Windows 10 End of Life: What You Must Do Before October 2025

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1. Why It’s Time to Let Go of Windows 10
2. What Windows 11 Brings to the Table
3. Can Your Devices Handle Windows 11?
4. Your Upgrade Options, Explained
5. When Hardware Holds You Back
6. Don’t Forget About Training
7. How the Right IT Support Makes a Difference
8. The Time to Plan Is Now  

Why It’s Time to Let Go of Windows 10  

Windows 10 has served organizations well for nearly a decade, but its lifecycle is coming to a close, and as of October 14, Microsoft will officially stop supporting the operating system. That means no more security patches, no more bug fixes, and no more technical support—leaving any remaining systems increasingly vulnerable with each passing day.  

Staying on an unsupported operating system poses significant risks:  

• Cybersecurity threats will become more frequent and more difficult to defend against.  

• Software and hardware compatibility issues will start to emerge as vendors move on from Windows 10.  

• Compliance requirements—especially in regulated industries—may be harder to meet without an actively supported OS.   

Upgrading early gives your organization time to assess systems, plan upgrades, test compatibility, and train users—without the pressure of a looming deadline. More importantly, it positions your business to move forward with a stronger, more secure technology foundation.

What Windows 11 Brings to the Table  

Upgrading isn’t just about avoiding risk—it’s a chance to move your organization into the future. Designed for modern work environments, Windows 11 offers a more secure, intuitive, and efficient experience across the board.

It also unlocks full compatibility with the Microsoft 365 platform, delivering a seamless connection to collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive, improved security across Microsoft apps, and access to powerful AI tools like Microsoft Copilot for smarter, faster workflows.

These are some of the most valuable updates you’ll find in Windows 11. 

A modernized user interface:
Windows 11 introduces a centered Start Menu and taskbar, rounded corners, and refined iconography. These changes aren't just cosmetic—they make navigation simpler and workflows more focused.

Smarter multitasking features:
Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Virtual Desktops help users organize their workspace more effectively, making it easier to manage multiple projects at once.

Stronger security by design:
Features like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, BitLocker encryption, and Windows Hello biometric authentication create a more proactive, hardware-based security model to defend against modern threats.

Performance improvements under the hood:
Better memory and resource management deliver faster performance and improved battery life, even on compatible older hardware.

Whether your goal is to modernize your workforce or strengthen your cybersecurity posture, Windows 11—and its deep integration with Microsoft 365—is a foundation for future success.

RELATED READING: Microsoft 365: The Latest Updates That Will Change How You Work 

Can Your Devices Handle Windows 11?  

Before planning your upgrade, it’s essential to assess whether your current hardware meets the new requirements. Windows 11 introduces stricter standards, especially around security.

Key system requirements include:

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0:

Compatible processors:

Minimum memory and storage:

Even if a device performs well today, older hardware without TPM 2.0 or unsupported processors won’t be eligible. Attempting to bypass these requirements weakens system security—and is strongly discouraged.

The best way to assess readiness is through a compatibility assessment. Your IT team can scan devices and generate a detailed report to guide upgrade decisions.

While Windows has announced an extended security update (ESU) program, we recommend upgrading hardware as soon as possible, as this will only last for one year and will cost $30 per device with no technical support or feature updates.

Your Upgrade Options, Explained  

Once you know which devices meet Windows 11 requirements, you have two main upgrade paths:

Option 1: In-Place Upgrade

For compatible devices, an in-place upgrade installs Windows 11 over your existing Windows 10 environment, preserving:

• Files and folders
• Applications
• User settings

Option 2: Clean Installation

For older systems or when a fresh start is preferred, a clean install wipes the device completely and installs Windows 11 from scratch. This approach requires reinstalling applications and restoring files, but can lead to better long-term performance by eliminating legacy issues.

Regardless of the path you choose, an experienced IT team can ensure your upgrade is safe, efficient, and aligned with your business needs.

When Hardware Holds You Back  

Not every device will be eligible for an upgrade. Windows 11 demands modern hardware to fully deliver its security and performance improvements. If your systems fall short, replacing them is often the smarter investment.

Common reasons for replacement include:

• Missing TPM 2.0 chip
  
• Unsupported processors
  
• Limited memory or storage
  

Upgrading hardware isn’t just about compliance—it’s about modernization. New devices are optimized for Windows 11, extend battery life, improve system responsiveness, and create a stronger foundation for AI tools like Microsoft Copilot.

When upgrading hardware, data migration is critical. Solutions like OneDrive and professional migration services can ensure a seamless transition without data loss.

Starting early gives you time to budget wisely, prioritize upgrades, and avoid last-minute disruptions as the Windows 10 deadline approaches.

Don’t Forget About Training  

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about technology—it’s about preparing your people.

Even small changes to layout, navigation, and workflows can cause frustration if users aren’t ready. Windows 11 introduces new experiences, and Microsoft 365 continues to evolve with new features, integrations, and AI-driven capabilities.

To support your users:

• Share training resources early: Quick guides, tutorials, and videos.
  
  
• Leverage on-demand learning: Platforms like Training-as-a-Service offer flexible learning at users' own pace.
  
  
• Tailor training by role: Different teams need different tools—customize training to match.

Investing in user training ensures faster adoption, greater productivity, and fewer disruptions once Windows 11 is in place.

How the Right IT Support Makes a Difference

Upgrading an operating system across dozens or hundreds of devices is a complex project. Hardware assessments, compatibility checks, user training, and data migration all need to be managed carefully to minimize risk.

Strong IT support ensures a smooth transition by:

• Running full compatibility assessments: Identifying which devices are upgrade-ready.
  
  
• Developing strategic rollout plans: Prioritizing upgrades based on needs and timelines.
  
  
• Managing secure backups and migrations: Protecting your critical data throughout the process.
  
  
• Supporting users during the transition: Keeping employees productive and confident with responsive helpdesk support.
  
  
• Maintaining licensing and compliance: Verifying systems meet Microsoft requirements and regulatory standards.

A well-supported migration helps you move forward confidently, reducing downtime and ensuring your team is ready to take full advantage of Windows 11 and Microsoft 365.

The Time to Plan Is Now  

The end of support for Windows 10 is more than just a technical change—it’s a critical step in keeping your systems secure, efficient, and ready for the future.

Whether you’re upgrading a handful of devices or an entire organization, starting early makes a difference. A phased, well-planned approach gives you the time to assess hardware, prepare your users, and avoid costly last-minute disruptions.

Windows 11 offers more than a new look. It delivers stronger security, better performance, and new tools designed for modern work.

The sooner you begin, the smoother your transition will be. Assess your readiness, map out your next steps, and position your business to thrive well beyond the 2025 deadline.

If you need help planning or executing your Windows 11 upgrade, reach out to our team for expert guidance and support.