardware, we’re already reviewing your devices and will let you know which are Windows 11-ready and which may need replacing. If you’re not a customer, or you’d simply like to check for yourself, you can use the Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to see if your devices meet the requirements for Windows 11.

Tell us your needs early
If you already know you will need replacements or upgrades, let us know as soon as possible so we can secure stock before stock availability becomes more limited and prices increase.

Avoid last-minute purchases
These are more likely to be affected by higher demand, longer lead times and increased costs. Early planning gives us more flexibility to source and configure devices in line with your needs.

Be ready to schedule upgrades
Once your plan is agreed, we will work with you to book installation times that minimise downtime and disruption.

The sooner we have the full picture of your requirements, the better we can plan your upgrade strategy and make sure you are ready well before the Windows 10 deadline.

How Long Will This Last?

It’s difficult to predict exactly how long stock shortages and price increases will continue.

However, with the Windows 10 End of Life deadline just a few months away, demand for Windows 11-ready devices is likely to continue growing as more organisations start to upgrade.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed as we learn more about availability, pricing and lead times. The earlier we can confirm your requirements, the more likely we are to secure the right devices at the right price and avoid last-minute delays.

How to Check if Your Device Needs Upgrading

Not all Windows 10 machines need replacing. Some can be upgraded to Windows 11 but they must meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements.

The easiest way to find out is to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.

This will tell you if your PC meets the requirements for Windows 11. If it does not, it is time to plan for a replacement.

If you would like help using the Microsoft PC Health Check tool, our step-by-step guide will walk you through running the check, understanding the results and deciding on your next steps.

Read article: How to Check if Your PC Can Run Windows 11 >

Still unsure? Reach out to our support team and we will be happy to check your devices for you and let you know exactly what is needed.

FAQs

What happens if I stay on Windows 10 after October 2025?
Once Microsoft ends support, your device will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes. This means any new vulnerabilities discovered will remain unpatched, reducing protection against potential online threats. You may also find that certain software stops working properly, as developers stop supporting Windows 10. If your business needs to comply with standards like Cyber Essentials or GDPR, it may become harder to meet compliance requirements if you continue using an unsupported operating system.

What’s the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Windows 11 offers a more modern interface, better performance and improved productivity features, but the most important difference is in security. Windows 11 includes stronger built-in protections such as hardware-based isolation, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 requirements. These enhancements help guard against modern cyber threats that Windows 10 is less equipped to handle.

How do I upgrade?
If your device is compatible, Windows 11 can usually be installed via a Windows Update, though we recommend planning the upgrade with us to ensure data is backed up, applications are tested for compatibility and downtime is minimised. For devices that are not compatible, we can help source and configure replacements so they are ready to use straight away.

How do I know if I need to upgrade my hardware for Windows 11?
The fastest way is to run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool, which will confirm whether your device meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11. If it does not, you’ll need to replace the device. Our step-by-step guide walks you through running the check, understanding the results and planning your next steps. 

Read article: How to Check if Your PC Can Run Windows 11 >

When should I upgrade?
As early as possible. Waiting until close to the 14th October 2025 deadline could mean facing stock shortages, higher prices and less flexibility in scheduling deployments. Early action allows us to plan your upgrade in a way that fits around your operations, reduces disruption and secures the best available pricing.

How different will Windows 11 look and feel?

There will be some noticeable differences. Windows 11 has a cleaner, more modern design, with changes like a centred Start Menu, updated icons and new widgets. While these updates bring a fresh look, they can take some getting used to if you have been working with Windows 10 for years.

The good news is, you don’t have to make a sudden jump. We have created a guide that shows you how to customise Windows 11 to more closely resemble Windows 10, from moving the Start Menu back to the left, to adjusting colours and taskbar settings. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of Windows 11 while keeping a familiar workspace.

Read article: How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10 >

Let Us Check Your Devices for You

If you would like help reviewing your setup or planning your upgrade, get in touch with our support team today and we can guide you through the steps.

Acting now means you can avoid disruption, keep costs under control and ensure your business remains secure and supported.