The Urgency of Upgrading from Windows 10

Support for the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system is coming to an end, so let's talk about something crucial for your business technology: upgrading as soon as possible. Microsoft has officially set the date: October 14, 2025. After this day, mainstream support for Windows 10 concludes. While that might seem like a comfortable distance away, in terms of IT planning and business operations, it's practically tomorrow. Waiting is not a strategy; planning is.

Why the Urgency?

Think of Windows 10 post-October 2025 like a beautifully maintained classic car. It still looks great, it still drives, but it lacks the modern safety features—stuff like the airbags, the anti-lock brakes, the stability control—that work to protect you. More importantly, the manufacturer has stopped making essential parts, and your trusted mechanic will no longer offer tune-ups or fix new problems that arise specifically due to its age. You can keep driving it, but it’s an obvious risk.

Running Windows 10 after the End-of-Life

Windows 10 will not stop working after October 14th, it will just pick up risk as time goes on. Let’s look at some of the issues that running an unsupported operating system could have on your business:

• No more security updates - Microsoft will stop releasing patches for new vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025. Cybercriminals love unsupported systems; they become easy targets for malware, ransomware, and data breaches. It's like leaving your digital front door wide open.
• Compliance headaches - Many industries mandate the use of supported, patched operating systems. Continuing with Windows 10 could lead to failed audits, hefty fines, and loss of customer trust.
• Software and hardware compatibility issues - As technology marches on, new software applications and hardware peripherals will be designed for Windows 11 and beyond. Older Windows 10 systems may struggle to run new business tools efficiently, or they might not work at all.
• Decreased productivity and performance - Without updates and bug fixes, systems can become sluggish pretty fast and unusually unstable leading to frustrating downtime and lost productivity.

Did You Know?

Speaking of operating system lifecycles, Windows XP, one of Microsoft's most beloved operating systems, launched way back in 2001, and its main support ended in April 2014. That’s a 13-year run! However, because so many systems (especially specialized ones like ATMs) still relied on it, paid Extended Security Updates were available for some users for several years beyond that. It underscores how complex these transitions can be and why proactive planning is vital.

Navigating the Road Ahead

Ignoring the EOL date isn't an option for savvy businesses. Your main paths forward are:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 - For compatible hardware, this is often the most straightforward route, bringing enhanced security and new features.
• Replace hardware - If your current machines can't run Windows 11, the EOL date might be the catalyst for a necessary hardware refresh.
• Extended security updates - Microsoft offers a paid subscription service for critical/important security updates for years past the EOL date. This is a temporary measure, not a long-term solution, and doesn't include feature updates or general support. It buys time but comes at a cost.

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed by This? 

Preferred can help. We specialize in providing proactive business technology support for organizations right here in Chicagoland. We don't just fix problems; we help you anticipate and navigate them, like the Windows 10 EOL.

We can help your business:

• Assess your current environment - We'll inventory your hardware and software to determine Windows 11 compatibility.
• Develop a strategic migration plan - Whether it's upgrading, replacing, or utilizing ESUs temporarily, we’ll create a phased, budget-conscious plan that minimizes disruption.
• Execute the strategy - Our experts handle the technical aspect of the transition, from deployment to data migration.

The time to evaluate your options and create your Windows 10 exit strategy is now. Waiting until 2025 risks encountering hardware shortages, rushed deployments, potential security incidents, and unforeseen costs. For more information about how the IT professionals at Preferred can help you in your efforts to maintain a secure and reliable IT infrastructure, give us a call today at 708-781-7110.