Windows 10 has been a reliable workhorse as part of our collective IT eco-systems since 2015. However, as technology advances it is starting to show its age. So, it is perhaps not surprising that Microsoft recently announced that support for Windows 10 will cease in October 2025. Microsoft will then focus all desktop development and support efforts on its successor, Windows 11.
While you can continue to use Windows 10 after this date it will mean that any new vulnerabilities and issues will not be patched, and this will eventually lead to increased business risks and technological limitations. For customers who still have Window 10 devices, the following information may be useful in your IT decision making processes going forward.
What will happen after the end of support (EOS)?
From 14th October 2025, Microsoft will cease all free support for Windows 10. All security and bug patches will stop being offered as well as technical support. Windows 11 (which was released in October 2021) will become the only supported desktop operating system from this point forward. Based on historical precedent with previous Windows versions, Caduceus believes software manufacturers will follow Microsoft’s lead and remove support for Windows 10 from their applications soon after.
How could remaining on Windows 10 impact your business?
For any devices still using Windows 10, the initial impact to your business will be minimal. While the hardware, Windows, and your applications will continue to run, overtime the risks to your business will increase with;
- Newly discovered vulnerabilities and bugs will go unpatched and will be targeted by cyber criminals and malware as vectors for compromise.
- Cyber Insurance policies may become void through the use of an unsupported and unpatched operating system.
- Updates and installations of new software may stop as 3rd party software manufacturers remove support for Windows 10.
- Upcoming feature and security improvements will only be available on Windows 11 systems. For example: Password-less logons, on-device AI, and improved hardware performance.
Upgrade to Windows 11 – What options are available?
Windows 11 upgrade licenses are generally free, but hardware must meet higher standards than for previous Windows versions. The Microsoft ‘PC Health Check tool’ can quickly assess your device compatibility with Windows 11 (search for ‘Microsoft PC Health Check tool’ in your browser to locate, download and run this tool).
Alternatively, Caduceus can perform an audit of your devices to report on their compatibility with Windows 11.
- For compatible devices, and after a precautionary backup, upgrades can be arranged ‘inline’ to preserve all user data and applications.
- Non-compatible devices can be identified and scheduled for upgrade or replacement.
Your peripherals (e.g. screens, printers, NAS, Wi-Fi) should all be compatible unless they are very old. Caduceus can also check and advise on these at the time of audit.
For those that cannot upgrade, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 for up to 3 years. This program starts at USD $61/device/year, doubling each year, and only provides Windows security patches (no bug fixes, no feature upgrades, no tech support).
Beyond the above options, Windows 11 will be the default on any new, and appropriately specified, hardware.
When is action required?
As this change will impact users worldwide, availability and pricing of devices could easily be impacted in 2025. Microsoft has advised this change will affect approximately 60% of Windows devices worldwide.
To avoid the inevitable last-minute rush to update systems we recommend you start as early as possible by auditing your existing devices. Caduceus can then discuss the results with you and plan your course of action.
Let’s talk today about your IT hardware and proactively plan your strategy to migrate to Windows 11.