Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10
after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after
this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that
keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and
technical support.
Why Is This Important For Business Owners?
- Security
Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more
vulnerable to viruses, malware, and hackers. This could put your business
data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is
crucial.
- Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated
regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10
reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as
smoothly or could stop working altogether.
- Compliance
Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows
strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to
compliance issues. It's important to stay current to avoid potential fines
or legal problems.
What Are Your
Options?
Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version
before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as
not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If
you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet
the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you'll encounter an
error message.
If your device isn't compatible with Windows 11, you have a
few options. You can:
- Buy a new PC that is compatible
- Sign up for Extended Security Updates
(more on that below)
- Switch from the Windows operating
system to Linux
- Ignore the deadline and put your
business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)
Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before
making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that
nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.
Extended Support For Windows 10
If you're not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just
yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft.
However, it's important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent
solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in
October.
To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most
straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft
Reward points, to register. If you don't want to pay, there is a free option - with
a catch. You'll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders
to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may
need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.
Regardless, don't wait to sign up! You need to register for
ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.
Navigating This Transition
The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine
what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech
consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any
downtime for your business.
If you're looking for someone to guide you through this
transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute
Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we'll be able to map out the
next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule,
call us at 877-506-6221 or click here.
