After a decade of loyal service, Windows 10 has officially retired. Born in July 2015, it quickly became the backbone of modern business computing — reliable, familiar, and just the right mix of innovation and stability.
The Birth of a Legend
Windows 10 was Microsoft’s answer to the mixed reception of Windows 8. It brought back the beloved Start Menu, introduced Cortana (remember her?), and promised to be “the last version of Windows” — with continuous updates instead of big-bang releases.
“Windows 10 is our most secure platform ever.”
— Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO (2015)
It launched with a bang (see this BBC News Article from 2015), rolling out to over 75 million devices in its first month, and eventually powered over 1.3 billion devices worldwide. From laptops in coffee shops to servers in data centres, it was everywhere.
A Decade of Duty
Windows 10 saw it all:
- The rise of remote work
- The boom in cloud computing
- The shift to zero trust security
- And yes, the endless updates that always seemed to happen right before a meeting
It was the OS that just kept going — dependable, secure, and quietly brilliant.
Funny Anecdote
One of our engineers swears Windows 10 once updated during a live webinar — right in the middle of a screen share. The panic was real. The silence was deafening. The coffee was spilled.
It’s Still Kicking (If You Pay)
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) are here to keep the undead alive — for a price. Businesses can shell out some brass to keep getting security updates until October 2026. It’s like CPR for your OS, but with an invoice.
If you’re running Windows 10 LTSC, you’ve got a longer runway:
- Enterprise LTSC 2021: Supported until 2027
- IoT LTSC 2021: Supported until 2032
So if you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, or just really love stability, you’ve got options.
Risks of Clinging to the Past
Sticking with Windows 10 without ESU is like driving a car with no MOT and bald tyres. You might get away with it for a bit, but eventually, something’s going to go bang — and it won’t be pretty.
What Should Businesses Do?
This is where Core Team One steps in. We’re helping businesses:
- Migrate to Windows 11 safely
- Evaluate LTSC vs ESU options
- Stay compliant and secure
- Avoid the zombie apocalypse of unsupported systems
Final Thoughts
Windows 10 had a good run. But now it’s time to move on — or at least make sure your old friend isn’t left vulnerable in the wild.
Need help figuring out your next move? Drop us a line — we’ll help you bury Windows 10 properly (or keep it alive responsibly).
