Microsoft has officially made plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. While that date may sound far off, the time to create your plan for this shift is now. How will the change impact your business? Will Windows 10 end of life affect your daily operations and long-term security strategies? 

Whatever your plan may be, know that this change will impact more than just what computers your staff use. The decisions you make will likely affect all your IT systems, your cybersecurity, productivity and so much more. If you need extra support, our IT staff augmentation services are available to supplement your staff.

How the End of Windows 10 Will Impact You

When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, that operating system will no longer receive important security patches, bug fixes or updates. If your organization uses Windows 10, this change will make you more vulnerable to attacks from cyber criminals. Without critical updates, cyber criminals are likely to find vulnerabilities over time and easily exploit them. 

Continuing to use unsupported operating systems, like Windows 10, after the end of life (EOL) date could expose you to risks like:

• Increased vulnerability to ransomware and malware: As we mentioned, outdated systems are prime targets for cybercriminals looking for an easy way in.
  
• Data loss and breaches: By not having security updates, your data becomes much more vulnerable to corruption and theft.
  
• Compliance issues: If your organization or industry is regulated, using unsupported software could result in noncompliance with those regulations. This could lead to fines or legal complications. 

It’s crucial to plan a smooth transition before the EOL deadline to protect your business from these risks.

Key Considerations for Windows 10 End of Life 

Fortunately, you can choose how to navigate the change to Windows 10 support. In our opinion, these are the best options:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11

One of the most straightforward solutions is to upgrade all your systems to Windows 11. While it may seem like all you need to do is download the update, regardless of what type of device, it may just not be possible. Your current hardware must meet specific requirements to support the new operating system. This includes having the correct processor, storage capacity and trusted platform module (TPM) version.

If you are unsure about your existing systems meeting the requirements and don’t have the time or staff to look into it, our IT staff is more than ready to help. We’ll evaluate the security, stability and compatibility of your systems; then recommend the best course of action.

2. Purchase New Hardware

If you are using older machines, upgrading your hardware might be the best course of action. This does require an upfront investment but the benefits of new technology go beyond compatibility of Windows 11. Newer hardware is more efficient, faster and better equipped to handle future software advancements. To help with the costs of upgrading, Microsoft does have a trade-in program. 

3. Extend Security Updates

Lastly, you can purchase extended security updates (ESUs) from Microsoft. This helps give you more time to transition away from Windows 10. This option is only available for a limited time and will give your computers extra security coverage beyond the EOL date. But, it is only temporary and upgrading your hardware or updating your software is the best overall option. 

Our technology staff is well-versed in Microsoft and its licensing options. Our pros are a helpful addition to your team during your planning and execution phase. 

Why Early Planning Matters

It may seem fairly straightforward to transition to a new operating system or hardware, but the process is more complex than you might anticipate. Early planning will help minimize disruptions and keep your business operating smoothly. A successful plan should include: 

• Compatibility checks: Verifying all of your applications, hardware and systems are compatible with Windows 11 is vital. Incompatibilities may lead to downtime or costly fixes if not addressed early on.
  
• User training: Windows 11 may be very different to some of your employees; training on Windows 11 can reduce disruptions caused by unfamiliarity with new software.
  
• Data migration: Moving data, especially sensitive data, from one system to another requires careful and extensive planning. This is to help avoid critical data loss or corruption. By being strategic in your approach, you’ll have a seamless transfer.
  
• Systems testing: To avoid surprises and ensure all components work as expected, tests should be conducted on the new system before full deployment.  

Need Help Preparing for Windows 10 End of Life?

The decisions about, preparation for and execution of your Windows 10 end-of-life planning need to happen with plenty of time to spare. Tackling this transition can cause a strain on your IT staff, making the execution of the plan challenging. With our IT staff augmentation services, your team will get the extra support they need at this critical juncture. Get started by booking a meeting with us.