Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will cease all updates, technical assistance, and security patches for the operating system. This transition poses significant security risks and potential compatibility issues for businesses and individuals still using Windows 10.
To mitigate these risks and maintain operational efficiency, organizations and users are strongly advised to upgrade to Windows 11 or explore alternative solutions before the support deadline. Taking action ahead of the end-of-life date is crucial to ensure continued system security and compatibility with future software and hardware.
What’s Changing?
Windows 10 will reach its official end of support on October 14, 2025, marking the conclusion of a decade-long run for this popular operating system. While devices running Windows 10 will continue to function beyond this date, they will no longer receive updates, including crucial security patches and technical support from Microsoft.
No new updates mean that any vulnerabilities discovered after the end-of-life (EOL) date will remain unpatched, potentially exposing systems to security risks and compatibility issues. As a result, continuing to use Windows 10 beyond this date could expose your system to potential security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
Previous examples of Microsoft making software improvements include updates to:
However, upgrading to Windows 11 may require hardware upgrades, as it has specific system requirements that not all Windows 10 devices meet. This transition is significant because it may require investing in new hardware for users whose current devices are incompatible with Windows 11.
How Windows 10 EOL May Impact Your Business
The Windows 10 end-of-life will have significant implications for businesses that rely on this operating system. At that point, Microsoft will no longer provide:
- Security updates
- Bug fixes
- Technical support
This will pose several challenges if your business relies on Windows 10 software.
Security concerns
Without regular security updates from Microsoft, systems running Windows 10 may become vulnerable to cyberthreats and malware. This lack of protection can lead to data breaches and other security incidents, potentially compromising sensitive business information and disrupting operations.
Compatibility issues
As developers focus on newer operating systems, software and hardware may no longer be fully compatible with Windows 10. This can affect the functionality of critical business applications and services, leading to inefficiencies and the need for alternative solutions.
Lacking support
Managed service providers (MSPs) may not be able to provide full technical support for Windows 10-related issues after its end of support as the operating system will no longer be actively supported by Microsoft. This could leave businesses without the necessary assistance to resolve technical problems, further complicating operations and increasing technical debt.
While upgrading to Windows 11 is a logical step, installing it on devices that don’t meet system requirements is not recommended. Doing so could lead to performance issues and instability, undermining the benefits of the upgrade.
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead for the Windows 10 end-of-life is crucial if you want to ensure a smooth transition and maintain operational efficiency for your business. As the end of support date approaches, your businesses should proactively address the implications of this change to avoid potential disruptions.
TenHats clients can start by engaging with your strategic technology advisor. Your advisor will provide tailored guidance on how to navigate the transition, ensuring that your business’s specific needs and challenges are addressed effectively.
Advisors will:
- Assess your current IT infrastructure
- Identify devices that need upgrades
- Develop a comprehensive migration strategy
As you plan your budgets for the 2025 fiscal year, consider device upgrades as a core component. Transitioning to Windows 11 or another supported operating system may require significant investment in new hardware, especially since installing Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet system requirements is not recommended. This planning should include evaluating the cost of new equipment and any associated training for staff to use new systems effectively.
Waiting too long to initiate these updates could lead to delays, especially as other companies rush to make last-minute changes in the summer of 2025. By some estimates, this transition will impact approximately 240 million devices that need replacing, potentially straining supply chains and increasing wait times for new hardware and support services.
Proactively planning for this transition not only mitigates the risk of security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues but also positions your business to leverage the latest technological advancements. By acting early, you can ensure that your business remains secure, compliant, and competitive, turning this challenge into an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Partner with TenHats to Prepare for Windows 10 End-of-Support
Choosing TenHats for your procurement decisions during the Windows 10 end-of-life is strategic. As Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 ends, transitioning to a new system will be crucial to avoid cybersecurity risks and compliance issues.
TenHats can guide you through this transition, offering expertise in navigating the complexities of upgrading to Windows 11. Our strategic advisory services ensure you have access to knowledgeable professionals who can answer your questions and customize solutions for your unique needs, facilitating a seamless transition.
With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, there will be no further updates or security patches, creating security and compatibility risks. Businesses should consider upgrading to Windows 11 or explore alternatives like extended security updates or different operating systems. Collaborating with a strategic advisor like TenHats can provide customized support for a smooth transition.
