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How Do I Manage the Windows 10 End-of-Life at My Company?

Windows 10 support ends Oct. 14, 2025. Discover what this means for your business, how to transition to Windows 11, and why planning now is crucial.

How Do I Manage the Windows 10 End-of-Life at My Company?


Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If your organization’s devices still run this operating system, you’ll miss out on new AI-powered Windows 11 features and expose yourself to serious security risks once patches stop. To avoid chaos and unexpected costs, it’s time to plan your transition now.

The Urgent Rundown

Here’s what you need to know as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life:

  • Hardware Upgrades May Be Necessary: Many older PCs and devices lack the computing power to run Windows 11, potentially leaving an estimated 240 million PCs obsolete.
  • Choose the Right Windows 11 Version: Consider Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or even Microsoft 365 Cloud solutions for different user needs.
  • Plan for Deployment: Involve IT for device onboarding, inventory management, and training distribution across HR and Communications.
  • Update Policies & Procedures: Ensure written IT plans align with new OS requirements.

Each step is critical for keeping your operations secure and ready for future innovations.


Time’s Up to Prepare for the Windows 10 End of Life

When Windows 11 debuted on October 5, 2021, it represented a major leap forward, complete with enhanced security and a sleek interface. That leap, however, demanded more robust hardware, prompting many companies with older devices to postpone the upgrade. Now that Microsoft has officially announced the Windows 10 end-of-support date of October 14, 2025, continuing to delay is no longer viable.

Why does this matter? Once support ends, Windows 10 won’t receive security patches or bug fixes. If your company’s still on Windows 10, you’ll not only lose access to advanced features (like AI-driven Copilot), but you’ll also face higher risks of cyberattacks due to unpatched vulnerabilities. Experts estimate 240 million PCs could be rendered obsolete by this transition, making it a major line item for IT budgets worldwide.


Timeline and Impacts of the Windows 11 Transition

End of Support Date: October 14, 2025

  • No More Security Updates or Tech Support: Windows 10 devices will become prime targets for cybercriminals, with no patches to fix known flaws.
  • Vulnerability to Attacks: An unsupported OS signals unpatched, well-documented exploits—making your systems easy pickings.
  • Missed Innovations: From Microsoft’s AI features to advanced collaboration tools, you’ll be stuck in a legacy environment.

What Kind of Hardware Can Run Windows 11?

Windows 11 demands higher processing power, storage, and built-in security (like TPM 2.0). Commonly incompatible devices include older Intel Core i5/i7 CPUs and older AMD Ryzen or FX processors. If you’re unsure whether your hardware meets the mark, running Microsoft’s PC Health Check is a quick first step.

Basic Requirements:

  • A 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2+ cores
  • 4 GB or more of RAM
  • 64 GB or larger storage device
  • UEFI firmware and Secure Boot capability
  • TPM 2.0 chip

In some cases, older machines may be upgraded to meet these specs. Otherwise, new device purchases could be in order—an important consideration for your budget.


What Benefits Will Windows 11 Bring My Company?

The transition may feel daunting, but there’s a silver lining. Windows 11 is designed to keep organizations secure, flexible, and future-ready:

  • Enhanced Security: Hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection—plus deeper integration with Microsoft Defender.
  • Productivity Features: A more intuitive UI, virtual desktops, improved Teams integration, Snap Layouts, and Snap Groups.
  • Better Performance: Faster boot times, improved battery life, and smoother multitasking.

In essence, Windows 11 aims to streamline operations and keep you on the cutting edge of modern tech. If you opt out, you’ll miss upcoming AI-driven developments as well as critical security enhancements.


What Are My Alternatives to Installing Windows 11?

If you truly can’t jump to Windows 11 right away, there are two main fallback options.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10

Microsoft offers critical security patches for up to three years post-EOL—at a price. This is a stopgap, not a long-term solution. ESUs only provide security fixes, not new features, and each year the cost increases. Additionally, Microsoft does not offer tech support for ESU-enrolled devices, leaving you on your own for any functionality issues.

Windows 365 (Cloud PC)

This cloud-based service streams the Windows experience to any compatible device, offering the latest updates, consistent security, and easy scalability. It’s a good option if you need to keep your existing hardware while gradually upgrading to a full Windows 11 environment.


How Much Will a Windows 11 Upgrade Cost My Company?

While Windows 10 and Windows 11 licenses cost roughly the same, certain factors can balloon your expenses:

  • Hardware Replacement: Devices that can’t meet Windows 11 specs must be replaced.
  • Peripherals & Accessories: Monitors, docking stations, keyboards, or connectors may all need updating.
  • Temporary ESU Costs: If you opt for Extended Security Updates instead, you’ll face recurring fees.
  • IT Assessments & Deployment: Internal or external consultants might be needed to plan, implement, or train users.

Over the long haul, Windows 11’s improved security and efficiency can offset upfront costs, but you should budget carefully for the transition phase.


Your Options for Upgraded Windows Licenses

Depending on your organization’s size, compliance requirements, and workflow needs, you can consider:

  • Windows 11 Pro: Suitable for small businesses needing core security and management features.
  • Windows 11 Enterprise: Adds advanced security, management, and device control features for larger organizations.
  • Windows 365 (Cloud PC): Streams your Windows workspace from the cloud, offering convenience and consistent updates.

Mixing and matching licenses—where some teams use Enterprise while others leverage M365—may be the most cost-effective approach.


What Steps Do I Need to Take to Manage a Windows Upgrade?

Moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 (or Windows 365) can be broken into logical steps:

  1. Conduct a Thorough Assessment: Inventory your devices and apps, then identify incompatibilities. Partner with your Managed IT provider or internal IT staff for a deeper dive if needed.
  2. Develop a Detailed Timeline: Outline procurement, installation, testing, and full deployment milestones. Decide which resources (internal or external) will handle each phase.
  3. Create a Budget: Factor in hardware, software licenses, IT support, and training costs.
  4. Implement Pilot Testing: Test Windows 11 on a small group of devices before scaling up. Identify issues early and adjust.
  5. Deploy in Phases: Transition non-critical systems first, ensuring stability before moving to more critical departments.
  6. Train Employees: Provide communication materials, tutorials, or workshops. Coordinate with HR to ensure wide-reaching adoption.

By following these steps, you’ll minimize disruption, reduce risk, and ensure users can quickly adapt to new features.


We’ll Help You Plan Your Windows 10 Transition

Unsure about the best upgrade path or dealing with conflicting priorities? Business IT Service Corp. offers end-to-end services—from hardware assessments to user training—to help your team confidently embrace Windows 11.

Ready to start mapping your plan? Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through hardware compatibility, licensing decisions, cybersecurity enhancements, and phased rollouts, so you can upgrade on time and on budget.


Final Thoughts

Windows 10’s end-of-life is more than just a technical milestone—it’s a turning point that affects security, compliance, and future innovation. While the transition may feel daunting, proactive planning and a solid partnership with an IT services provider can smooth the process considerably. The advantages of Windows 11—enhanced security, AI-infused features, and improved performance—make it well worth the effort. Don’t wait until the last minute; set your strategy now to avoid operational risks and capitalize on the next era of Windows.

author avatar
Marvin Jimenez

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