The impending end of support for Windows 10 has been postponed for certain users, providing accounting firms still operating on this platform—a notable minority—with additional time to implement necessary upgrades before the system becomes obsolete. Originally set to conclude on October 14, 2025, the cessation of support meant that users would no longer receive security updates or monitoring. This situation prompted many to prepare for upgrades, which, particularly for older machines, often necessitated new hardware. This is especially true for users intending to leverage artificial intelligence, as the operating system is optimized for specialized chips known as neural processing units designed for AI tasks.
While a number of firms have already transitioned to newer systems, a significant portion—including many CPA firms—remain on Windows 10. Recently, Microsoft announced an extension of support for select Windows 10 users through a new Extended Security Updates program. Organizations opting into this program will incur a fee of per device, allowing them to continue receiving essential security updates. However, this subscription model does not encompass new features, customer-requested non-security updates, design changes, or general tech support, and the cost doubles each subsequent year for a maximum of three years.
Progress in Upgrading
According to a December 2023 report from the CPA Firm Management Association, Windows 10 continues to be the predominant operating system, with 47% of accountants indicating that the majority of their work relies on it. Roman Kepczyk, director of firm technology at Rightworks, an accounting-focused cloud services provider and co-author of the report, estimates that approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs are still actively utilized in accounting firms today. He notes that this figure may be higher among smaller local firms.
Despite the ticking clock, the recent announcement from Microsoft offers firms a much-needed reprieve. Kepczyk expressed that the primary concern surrounding Windows 10 was the impending discontinuation of support, particularly regarding security updates. With Microsoft’s decision to extend these updates, the urgency to upgrade to Windows 11 has diminished for those who can continue receiving updates on Windows 10.
Randy Johnston, co-founder and principal at K2, an accounting tech consultancy, remarked that many practices are facing challenges in this area, often under the misapprehension that cloud-based operations eliminate the need for upgrades. While he could not provide a precise percentage of firms still using Windows 10, he estimated that it exceeds 40%.
As firms navigate the transition from Windows 10, it is noteworthy that over half of all devices have already migrated to Windows 11, which now holds approximately 52% of the market. However, both Kepczyk and Johnston advise caution against rushing to adopt Windows 11, especially with Windows 12 on the horizon. The recent announcement regarding Windows 11 version 25H2, now available to the Windows Insider community, suggests that Microsoft may be extending the lifecycle of Windows 11, with broader availability expected in the latter half of 2025.
Given this context, Kepczyk recommends that firms delay their upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 as long as security updates remain available. He anticipates that Windows 12 will be even more optimized for AI and the updated NPU hardware, suggesting that firms consider investing in new PCs with Windows 12 starting in May 2026, provided no significant technical issues arise.
Johnston echoes this sentiment, advising accountants on Windows 10 to focus on Windows 12 rather than Windows 11. He emphasizes the necessity of upgrades and the potential need for hardware purchases to support the forthcoming operating system, encouraging firms to plan accordingly to ensure they are adequately equipped for the transition.