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Canalys reveals over a third of SMBs have no clear plan to leave Windows 10 behind
Shockingly, 14% of SMBs don’t even know Windows 10 support is ending soon
Lack of upgrade plans could cost SMBs more when tariffs and demand spikes hit hard
Microsoft’s announcement about phasing out support for Windows 10 by October 14, 2025, has not sufficiently resonated with many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Recent findings from a Canalys poll indicate that over one-third (35%) of channel partners report that their SMB customers either lack awareness regarding the Windows 10 end-of-service (EoS) deadline or have yet to formulate any upgrade strategies.
Among the 35% identified, 21% know about the impending deadline but have not devised a plan to upgrade their systems, while 14% are entirely uninformed about it. This lack of preparation is concerning given the potential security vulnerabilities and compliance risks associated with continuing to utilize unsupported software.
What will this mean for SMBs and users?
In contrast, 30% of SMBs are aware of the EoS and are currently exploring upgrade possibilities, while an additional 35% have made concrete upgrade plans. This leaves nearly two-thirds of these businesses in a passive or uncertain state regarding the oncoming changes.
Many organizations do not recognize end-of-service management as an ongoing duty, a mindset that needs urgent re-evaluation. “For customers in these situations, the delay in planning means they are likely to face a higher cost environment when the time comes to refresh their PC fleets,” explains Ishan Dutt, Principal Analyst at Canalys.
The report also highlights that global business PC shipments increased by 9.4% year-over-year, reaching 62.7 million units in the first quarter of 2025. However, despite this upward trend in hardware acquisition, numerous businesses are still unprepared regarding software updates.
As the end-of-service deadline approaches, millions of business laptops will become obsolete in terms of software updates and security patches. Dutt cautioned that as tariffs come into play, “subsequent quarters this year are likely to see a slowdown” due to rising costs and diminishing demand.
Firms delaying their upgrade strategies might grapple with supply chain shortages just when the need for robust endpoint security becomes increasingly crucial.
While Microsoft continues working on enhancing the appeal of Windows 11, the reality of the impending transition from Windows 10 remains pressing. A proactive approach towards EoS is essential, and preparing for the transition can be better understood through a structured preparation timeline.
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