Have you checked if your IT environment is ready for the big change coming this October?
Microsoft have announced the end of support for Windows 10 this October, meaning they will no longer provide updates, security patching or technical assistance with the operating system.
In this article, we’ll explain what the end of support means for Windows 10, why it’s a critical issue for both home and business users, and provide practical, step-by-step advice on upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring other options.
Mark your calendar: support officially ends 14th October 2025. This marks the end of an era for a popular operating system (OS) that many have relied on over the past decade.
When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, it means that your device will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes or technical assistance from Microsoft. Whilst the operating system will continue to run, at least in the beginning, any new vulnerabilities discovered won’t be addressed.
This is a massive opportunity for bad actors to exploit those individuals and businesses who lag behind with upgrading their systems – we recommend you upgrade your OS sooner rather than later.
This can be a huge undertaking for businesses who are still using Windows 10. Whilst this should be a straightforward process, it’s crucial that you give yourself ample time to prepare. Having a capable IT provider to assist you will ensure the process is smooth.
First and foremost, without regular security updates, your system becomes an easy target for cyber criminals. Imagine your computer as a castle with a crumbling wall – any breach could put your personal or business data at risk. Microsoft have been continuously repairing and fortifying this wall, but come October, they will cease to do so. It’s time to install a new and improved wall!
Many industries are subject to strict compliance standards imposed from multiple directions, whether it’s your insurance company, your suppliers or your clients. Running an unsupported OS might not only jeopardise security but could also lead to compliance violations, hefty fines or loss of business.
Using an outdated OS means you can suffer from unplanned downtime, compatibility issues with new applications and an overall dip in productivity. Whilst we, as your IT supplier, endeavour to provide the best support we can to your business as a whole and all of your users, if you are still using Windows 10 come 14th October then there is a limit to what we can achieve. Now is the best time to plan your upgrade, and we’re here to help you with this process.
Before making any major changes, create comprehensive backups of your critical files. You should have a cloud storage solution to keep your files safe and secure at all times, but ensuring you have a solution up and running before a change like upgrading your OS is critical.
Whilst a capable IT provider will do this for you, if you are a personal user or you have any uncertainties about your hardware, a quick scan with a tool like Microsoft’s PC Health Check will reveal if your current system can make the leap to Windows 11 – if not, it’s time to upgrade your hardware too.
Create a timeline that outlines each step of your upgrade – from backup and hardware evaluation to the actual OS upgrade itself. This plan should include a budget and contingency measures, such as having a trusted IT partner if you don’t have one already. At The Final Step, we work with you to map out the transition and put your mind at ease, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily operations.
Windows 11 is all about security. Features like secure boot, TPM 2.0 requirements and integrated AI tools help protect against modern cyber threats. Generally users are also experiencing smooth performance, especially with new productivity features that make multitasking more intuitive.
By upgrading, you’re not only safeguarding your system against vulnerabilities but also ensuring current and future compatibility with the latest software and hardware.
With Windows 11, you’ll have access to virtual desktops, easier snap layouts for your multiple windows, and the new Copilot assistant. All of the new features combined can boost your productivity once you’ve had a chance to play around with them.
At The Final Step, our IT engineers and consultants are experts in smooth OS transitions, including procurement of any necessary licences and IT audits to ensure you’re ready for the update. We also value long-term partnership, so we don’t just plan for the now, but we look ahead to your future – this includes looking at strategy and planning as well as lifecycle management, so you’re always planning and budgeting ahead for unexpected situations like this.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experts review your current setup. We’ll help you decide the right course of action for your business.
The upcoming end of Windows 10 support serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to assess their IT infrastructure. Beyond the security risks and compatibility concerns, this transition is an opportunity to evaluate the overall health and efficiency of your systems.
If it’s been a long time since you upgraded your systems or you don’t have a reliable IT supplier, we recommend you conduct a mini-audit before trying to upgrade from Windows 10. This can provide valuable insights into:
By auditing your environment and understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about upgrading or replacing systems, ensuring a smooth transition and securing your operations against potential disruptions.
At The Final Step, we specialise in conducting thorough IT audits to simplify this process for you. Our team will handle the complexities, providing clear recommendations tailored to your organisation’s unique needs.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you navigate the end of support for Windows 10.