Preparing for Windows 10’s End of Life

by David / Tuesday, 08 July 2025 / Published in Managed IT

The End of Windows 10: What Does it Mean?

The end of support for Windows 10 is coming in October later this year. This means that Microsoft will discontinue supporting Windows 10, including the end of security updates, issue fixes, and technical support. If you do not upgrade, you will be at risk of cyber threats, degradation of performance, downtime, and lost productivity. Now is the time to plan your upgrade to Windows 11.

According to a recent article in Windows Report, Windows 11 experienced its most significant market share increase in three years just last month, in March 2025, climbing to 42.66%. Windows 10 saw a substantial decline, dropping to 54.23%. This shift reflects a growing wave of migration as users transition to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Still millions of Windows 10 machines remain.

When Windows 7 reached its end of life on January 14, 2020, millions of users did not upgrade their machines, leaving them at risk according to TechRadar.com. And ZDNet.com estimated over 100 million PCs running Windows 7 even after the end-of-support deadline. Industries such as hospitality often rely on legacy machines and end up paying additional expensive support fees to Microsoft after the end of life. These machines were at significant risk since they were no longer receiving security updates, patches, or technical support from Microsoft. If you still have a Windows 10 machine, you should upgrade it now.

Why Upgrade to Windows 11 Now:

Improved Security: Windows 11 has improved security features such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to protect you from cyber threats.
Better Performance: Faster load times, improved memory management, and better multitasking tools increase your productivity.
Compliance: Staying compliant is critical. Upgrading helps keep your security and privacy meeting regulatory requirements.
Enhance Your IT Infrastructure: Windows 11 is designed for the future, integrating cloud services and supporting new software innovations.

How to Build Your Plan:

Are Your Machines Ready: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to check that your devices meet the stricter Windows 11 requirements.
Develop a Plan: Build a documented upgrade plan, including phased rollouts to avoid staff downtime.
Test in Advance: Run a test upgrade on a few devices to prepare for a smoother upgrade.
Train Your Workforce: Help employees prepare for Windows 11 with training in advance.
Seek Experienced IT Support: Engage with IT professionals for better upgrade experience. We have already performed dozens of upgrades and are ready to help you succeed with yours.

Act Now!

Delaying the upgrade could lead to productivity disruptions, security risks, and higher prices. The increase in US tariffs is raising hardware and software prices by as much as 20 – 40 % by this summer, according to Tom’s Hardware. Schedule a free assessment today to evaluate your upgrade readiness.