Time to Upgrade – Windows 10 End of Life in 2025 (Upgrade to Windows 11)

In case you weren’t already aware, Microsoft has officially given Windows 10 an end-of-life date, with some experts initially saying most users shouldn’t worry about it affecting them.

No panic? These so-called experts were wrong!

There are things we should have been knowing all along and what it means for our devices. With operating systems such as Windows 7 now in Microsoft's graveyard, the same will eventually be said for Windows 10 as Microsoft slowly moves its billion-plus users to Windows 11.

Launched in the Autumn of 2021, Windows 11 offers users a number of new features and functionalities, as well as significant cosmetic changes compared to its predecessor. Immediately apparent is the new design language, with a pared-back, Mac-like appearance to the new operating system’s menus. The new OS also places Microsoft Teams at the centre of the experience with access via the taskbar, and users now enjoy an improved app-store, enhanced security, the reintroduction of widgets, android app integrations and more.

However, despite Windows 11 having been around for almost 2 years now, many businesses are yet to make the switch.  This begs the question: what happens to PCs still running Windows 10 in 2025? Let’s consider what the Windows 10 support deadline means for your business.

Windows 10 Support is Ending in 2025.  What Does This Mean?

Just like in the case of Windows 7 back in 2020, Microsoft will completely pull active support for Windows 10 in 2025. There will still be access to software, but there won’t be any further updates – particularly regarding security. There also won’t be any new features added to the software. Instead, Microsoft is shifting its focus to Windows 11.

Without the ongoing release of security updates, Windows 10 will become a risky operating system to use from a cyber security standpoint, with security vulnerabilities left untreated for bad actors to expoit. Plus, with no new features being rolled out you could find yourself using an OS that lacks the collaboration and productivity capabilities your competitors are enjoying with Windows 11.

Still Unsure if You Should Switch to Windows 11?

In addition to heightened security risks, running an older, unsupported operating system can come with several other performance and operational penalties.

Continuing with Windows 10 could affect your ability to upgrade other software due to compatibility issues, leaving your team stuck with outdated software that fall behind modern standards.

You might also experience slow system performance, as you won’t benefit from ongoing performance updates. This could result in a sluggish, unstable, crash-prone user experience that has an adverse effect on your team’s productivity.

When will Windows 11 support end?

Since Windows 11 is still so new, we likely won’t have an answer for years to come. When support ends, Microsoft 10 will have been around for a decade, so Windows 11 support could have a similar timeline.

For more information about Windows 11, contact us now to find out how to download the new operating system and how to check if your devices are compatible.

What happens to all the Windows 10 devices that are incompatible with Windows 11 in 2025?

Customers with Windows 10 devices may upgrade to Windows 11 for free. However, not all Windows 10 devices can be upgraded as Microsoft changed the requirements.

Installing Windows 11 on an incompatible device could open a can of worms, as some features may not work properly, if at all. Also, there is a chance that future updates delivered over Windows Update won’t be possible on devices that don’t meet the system requirements.

As we’ve already mentioned, the main issue is that Microsoft won’t create security updates for the operating system anymore. Windows 10 devices will continue to work like before, but security vulnerabilities lurking behind the scenes will go unchecked and unaddressed. Other companies may step in to produce some security updates but these may not be released free of charge.

Still running on Windows 10? Get in touch with us now by giving us a call on 01753 540000 for an IT infrastructure to build your business.