On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will officially reach its end of support. This means that millions of users around the world will have to make a decision: upgrade to Windows 11, or continue without support. What does this end of support mean, and how should your business prepare?

What Actually Happens On the End of Support Date

Once we reach the end of support date, you can expect the following:

• No more free security updates: You won’t be protected against new and emerging vulnerabilities discovered in Windows 10. They’ll go unpatched, leaving you susceptible, even more so over time.
• No more non-security updates: Your systems will grow less reliable and get slower, as you’ll no longer be receiving bug fixes, performance improvements, and general stability updates.
• No more technical assistance: Microsoft will no longer offer technical support for Windows 10 issues.

Your Computer Should Still Work

Despite the operational challenges, Windows 10 should still work, albeit in the form of an unsupported operating system. These operating systems are dangerous to use, especially when connected to the Internet. Here are some of the risks that you’ll have to manage:

• Security vulnerabilities that target unpatched weaknesses
• Software incompatibility as Windows 10 slowly phases out of developers’ purview
• Performance degradation as bug fixes and other optimizations are phased out
• Compliance issues for businesses that handle sensitive data (which is most of them)

Your Options

That’s not to say you don’t have options, though; here are some of the paths forward you can take:

• Upgrade to Windows 11: This is the recommended option, and it’s easy enough if your hardware meets the specs required. Windows 11 offers enhanced security, a new user interface, new features like Copilot, and continued support for the coming years.
• Check to see if you can upgrade: Click on Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update. Microsoft also offers a PC Health Check App to assess your system. We can also help evaluate all of the devices on your network to make sure they are ready to go.
• Purchase a new PC: If your older device can’t handle Windows 11, you can purchase a new computer that is compatible with it. Modern PCs will come pre-installed with Windows 11.
• Extended Security Updates Program: Microsoft is offering its ESU program for individual customers, even if you’re not running a business. It provides security updates for three years, although it’s not a viable long-term solution, as it doesn’t include new features or bug fixes.
• Continue using Windows 10: This one isn’t really an option—not if you want to protect your devices, anyway. You’ll be at risk if you choose this path, and you’ll need to be careful about pretty much everything you’re doing on this device. Many applications might stop working altogether, including Microsoft’s Office applications, so we don’t recommend this path.

Start Planning Today

There isn’t much time left, so make sure you do what you can to be ready for this end-of-support date. We recommend upgrading away from Windows 10, but if you need help formulating a plan, you can count on First Column IT to help. Learn more by calling us today at (571) 470-5594.

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