If you haven’t started planning for Windows 10 end of support, now is the time to get things in order.
The deadline for Windows 10 end of support is Oct. 14, 2025 and while that seems far away, the planning process isn’t something you want to skimp on – or be butting up against that deadline next year and unprepared for what happens next.
At AccuNet, we don’t want our clients scrambling close to deadline, when new hardware might be more challenging to source, as everyone else who waited until the last minute are in the same boat, looking to replace old equipment with new.
Additionally, continuing to run Windows 10 after the end of support is a significant security risk, as Microsoft won’t be releasing any new security patches or updates to resolve vulnerabilities – meaning hackers and bad actors will be pulling out all the stops to access vulnerabilities.
So, what are your options for Windows 10 end of support? Here are a few things to consider.
- Ignore it. As IT security experts, we do not recommend this. It’s never a good idea to expose your business to hackers and bad actors.
- Buy new PCs. Again, not everyone has the capital to replace every PC – even if it would solve the issue. This is also complicated by the fact that you might have software or programming critical to your business that runs on Windows 10 currently.
- Stop using Windows and find a new operating system. This is a valid option but it isn’t easy. Switching to a different OS like Linux is complex and you will likely need expert support and technical savvy. For most businesses, it isn’t a reasonable – or realistic – option.
- Pay for upgrades, either to your software or hardware. This is really the only option for most businesses. Microsoft has announced they will provide security updates for Windows 10 – at a cost – for up to three years. How much will they cost? It depends, especially for businesses. It could cost hundreds or even thousands a year. Upgrading to Windows 11 is also an option provided you meet system requirements. At the end of the day, there are various criteria to determine if a Windows 10 computer is eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade. At AccuNet we recommend contacting us for help in determining if your devices are eligible and if any replacements are necessary.
AccuNet Inc.
If you want to talk about the options on Windows 10 end of support for your organization, we can help. Contact us today!