Originally released in 2015, Windows 10 is an operating system many of us know. But after ten years, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10, instead focusing their efforts on newer operating systems like Windows 11.
Some organisations may still utilise Windows 10. If you’re in one of them, you may be wondering what end of support means and how you need to move forward.
This blog will answer all your questions.
When does Windows 10 support end?
Support for Windows 10 will officially end on 14th October 2025. At this point, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, patches or technical support for the operating system.
It’s important to note this doesn’t mean they will be a sudden turn off. You’ll still be able to use Windows 10 across your devices as normal. You just won’t have support if an issue arises.
Due to this, it’s important to consider your next moves before support ends.
How does Windows 10 end of support affect me?
While you can still use Windows 10 after 14th October, you won’t receive support, which might not impact you instantly.
However, longer term, you are likely to run into issues. Over time, newer software and applications may not be compatible with Windows 10, leading to potential operational disruptions and making it harder to adopt new solutions.
If you do run into an issue or bug with Windows 10, you won’t be able to get technical support from Microsoft. This might make it harder and slower to fix issues, bringing increased downtime. If you don’t have the skills in house or a contract in place, you’ll need to get third-party assistance which can raise costs.
On top of this, you’ll face security risks. Without regular updates, systems become exposed to new cyber threats, making it easier for hackers to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities.
Businesses in regulated industries may face compliance challenges, as using an unsupported OS might not meet industry standards. Some compliance standards, like Cyber Essentials, mandate the use of supported and up-to-date operation systems and software to protect against cyber threats. So, this could make accreditation harder and lock you out of opportunities.
Finally, when it comes to Microsoft’s bi-annual wave releases, you’ll get nothing. This means you won’t have access to new features or functionality, which prevents your operating system from evolving.
Should I switch to Windows 11 now?
Switching to Windows 11 is a proactive step to ensure your business remains secure, compliant and efficient as Windows 10 approaches its end of support.
By making the switch before 14th October, you can ensure you continue receiving critical security updates and patches, protecting your systems from vulnerabilities. This will help your business meet standards and regulatory requirements, avoiding potential compliance issues.
There are added benefits to switching to Windows 11. It offers modern productivity tools like Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and integrated Microsoft Teams, helping your team work more efficiently. It’s also optimised for faster boot times, improved resource management and seamless integration with the latest hardware, ensuring a smoother user experience.
By upgrading now, your business can take advantage of future updates and innovations, keeping you ahead of the curve. Upgrading early also allows you to plan and execute the transition smoothly, minimising disruptions to your operations.
The pathway to Windows 11
Wondering what moving to Windows 11 entails? Here’s our step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Create an inventory of PC
The very first step of the process is creating a list of every organisational device running Windows 10. You’ll also want to detail information like the age and model of the device, as this may help to check compatibility and performance with Windows 11.
Once you have it, this list will enable you to determine the scope of work required to get everything up to date.
Step 2: Assess system requirements
Next, you need ensure all the devices you’re looking to move from Windows 10 meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. This includes:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally
If devices do not fit these requirements, you may need to do some additional work. Keep reading to find out what your options are.
Step 3: Check licensing
To utilise Windows 11, you’ll need the appropriate licenses in place. Some Microsoft licenses may already include Windows 11, such as Microsoft Business Premium. If you already have a Microsoft license, it is worth checking whether Windows 11 is covered.
If it isn’t, you’ll need to arrange licenses. Fortunately, there are multiple options for your organisation, including per-user or per-device licensing. We can take you through the licensing options available to ensure you have what you need, with a cost-effective approach for your business long-term.
If you’re trying in your switch to Windows 11 with a hardware upgrade, you can also purchase PCs that already have Windows 11 included.
Step 4: Plan and prepare
Once you’ve got an inventory of devices to upgrade and check their eligibility for Windows 11, you’re ready to prep for the process.
First, backup your data, especially important data. You can do this using Windows Backup or other backup solutions.
Then, you’ll want to communicate the change with employees, including the upgrade schedule and any expected downtime. Where possible, we recommend scheduling upgrade work for out-of-office hours so there is minimum disruption.
Step 5: Deploy
Now, it’s time to deploy Windows 11. The exact way you do this will vary case by case:
- If you have a tool like Endpoint Manager (Microsoft Intune) in place, it’s very easy to migrate devices with automated deployment. With the tool, you will need to make a few policy changes and then can enrol Windows 11 across your IT state.
- If you have a third-party tool to manage the process (such as ConnectWise), the process is very similar. You will simply need to configure the right settings in the third-party tool and allow the feature update roll-out, like how you would roll out a patch.
- If you already have Windows 11 in your estate, through newer devices, you likely have tested applications running on Windows 11. This makes it easier to roll out Windows 11 across older devices, and reduces incompatibility issues.
- If you currently only have Windows 10, the process is more complicated as you’ll need to undergo a testing phase before rolling out Windows 11.
If you fall into the final category, or you have any other concerns about rolling out Windows 11, we can support you through the process. We’ll guide you through the testing process to make sure everything works as it should. We can then help you make the switch, including configuring extra security settings and features included within Windows 11.
Step 6: Post-upgrade support
Once the roll out is complete, the work is almost done. It’s still crucial to monitor upgraded PCs for any issues and provide support as needed.
You may also want to offer training sessions to help employees get familiar with Windows 11 features and tools.
What if my PC doesn’t have the right system requirements?
Older PCs may not have the right system requirements to run Windows 11. In some cases, even with the right requirements, they might not be fast enough to run Windows 11 effectively or properly. In these cases, you need to consider whether you’re going to upgrade your hardware.
Of course, this requires budget, depending how many devices are dated. So it’s a conscious decision you have to make: do you want to upgrade your PC now to leverage Windows 11, or run the risk of an older system?
If you decide to upgrade your devices, there will be some more decisions you need to make, such as what device you want and how you’ll procure them. That’s why it’s important to act now, giving yourself time before support ends in October.
In some cases, the organisational devices running Windows 10 may be home devices connected to your core systems. In these instances, you don’t have control over the device. Instead of replacing them, you may be able to employ a virtual PC, running in the cloud and connected to the employee device. This avoids having to roll out Windows 11 locally and speeds up deployment.
TLDR: What you need to do now
To sum it all up: you need to be aware that Windows 10 support will end on 14th October 2025 and decide what you want to do next.
While that may seem like a long time away, acting now can save future headaches. We recommend starting by creating an inventory of assets and whether any of them are on Windows 10.
If they are, check system requirements to ensure Windows 11 is compatible. If they aren’t, it’s time to start thinking about whether you will upgrade the hardware or researching other options to reduce the risk to your business.
At this point, it’s also worth considering what external support you want. An IT provider can guide you through the roll-out process. If you choose not to switch to Windows 11, they may also be able to fill the gap in support and security. But you’ll want to have their service in place before October to minimise risk.
By thinking about your approach now, you can also give yourself plenty of time to plan and avoid the busy period when everyone looks to switch nearer to October.
How can Infinity Group help?
The end of Windows 10 support is coming. Don’t wait until October when you’ll already be at risk – act now to create a robust plan and avoid the last-minute rush.
We’re here to support you throughout the process. We can help you with:
- Obtaining licenses for Windows 11, as part of a cost-effective strategy
- Testing applications to ensure they perform optimally once you switch to Windows 11 and configuration
- Planning and procuring hardware as required, using our relationships across manufacturers
- Weighing up alternative options to allow roll-out, such as virtual PCs
- General IT support if you run into issues with your Windows 10 or 11 devices
