Even good software must come to an end. Support for Windows 10 will be officially shutting down on October 14, 2025. This means Microsoft will no longer offer security updates, technical support, or patches for the long-standing operating system.
While the official end of life for Windows 10 support is a way’s off from happening, keeping your operating system up to date can critically affect your business. Upgrading to Windows 11 (or higher) will ensure that you continue receiving important security updates, access to new features, and compatibility with the latest software. If you're already on Windows 11, there’s nothing to worry about. But if you're still using Windows 10, it might be worth planning an upgrade in the near future to avoid potential risks and disruptions.
Let’s look at how the end of support life for Windows 10 can affect your business. What does that mean for you and your business?
Risks of not updating to Windows 11 or higher
System vulnerability
Any vulnerabilities discovered after the end of life for Windows 10 wouldn’t be resolved, leaving your system and business exposed to digital threats.
Compliance failure
Operating systems that are no longer supported by the manufacturer may fail to comply with industry regulations and standards. Compliance frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS often mandate the use of supported and secure software. Non-compliance can also result in significant fines and reputational damage.
Out-of-date software and apps
Newer apps and software will no longer be compatible with your system, as developers would be focused on supporting the newest operating systems.
Operational disruptions
Without ongoing support and updates, you may encounter compatibility issues with software and hardware, leading to operational inefficiencies. Critical business applications may cease to function optimally, impacting productivity and service delivery.
Less file protection
Along with the system vulnerability, your files and data are now at high risk, and with the lower security, potential hackers and cyber threats can get through and corrupt or steal your data.
Benefits of updating to Windows 11 or higher
Malware resistant
For those migrating to Windows 11, they’ll find the system is much more secure and resistant to malware and other potential threats.
Built-in generative AI — Copilot
Microsoft’s generative AI tool Copilot combines the most relevant updated data using ChatGPT and Bing web-scraping, quickly becoming the favored AI assistant for Windows 11 users.
Improved included apps
All apps that are included in Windows 10 are much improved when making the move to Windows 11, including a better overall experience with music and podcast players, a new video editor app, a refreshed screenshot tool, and focus sessions.
Consistent and appealing interface
Windows 11 is a professional grade interface, including easy to navigate tools and menus, monitor docking, all new organizational layout tools and widgets, HDR performance, and really, it just looks nicer.
How can you prepare for the end of life for Windows 10?
Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the next steps, and you can check these off your list at any time before the official final days of Windows 10.
Install updates
For those migrating to Windows 11, they’ll find the system is much more secure and resistant to malware and other potential threats.
Back up your files
Microsoft’s generative AI tool Copilot combines the most relevant updated data using ChatGPT and Bing web-scraping, quickly becoming the favored AI assistant for Windows 11 users.
Evaluate compatibility
All apps that are included in Windows 10 are much improved when making the move to Windows 11, including a better overall experience with music and podcast players, a new video editor app, a refreshed screenshot tool, and focus sessions.
Plan for a budget
Windows 11 is a professional grade interface, including easy to navigate tools and menus, monitor docking, all new organizational layout tools and widgets, HDR performance, and really, it just looks nicer.
Moving on…Now or later?
Honestly, you can make the move now, later, or even after Windows 10 support is no longer around. The choice is yours. Once you understand the risks with staying on the unsupported operating system, the big to-do is actually making the switch. Switching to Windows 11 for free is the move we recommend making, sooner rather than later.
Here’s how you can update:
Complete all prep items
Before you begin updating, check off the items on the prep list to prepare for the move over.
Install Windows 11
To check if Windows 11 is ready for your device, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. You can also visit the Microsoft Windows 11 Download page and update manually or troubleshoot through Microsoft’s website.
Train your employees
All apps that are included in Windows 10 are much improved when making the move to Windows 11, including a better overall experience with music and podcast players, a new video editor app, a refreshed screenshot tool, and focus sessions.
For more assistance on this topic, please reach out to sales@trumbull.tech
Comments