Windows 10 is finally walking into the sunset.  We can lament it’s departure or rather, focus on the bright future of AI ahead!

All joking aside, Microsoft has decided to stop supporting Windows 10 as of October 14th of this year.  So as a business owner, it’s really important that you understand what this actually means, how it affects your business and what steps you can take to prepare.

What Does This Actually Mean?

First things first, end of life doesn’t mean you can’t continue to use a Windows 10 computer but that it will no longer receive important security updates and bug fixes.

How Does This Affect My Business?

Security Vunerabilities

First, you will be subject to attacks from hackers.  Some of the most prolific tech issues have been a result of computers being out of date.  One such case was the Wannacry ransomware incident in 2017.  This attack targeted a known vulnerability within Windows and encrypted 100s of thousands of computers worldwide, and it could have been avoided if those users had updated their computers.  So it’s of paramount importance to always receive the latest security updates on any computer that handles important or sensitive information.

Lack of Support and Updates

After the October deadline, Microsoft will prioritize support and updates for Windows 11. While Windows 10 may still receive some updates, they will likely be less frequent and comprehensive. This lack of ongoing support can lead to performance issues, software incompatibilities, and increased security risks. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you receive regular updates, keeping your system secure and efficient.

Compatibility Issues

As software developers focus on creating applications for Windows 11, compatibility with Windows 10 may become a challenge. New software releases and updates may not function optimally on older systems, leading to reduced functionality or even incompatibility. This can hinder productivity and limit access to new features and tools. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures compatibility with the latest software, allowing you to take full advantage of technological advancements.

Missed Features and Improvements

Windows 11 offers a range of new features and improvements designed to enhance user experience and productivity. By staying on Windows 10, you miss out on these innovations, including a redesigned interface, improved virtual desktops, and integrated communication tools. These features are designed to streamline workflows and improve efficiency, making them valuable assets for both personal and professional use.

Potential Performance Issues

As Windows 10 becomes outdated, performance may begin to decline. Without regular updates and optimizations, your system may experience slower boot times, reduced responsiveness, and increased resource consumption. This can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. Upgrading to Windows 11 provides access to performance enhancements that keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

What steps can you take to prepare?

Check your inventory

Do an assessment of the computers in your control, and for the machines running Windows 10 ask yourself the following:

“Are they compatible with Windows 11?”

If no then also ask, “Are these devices able to be disconnected from the network?”

• If your device is compatible with Windows 11 then just simply follow the upgrade process.  But it’s important to make sure your data is backed up first (pst, we can help with that 😉 )
• If your device is not compatible with Windows 11 and it cannot be disconnected from the network, you have one of two options:

1. You can replace the computer with one running Windows 11
2. You can purchase an extended support license for Windows 10

More on option 2:

Microsoft has provided the optiont to extend support in order to smooth the transition for business that have technical or monetary reasons to not migrate to Windows 11.  It must be purchased by the year and will still only last for 3 years.  Here is the Microsoft support article for more information:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates

Conclusions

While it may be tempting to stick to what you know, staying on an unsupported operating system in 2025 is a recipe for disaster.  It is our recommendation that you move to Windows 11 as soon as possible, you don’t want to wait until the end of the deadline.  For clients with a specific need for Windows 10, we can help you stay secure.  In both scenarios, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can put an action plan together for the transition.