Windows 10 is nearing End of Life. Are You Ready?

Microsoft has scheduled the Windows 10 end-of-life (EOL) for October 14, 2025.

If your organization uses any Windows 10 devices, it’s important to understand what the end of support means, and how you can plan accordingly to maintain security, compliance, and operational continuity.

Impact of Windows 10 EOL on Your Business

The End of Live (EOL) for Windows 10 signifies critical changes in service that can impact your business. After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, leaving Windows 10 increasingly vulnerable to emerging security threats.

Additionally, there will be no more features or support updates. The version you have at EOL will be the final version unless you upgrade to a newer operating system.

For corporate IT environments, this means a shift in focus to security risks and compliance issues. Many businesses still rely on Windows 10 devices due to their solid performance record, but with EOL approaching, it is crucial to plan for upgrades or replacements of critical systems. Continuing to use outdated systems not only heightens security risks but can also lead to compliance violations.

Organizations must prepare by ensuring that any necessary support after the EOL date is secured through pre-existing contracts. This is because direct support will be significantly reduced after October 2025. Proactively addressing these changes will help safeguard your business and maintain compliance.

Ensure Your Organization is Prepared
Download our comprehensive Cybersecurity Readiness Checklist and take the first step toward protecting your critical assets. This checklist is designed to help you assess your current security posture, identify potential vulnerabilities, and implement best practices.

Strategic Recommendations for Businesses

While change is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be daunting. By adopting a well-defined strategy and customizing it to fit your unique business needs, you can navigate EOL with confidence and ease.

Immediate Actions

1. Conduct an IT Audit: Conducting a comprehensive IT audit is a crucial first step in preparing for EOL. This audit will help uncover every instance of Windows 10 across your organization. With this information, you can create a triage hierarchy that prioritizes critical systems needing immediate updates.

2. Create an Upgrade Schedule: Once you know where to start, create a structured upgrade schedule. This will help you estimate the resources and time needed to implement the upgrades efficiently.

Planning and Budgeting

3. Estimate Hardware and Software Costs: With your IT audit complete, planning and budgeting should be your next step. Start by estimating the hardware and software costs of all your upgrades. Organizing these expenses into categories will help you prioritize spending and manage your budget effectively.

4. Account for Labor and Downtime: Remember to include labor and time costs in your budget since they are key components of the transition process. Upgrading each system may lead to temporary downtime, affecting your team’s workflow and productivity.

5. Invest in Employee Training: It’s crucial to invest in employee training that ensures they can successfully adapt to the new system and avoid disruption.

Upgrading to Windows 11

Transitioning to Windows 11 is the most straightforward upgrade for businesses looking to minimize disruptions. Built on the familiar foundation of Windows 10, this new version makes the transition smooth and manageable. With no immediate plans for a replacement, Windows 11 provides a stable platform that you can rely on for years to come.

Best Practices

When upgrading to Windows 11, follow these best practices to ensure you cover all key areas:

• Check Device Eligibility: Make sure your hardware is compatible with Windows 11. Some older devices might not meet the new system requirements, so you may have to upgrade the hardware or consider alternative operating systems.
• Verify Software Compatibility: Check your key apps and software tools for Windows 11-compatible versions. Most mainstream software should work seamlessly with Windows 11, but there could be exceptions. If an essential app doesn’t run on the new operating system, you may need to reevaluate your upgrade strategy.
• Incorporate Compatibility Checks: Make compatibility checks a part of your audit, budget, and schedule planning. This proactive step helps you spot potential issues early, allowing extra time to solve them and keep your project on track.

Extended Security Updates

• Enroll in the ESU Program: If you’re unable to transition before Windows 10 cuts over, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
• Secure an ESU License: To access these updates, enroll in the ESU program and secure an active ESU license for each Windows 10 system you wish to cover. Bulk licenses are available by request if you need to protect multiple systems.
• Treat ESU as a Temporary Solution: It’s important to note that the ESU program is a temporary measure (rather than a long-term solution) designed to support companies migrating from Windows 10. For more detailed information, Microsoft has created a guide to get you started.

Taking Action

As Windows 10 comes to an end, this is the perfect opportunity to align your systems with the latest technological advancements, ensuring your business remains competitive and ahead of the curve. At ITS, we’re here to provide end-of-life support tailored to your organization’s needs. Whether it’s helping manage audits, compatibility checks, or employee training plans. Our team allows you to focus on core business operations while we handle technical complexities.

Ready to partner with ITS on your Windows 10 EOL upgrades? Contact us today and ensure a future-ready IT environment for your business.