Windows 10 End of Life: What It Means for Your Business

On 14 October 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. That means no more security updates, no patches, and no technical support. While Windows 11 has been available since 2021, many businesses are still running Windows 10, often due to compatibility concerns or simple hesitation around change. But continuing to use unsupported software poses serious risks.

In this blog, we’ll explain why migrating to Windows 11 isn’t just a smart move, it’s essential. We’ll cover what end of support really means, the security and performance risks of sticking with Windows 10, and the benefits of upgrading. With the right planning, the transition to Windows 11 can be smooth, secure, and future-ready.

When Will Windows 10 Support End & Why It Matters

Support for Windows 10 ends on 14 October 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing updates, including critical security patches, bug fixes, and technical support. While your systems may continue to run, they’ll no longer be protected, leaving them exposed to vulnerabilities, cyber threats, and performance issues. Despite these risks, Windows 11 adoption has lagged. As of January 2025, only 36.6% of devices are running Windows 11. In contrast, Windows 10 still powers over 60% of PCs worldwide, even with its end-of-life just months away.

So why the hesitation? For many businesses, the delay comes down to concerns around application compatibility, user training, or the time and resources needed for a full migration. But continuing to use unsupported software puts your organisation at risk, especially in industries where data protection, compliance, and uptime are critical.

Making the switch now gives you time to plan, test, and roll out the upgrade properly, without the pressure of an urgent deadline.

What Are Your Options for Moving to Windows 11?

As the Windows 10 end-of-life approaches, businesses are faced with a key decision: upgrade existing devices or invest in new hardware with Windows 11 pre-installed. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it depends on your current setup, budget, and long-term IT strategy. The switch really comes down to three key factors:

1. Compatibility

Windows 11 has stricter system requirements than Windows 10, including the need for newer processors, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. If your current devices meet these requirements, you can upgrade them directly. If not, forcing the update could lead to performance issues or block the upgrade entirely. In those cases, purchasing new hardware with Windows 11 already installed ensures a smoother, more reliable experience.

2. Cost

Upgrading compatible Windows 10 devices can be a cost-effective option in the short term. However, if your hardware is more than three years old, performance may suffer after the update. Older machines might struggle to fully support Windows 11’s features, which could impact productivity over time. In contrast, investing in new devices offers better performance, longer life cycles, and fewer maintenance issues down the road.

3. Convenience

Buying a new device with Windows 11 pre-installed is the easiest route. It removes the need to back up data, manually install the OS, or troubleshoot potential upgrade issues. Your team can start using the system and its new features right out of the box. On the other hand, upgrading existing machines takes more time and planning, especially in larger environments where consistency and downtime matter.

How to Make the Move to Windows 11 Easy and Stress-Free

Making the switch to Windows 11 doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially if you plan ahead. Here’s how to make the transition as smooth as possible for your team:

1. Check Compatibility: Before diving in, make sure your current devices are ready for Windows 11. This means checking things like your processor, RAM, and storage. If your hardware doesn’t make the cut, now’s the time to start thinking about upgrades.
2. Upgrade in Phases: To keep things running without a hitch, consider rolling out the upgrade in stages. Start with key machines that need it most and gradually work through the rest. This way, your business operations won’t be disrupted.
3. Backup First: Always back up important data before making any changes. It’s better to be safe than sorry in case something goes wrong during the upgrade.
4. Get Your Team Ready: Windows 11 comes with a whole new set of features, so take time to brief your employees on what’s changing. A little prep goes a long way when it comes to keeping productivity up.
5. Enlist IT Help if Needed: If you’re not sure where to start or want to make sure everything’s optimised, don’t hesitate to get IT support involved. They can help guide you through the upgrade and ensure everything runs smoothly.

If your business is still running on devices with Windows 10, now is the time to think about upgrading to Windows 11. If any of your devices are out of warranty or over 3 years old, it may be more cost-effective to invest in new equipment instead.

At Workflo Solutions, we can help you with the upgrade process and provide the hardware you need. Reach out to us today and we’ll be happy to assist you in making the transition seamless.