Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) - The Essential Facts for Businesses.

After 10 years on the market, Microsoft will be discontinuing its Windows 10 Operating System on October 14, 2025 and will no longer provide support and updates.

What does Windows 10 EoL mean for my business?

1. Free monthly security updates or bug-fix patches.
2. Technical support from Microsoft.
3. Feature updates.

What will happen to my PC after Windows 10 has gone End of Life?

Whilst your Windows 10 devices will keep working, they will become a high risk for security issues such as viruses, malware, and cyber threats after October 14 this year.

Without monthly security updates and fixes, any new vulnerabilities that are discovered will not be patched, making your device vulnerable. You will also not be able to gain Cyber Essentials certification if you are running unsupported Windows 10 machines after this date.

Over time your business will be at risk from for loss of sensitive data, cyber-attack and poor system performance since Windows 10 won’t be compatible with any newer technologies. 

Therefore, you need to prepare and act now.

What are my options?

1. Upgrade existing device to Windows 11

The most straightforward option is to upgrade your Windows 10 device to  Microsoft Windows 11. Microsoft recommends this path, especially for users with newer versions of PCs that meet the system requirements for Windows 11. If your device specification falls short of the requirement upgrading might lead to compatibility issues or even prevent the update. 

2. Purchase a new device with Windows 11

If your current device is no longer under warranty or several years old and doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, it might be more cost-effective to purchase a new one.

Many new devices come pre-installed with Windows 11, ensuring you’re using the latest, fully supported version of Microsoft Windows.

3. Purchase extended support from Microsoft.

There will be an extended support licence available from Microsoft. However, we only recommend this option in extreme circumstances, such as difficult machines that need extra time to transition. Extended support only includes security updates, and as software providers are likely to make their own Windows 10 versions End of Life in due course, system functionality may suffer anyway.

How can I ensure my business is ready for Windows 10 End of Life (EoL)?

It's very important not to wait until October 2025 to investigate this issue. 

If you have your own IT team or have an IT Managed Services provider, they should be able to provide you with the information you need (info for One2Call Managed Services customers).

Alternatively, use these steps to help you start your readiness assessment:

1. Identify Devices Running Windows 10:

• Review your inventory to identify all devices currently running Windows 10. This can be done through your IT asset management system or manually if necessary. How to find our what version of WIndows you are running.

2. Use the PC Health Check App to check if your Windows 10 devices are Windows 11 compatible:

• Download and install the PC Health Check app from Microsoft. This tool will help you determine if your devices meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 

3. Upgrade compatible machines to Windows 11 (backing up beforehand where possible)

• If your devices aren't managed for you, you may have to manage the upgrade yourself.
• Back all important systems and files before upgrading
• Follow Microsoft's instructions on upgrading.

4. Purchase Windows 11 ready devices to replace incompatible devices

• Ensure you only purchase devices that can run Windows 11 - we recommend buying devices that come pre-installed with Windows 11.
• Don't wait too long to purchase new devices - our experience is that the cost of compatible devices will increase nearer to the deadline, and supplies of more cost-effective machines could become scarce.

Don't have the time or knowledge to run these checks?

This is where having an IT Managed Services contract in place can really help.  IT Managed Services differ from simple IT Support in that the provider actively manages your IT needs, monitoring device performance and health, safely administering software patches and updates, and providing support and expertise when it comes to upgrades like this.

• More about IT Managed Services.

What are the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11?

By upgrading to Windows 11, your business will benefit from:

• Increased productivity: With an intuitive interface and built-in tools like Microsoft Copilot AI and Teams, Windows 11 enhances collaboration and productivity within your workforce.
• Improved security: Advanced features like malware protection, phishing prevention, and enhanced app security help protect your business from modern-day threats.
• Enhanced user experience: A modern system offers faster speeds, smoother-running programs, and an overall improved user experience.
• Business continuity: helps avoid risks associated with device shortages, slow upgrades, and security vulnerabilities.

> Windows 11 versus Windows 10 feature comparison.

Get help with Windows 10 End of Life.

We're more than happy to help guide you through this tricky upgrade process.

Here's how to get in touch:

One2Call Managed Services Customers

Thanks to your Managed Services Agreement we can report remotely on the readiness of your devices. Your Account Manager is assessing the Windows 11 readiness of your current IT estate and will be in touch shortly to discuss your available upgrade options and next steps.