Windows 10 Support Ends in October 2025: What Your Business Needs to Know
Microsoft has announced that it will stop supporting Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While your PCs will continue to work after that date, Microsoft will no longer provide critical services such as:
• Security updates
• Non-security updates
• Technical support
Why This Matters for Your Business
1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computers will be more vulnerable to cyber threats like viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. Protecting your business data is essential, and upgrading to a supported version of Windows is key to maintaining your security.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are regularly updated to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, your current programs may start experiencing issues or may no longer function at all.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business manages sensitive information or is subject to regulatory requirements, running outdated software could lead to non-compliance, potentially resulting in fines or legal complications.
What Are Your Options?
Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 before Windows 10 support ends. However, not all PCs running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11’s hardware requirements. If your device does not meet these requirements, you may encounter issues when attempting to upgrade.
Here are your options if your device is not compatible:
• Purchase a new, Windows 11-compatible PC
• Pay for extended Windows 10 security updates (available for up to three years, but at a very high cost)
• Consider switching to a different operating system like Linux
• Attempt to upgrade “incompatible” PCs using technical workarounds.
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we highly advise against this!)
Whatever route you choose, always back up your data before making any changes. This ensures your important files are safe during the transition.
Planning for the Future
It is essential to plan for the transition away from Windows 10. While there’s speculation that Microsoft might extend the deadline, that is a gamble you do not want to take with your business. Waiting until the last minute could leave your business unprotected and scrambling for a solution. If you are forced to purchase a new computer at the time Windows 10 expires, supply might be constrained so computer prices may be significantly higher.
The best move is to consult with an IT provider like Honorbound IT to determine the right path forward. If your PCs are newer, paying for extended security updates might be a viable option. For older machines nearing the end of their life cycle, replacing them with new devices could be the smarter investment.
Our experienced team can help guide you through the upgrade process to ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call with us to map out the best solution for your business. Call 877-686-6642 today!