Microsoft have officially announced that Windows 10 Home and Pro will reach its End of Life (EOL) on the 14th October 2025, but what exactly does this mean for your business? In this blog we will be explaining everything you need to know, and the actions you need to take soon to ensure your business is prepared. Ignoring this deadline could lead to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues so it is essential that you act.
What Does Windows 10 End of Life Mean?
In essence, this operating system reaching its end of life means that Microsoft are no longer going to provide security updates, technical support or improvements to the software moving forward. This means:
- No more security patches: any new vulnerabilities will not be patched, leaving your systems an easy target for cybercriminals.
- No bug fixes: any software glitches will not be addressed, which could cause instability with the software.
- No technical support: if you have any issues with Windows 10, Microsoft will not be providing customer support after the deadline.
- Software incompatibility: future applications are unlikely to work with Windows 10.
Every Windows operating system has a lifecycle, and Microsoft tends to provide 10 years of support (5 years of mainstream support which includes updates, bug fixes and security patches, and 5 years of extended support – just critical security updates). Windows 10 was actually launched in July 2015 (although it doesn’t feel that long ago!), hence it naturally coming to an end in October 2025. If you haven’t yet upgraded your systems to Windows 11 then now is the time!
The Risks of Continuing To Use Windows 10
After its EOL date, continuing to use Windows 10 will bring with it significant risks, including:
- Increased cybersecurity threats – without security updates, the software becomes a prime target for hackers. Windows 10 will become susceptible to malware, ransomware and data breaches.
- Compliance & legal issues – using outdated software can lead to non-compliance with things like the GDPR, leading to fines and reputational damage.
- Software & hardware compatibility problems – new software and hardware will be optimised for Windows 11 and later, so some business operations will no longer work on Windows 10.
- Poor performance – outdated operating systems slow down over time, and you may find Windows 10 conflicts with other business software if you continue using it past the EOL date.
- No technical support – if something goes wrong with your Windows 10 system, Microsoft will no longer be providing support.
Steps You Need To Take
1. Upgrade to Windows 11
This is the most straightforward solution, as Windows 11 is designed with enhanced performance and security features. Not all devices are compatible, so make sure your devices meet the CPU and TPM requirements first.
These limitations to your devices could pose a challenge in directly upgrading to Windows 11, so for some systems a hardware replacement is a necessary step. As your trusted IT partner, our team will review your existing infrastructure for you and contact you with the best course of action tailored to your business. Our goal is to ensure the transition is as seamless and cost-effective as possible, minimising disruption to your business.
We start by running an audit so that we understand the exact compatibility requirements for your business, allowing us to identify whether you require a full hardware replacement or not.
2. Extend Windows 10 Support
For businesses that aren’t able to immediately upgrade, there is the option to delay this slightly. Microsoft is expected to offer Extended Security Updates for a fee, but this is only aimed at businesses that need extra time to transition. We really don’t advise putting this off for any longer than necessary.
3. Upgrade Your Hardware if Necessary
As mentioned, lots of older computers will not meet the requirements of Windows 11 so if your devices are outdated, now is the time to budget for a new computer system.
5. Backup Important Data
Before making any large changes to your internal computer systems, be sure to back up all critical files and settings. Cloud storage is the best way to safeguard the sensitive data within your business.
6. Train Your Team
Making the switch to Windows 11 is a large task, and you need to ensure all staff are comfortable using the new operating system. Training sessions are a great way to get all of your team happy with using Windows 11.
We Are Here To Help
While Windows 10 End of Life can bring challenges to businesses, if you are prepared then the transition will be smooth. Planning is key, and with the help of our IT experts we can help to reduce the level of disruption this change has on your business.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to keep your systems up-to-date and secure.
If you have any immediate concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@realitysolutions.co.uk or call us on 01482 828000
*This article contains general information in order to assist all of our customers and is meant for guidance only – there are no guarantees that the information we provide will be suitable for your particular needs. If you require specific assistance, we recommend that you seek professional guidance on your individual circumstances. Reality Solutions are in no way responsible for any loss or damage arising from any information contained within our articles.
