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Ready for Windows 10 End-of-Life? Key Steps IT Leaders Must Take

The clock is ticking for Windows 10. After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates, software patches, and technical support. That means every unpatched device in your organisation becomes a potential entry point for cyber threats. For IT leaders, the choice is clear: act now to secure your systems or risk exposing your business to costly disruptions and security breaches.

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With Windows 10’s Support Ending Soon, It’s Time for IT Leaders to Act

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. This means no more security updates, technical assistance, or software patches will be provided. For IT leaders, this milestone necessitates immediate action to safeguard organisational security and operational continuity; even a single unpatched computer could jeopardise the entire corporate network if an attacker exploits new vulnerabilities.

Implications of Windows 10 End-of-Life

While Windows 10 won’t stop working overnight, running an unsupported operating system comes with major risks:

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Security Risks: Once Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, Microsoft will no longer release security updates or patches. This means that any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, making your systems an easy target for cybercriminals. Hackers often exploit outdated software to deploy ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks, putting sensitive business data at risk. Without regular security updates, businesses could also struggle to maintain regulatory compliance, potentially facing fines and legal consequences for failing to meet industry standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, or PCI-DSS.

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Compatibility Problems: As software vendors and hardware manufacturers shift their focus to Windows 11, compatibility with Windows 10 will gradually decline. Businesses may experience issues with newer applications, cloud services, and security tools that are no longer optimised for Windows 10. Over time, this can lead to performance bottlenecks, increased system crashes, and reduced efficiency, ultimately slowing down operations. Hardware components such as printers, scanners, and POS systems may also stop receiving driver updates, further impacting business-critical processes.

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Lack of Support: Without official support from Microsoft, businesses will no longer receive bug fixes, troubleshooting assistance, or technical guidance. If a system failure occurs, IT teams will be left to find their own solutions, which can be time-consuming and complex. The lack of direct vendor support also means that resolving critical errors—such as network failures, software crashes, or security breaches—will become more challenging, leading to increased downtime, productivity loss, and frustrated employees.

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Increased IT Costs: Operating on an unsupported OS often means businesses must invest in costly workarounds to keep their systems running. This may include purchasing extended security updates (if available), hiring third-party IT consultants, or deploying additional security tools to mitigate risks. Additionally, as compatibility issues grow, businesses may need to replace outdated hardware sooner than expected. While sticking with Windows 10 might seem like a short-term cost-saving measure, in the long run, it can lead to higher maintenance costs, increased security risks, and operational inefficiencies.

 

Key Steps for a Seamless Transition to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about staying current—it’s about protecting your business from security risks, compatibility issues, and performance slowdowns. Here are five key steps IT leaders should consider as they plan their transition:

  1. Assessing Current Systems – Before making the move to Windows 11, conduct a full audit of your IT infrastructure. Identify which devices meet the system requirements and which will need upgrades or replacements. Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool to help with this assessment. If your devices are compatible, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, saving costs while future-proofing your IT environment.
  2. Planning the Migration Strategy – A well-structured migration plan is essential to minimise downtime and disruptions. Consider factors such as timelines, priority departments, and backup procedures. Will you roll out the upgrade in phases, starting with a small test group? Or will you go for a full-scale deployment? Having a clear roadmap will ensure a smoother transition.
  3. Checking Software Compatibility – Not all applications that run on Windows 10 will automatically be compatible with Windows 11. Before upgrading, test all business-critical software to ensure they function properly. This includes checking compatibility for legacy applications, security software, and third-party integrations. Running a pilot test with a small group of users can help identify and resolve any issues early on.
  4. Executing Deployment & Installation – Once you’ve confirmed system and software compatibility, it’s time to implement the upgrade. Whether you opt for a phased rollout—starting with less critical teams first—or a company-wide upgrade, careful execution is key. Ensure data is backed up, users are informed, and IT teams are prepared to troubleshoot any issues that arise during installation.
  5. Ongoing Support & Optimisation – The migration doesn’t end once Windows 11 is installed. Continuous monitoring is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly post-upgrade. Provide user training, address any performance issues, and optimise system settings to maximise efficiency. Regular updates and security patches should also be managed to keep your IT environment secure and up to date.

    The Role of Wanstor in Your Transition

    At Wanstor, we specialise in guiding businesses through critical IT transitions. Our team offers comprehensive support, from initial assessments to full implementation of Windows 11, ensuring a seamless and secure migration. Partnering with us means minimising risks and maximising efficiency as you navigate this essential upgrade.

    Proactively addressing the Windows 10 end-of-life is not just a technical necessity but a strategic move to safeguard your organisation’s future. By taking these steps now, IT leaders can ensure their systems remain secure, compliant, and primed for the advancements that Windows 11 offers. Reach out today to Wanstor today to learn more.