Windows 10 has been a staple operating system for businesses since its release in 2015. Known for its reliability and versatility, it has served enterprises well for nearly a decade. However, all good things must come to an end. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 end of life support is set for October 14, 2025. But what does this mean for your business operations?
This blog will break down what “end of support” entails, the risks of staying on Windows 10 afterward, and how your organization can prepare for the transition to ensure minimal disruptions.
What Does “End of Support” Mean?
When Microsoft decides to end support for an operating system, this means it will no longer provide essential updates, including security patches and bug fixes. In this case, Windows 10 end of life support means that after October 2025, vulnerabilities in the OS will remain unresolved, leaving your system exposed to potential risks.
While the software will continue to work after the end of support, the lack of updates and compatibility issues will make it increasingly challenging to maintain a secure and efficient IT infrastructure.
Risks of Staying on Windows 10 After End of Support
With Windows 10 end of life support approaching, businesses must be aware of the risks of staying on an unsupported operating system:
1. Increased Security Vulnerabilities
Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and hackers actively exploit outdated systems. According to research, 60% of breaches are linked to vulnerabilities in unpatched software. Without critical security updates, Windows 10 systems will become a prime target for attackers, putting sensitive company data at risk.
2. Software Compatibility Issues
As technology evolves, software developers prioritize compatibility with current operating systems. This means new applications and updates for existing tools may no longer work efficiently—or at all—with Windows 10. This can hinder business operations, resulting in reduced productivity and increased costs to find alternatives or upgrade hardware.
3. Compliance Risks
Many industries, such as healthcare, finance, and education, are governed by strict regulatory standards that require businesses to maintain up-to-date, secure software. Running an unsupported operating system could result in non-compliance, hefty fines, and even legal consequences.
4. Decreasing Performance Over Time
With no new performance updates or fixes after Windows 10 end of life support, your existing systems will likely slow down over time. Coupled with increasing compatibility problems, this could lead to more frequent crashes and downtime, directly affecting your bottom line.
How To Prepare for the Transition
To avoid the risks associated with Windows 10 end of life support, upgrading to a newer operating system will be a necessity. Updating an operating system across an organization may sound daunting, but following these steps can help streamline the process.
- Conduct a Software Audit: Assess your current IT systems to identify applications and hardware running on Windows 10.
- Evaluate Your Business Needs: Understand how your team uses Windows-based applications and identify features you’ll need in the new OS.
- Budget for the Upgrade: Determine costs associated with licenses, hardware changes, and IT support.
- Train Your Employees: Schedule training sessions to ensure a smooth transition to the new OS for everyone in your organization.
- Develop a Transition Plan: Set a clear timeline for phasing out Windows 10, testing new systems, and deploying the upgrade.
- Work With an IT Partner: An experienced managed service provider (MSP) can guide your business through the transition efficiently.
Why You Should Start Preparing Now
While October 2025 may seem far away, the reality is that businesses need plenty of lead time to prepare for Windows 10 end of life support. Delaying the transition could lead to rushed decisions, limited resources, and unanticipated challenges.
Upgrades often require companies to replace or update hardware, adapt workflows, and train staff on new systems. These tasks take time and planning—which you don’t want to cram into the last few months before the deadline. Starting now also gives you a competitive edge by allowing your organization to take advantage of newer, more efficient systems sooner.
Partnering with a managed service provider for IT support can also simplify the process, ensuring that every step is handled expertly.
Northern Computer Is Here to Help
Transitioning to a new operating system is no small task. That’s where Northern Computer comes in. As one of the leading managed IT service providers in Western Canada and beyond, we specialize in helping businesses upgrade their IT systems seamlessly.
Whether you need fully managed services or support for your internal IT team, we’ve got you covered. Don’t wait until the last minute. Partner with Northern Computer today to ensure your business stays secure and efficient through the Windows 10 end of life support transition.