Windows 10 Support Ends October 2025: How South African Schools Can Upgrade Affordably
By Shane van der Merwe, IT Sector Head, Merchant West
South African schools have relied on Windows 10 for years, powering everything from computer labs to admin offices. But come October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10—no more security updates, no more patches. For learning institutions, this isn’t just a tech issue; it’s a safety and learning continuity concern. At Merchant West, we’re here to help schools upgrade to Windows 11 without straining tight budgets, thanks to our tech finance solutions.
The Risks of Sticking with Windows 10
Post-October 2025, unsupported Windows 10 devices pose serious threats to schools:
- Cybersecurity Gaps: No updates mean hackers can exploit unpatched flaws—critical when student and staff data is at stake. Africa saw a 37% surge in cyberattacks in 2024 (Check Point, Q2 2024), with education a prime target globally putting South African schools at growing risk.
- Compliance Pressure: POPIA demands secure systems. Outdated tech could lead to fines or legal risks.
- Learning Disruptions: Aging hardware often can’t run Windows 11, causing slowdowns or crashes that interrupt lessons.
Over 40% of school PCs globally can’t upgrade to Windows 11 (Lansweeper’s CPU incompatibility rate (2022)) due to hardware limits. For cash-strapped South African schools, replacing them outright isn’t an option—unless you rethink the funding model.
The Budget Barrier - and a Solution
New devices for a 20-PC lab could cost R300,000+—a tough ask with limited DoE grants or fundraising. Merchant West’s Tech Finance flips that:
- No Upfront Costs: Spread payments over time, preserving funds for books or desks.
- Future-Proof Learning: Get Windows 11-ready devices now, keeping students secure and tech-savvy.
- Custom Fit: From a few laptops to a full lab, we tailor plans to your school’s needs.
Why Act Early?
Waiting risks more than just security. Supply chain hiccups (think chip shortages) and vendor price spikes near the deadline could derail upgrades. Planning now ensures a smooth transition before the 2026 school year.
Let’s Upgrade Education Together
Don’t let Windows 10’s end disrupt your school. Contact Merchant West for a free consultation—we’ll assess your setup and craft a finance plan to keep your institution safe and ready for the future.
Ready to Upgrade?
Don’t let the Windows 10 support end catch you off guard. Contact Merchant West today for a free consultation.
Call us at 021 492 0299 or fill in the form to arrange your complimentary consultation. Let’s get your tech future-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Windows 10 support end 2025 schools” refers to the end of Microsoft support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which puts South African school systems at risk if they don't upgrade in time.
The “Windows 10 support end 2025 schools” deadline means no more updates or security patches, which can lead to slow systems, frequent crashes, and interrupted lessons.
Because of the “Windows 10 support end 2025 schools” milestone, school networks will be more exposed to cyberattacks, especially if devices are not upgraded to Windows 11.
Ignoring the “Windows 10 support end 2025 schools” issue could lead to non-compliance with POPIA, data breaches, and serious disruptions in both teaching and admin processes.
To deal with “Windows 10 support end 2025 schools” challenges affordably, schools can turn to tech finance solutions that allow them to spread out the cost of upgrades.
Schools should begin planning immediately to avoid the last-minute rush and be fully upgraded before the “Windows 10 support end 2025 schools” deadline arrives.
Merchant West offers dedicated tech finance support to help schools navigate the “Windows 10 support end 2025 schools” transition without upfront capital strain.
