It should come as no surprise that Windows 10 end of support, or as others commonly refer to it as “end of life” is fast approaching.
Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 2025. Your PC will still work after the official end date of October 14, 2025, however, Microsoft will no longer provide product updates that keep your systems working properly and securely. Upon this official end date, Microsoft will stop providing the following services to Windows 10:
- Security updates
- Non-security updates
- Technical support
This means that you’ll be using a computer without security support from its manufacturer, as it relates to its Operating System (OS). This makes you and your business much more vulnerable, even if you have anti-virus installed. So what are your options after this end date? That’s what we’re going to uncover in this article.
Let’s dive in and provide some proactive approaches to combat the official end date for Microsoft’s Windows 10.
Things To Consider After The End Date
The first and most obvious here is that of security. Your computer(s) will be much more vulnerable if you run Windows 10 after the end date. Microsoft support will no longer send updates to your computer via the OS, creating problems as time progresses. The purpose of updates is to fix whatever glitches are present in the OS and to update any legacy features lagging behind the latest technology.
Without those updates, you are a standing target for hackers to come after.
The other obvious thing to consider is that of compatibility with other applications. Developers of other applications know to keep their software up to date regularly. As time progresses, these applications will become incompatible with Windows 10, and eventually stop supporting it.
Embracing a new OS can open doors to updated applications designed for modern efficiency and functionality.Â
Upgrade to Windows 11
This would be the most obvious and easiest to do. The reality is that Microsoft has made upgrading to Windows 11 much easier than they have in years past. One of the biggest improvements that we all benefit from is that the upgrade is entirely free! That was not the case some 10 years ago. You had to cough up a few hundred bucks to get the latest version of Windows.
But times and technology have changed quite a bit since then, and now Microsoft Windows is free to download.
However, there are minimum requirements that your computer needs to meet to have a pleasant user experience with Windows 11. Each computer that installs Windows 11 has to meet the following system requirements:
- 1Ghz or faster CPU/Processor with 2 or more cores.
- 4 GB RAM (Random Access Memory).
- 64 GB or larger HDD (Hard Drive Disk) for storage.
- Internet Connectivity.
- Currently running Windows 10, version 2004 or later.
Beyond hardware specifications, an upgrade to Windows 11 is an investment in user experience with its improved multitasking capabilities and virtual desktops. This means more organized workspaces tailored to how you operate best.
You can learn more about Windows 11 and its features by visiting Microsft’s website.
Upgrading to Windows 11 not only enhances productivity for you and your team but keeps you aligned with current technological standards.
Buy A New PC
Virtually all PCs today come loaded with Windows 11. This is by default unless you specifically ask for a different OS. The thing to consider when upgrading to a new PC is the migration process from your old computer to the new one.
You would need to back up all your files on the old computer and transfer that data onto the new PC. There are several ways to back up your data to migrate it over to a new computer. The simplest option is that of an external HDD, which is pretty inexpensive to get. Another option is to upload your data to the cloud. This allows you the flexibility to get access to your data from any location, you would just need an internet connection to access it.
There are many options to choose from online, as it relates to cloud backup. There’s Google Drive, Dropbox, and Carbonite to name a few. If you’d like more options, you can do a Google search to see which ones would better suit your needs.
Upgrading not only enhances performance and speeds up tasks, but it also ensures you have access to the latest technology, security features, and software capabilities.Â
Consider this as a viable option, because at some point, you will eventually have to make that jump and upgrade your PC to a new one. All computers eventually get too outdated to keep up with technology and also slow down from everyday wear and tear. The average lifespan of PCs is about five years.Â
Do Nothing
Many users unfortunately will find themselves doing nothing and continue using Windows 10 after the end date. This option is the one that’ll leave you the most vulnerable, and not the option I recommend you choose.
As I mentioned above, you’ll be at a security risk if you decide to leave your computer running Windows 10 after the end of the date.
Without ongoing security updates and patches, your systems will become increasingly vulnerable to malware, viruses, and cyberattacks. Many software applications, as mentioned earlier will gradually lose compatibility with Windows 10, leading to functionality issues.
Finally, the lack of support could complicate troubleshooting and technical assistance, leaving users to navigate issues independently, and leading to increased downtime and frustration. No one wants that.
If you’re looking for someone to guide you in making the right decision as it pertains to Windows 10 end-of-life, we can help. Schedule a FREE 10-minute discovery call for a quick conversation to map out the next steps to take.
To schedule, call our office at 571-498-8208 or click here.