September 01, 2025
Important Notice: Microsoft will cease all support for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. Although your Windows 10 PC will continue to function, Microsoft will stop providing essential services like security updates and technical assistance that keep your system secure and running smoothly.
Why This Matters to Business Owners
- Heightened Security Threats: Without ongoing updates, your computer becomes increasingly susceptible to viruses, malware, and cyberattacks. Protecting your business data means upgrading to a supported Windows version is essential.
- Software Compatibility Challenges: Most software developers optimize their programs for the latest operating systems. After Windows 10's end of life, some applications may malfunction or stop working entirely.
- Risk of Compliance Violations: Businesses handling sensitive data or regulated information risk non-compliance by using outdated systems, potentially leading to fines or legal complications.
Your Upgrade Options
Microsoft recommends upgrading to the latest Windows version before support ends. However, not all Windows 10 devices meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Attempting an incompatible upgrade will result in error messages.
If your PC isn't compatible with Windows 11, consider these alternatives:
- Purchase a new PC that supports Windows 11
- Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for temporary protection
- Switch to a Linux operating system
- Continue with Windows 10 despite risks (not recommended)
Always back up your data before making any changes to prevent loss during upgrades.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10
If upgrading immediately isn't feasible, you can subscribe to Microsoft's Extended Security Updates, which provide critical patches for one year beyond the end-of-life date. Remember, ESU is a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
To access ESU, you can pay a $30 fee or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. Alternatively, there's a free option requiring you to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and files to OneDrive. Keep in mind, OneDrive offers only 5 GB of free storage, so additional space may be necessary for large file backups.
Don't delay—register for ESU before October 14 to ensure coverage.
Seamless Transition Support
Partnering with your IT team or a technology consultant can help you choose the best upgrade path and minimize downtime for your business.
If you want expert guidance through this critical transition, schedule a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call with our team. We'll help you plan your upgrade to Windows 11 efficiently. To book your session, call us at 303-415-2702 or click here.
