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An End of an Era: It's Time to Say Farewell to Windows 10

01/07/2024

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Since its release in 2015, Windows 10 has been a significant milestone in Microsoft’s operating systems, representing a shift to a more modern, versatile, and user-friendly experience. Sadly, all good things must come to an end and after a decade of service, Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on the 14^th of October 2025. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the end of Windows 10 means for your organisation and why you should be thinking about preparing for the future.

What Does End-of-Life Mean?

We need to be clear about what 'end-of-life' (EOL) means in the context of operating systems like Windows 10. When Microsoft declares the EOL for a product, it signifies the end of support, including security updates and bug fixes for technical issues. The product or system will still be functional, but it will become more vulnerable to security threats as time goes on.

Did You Know?


60% of breaches suffered by organisations were because of unpatched vulnerabilities¹	Almost half of organisations confirmed they are running some form of outdated technology²	Using legacy systems holds back 90% of businesses³

The Implications of Operating Windows 10 Beyond its End-of-Life

The EOL of an operating system (OS) has significant implications for users and organisations, having far-reaching and serious consequences. Here are some of the key concerns your organisation should have:

> Security Concerns

The most critical implication of an OS reaching its EOL is an increase in vulnerability to cybersecurity risks. Once an OS reaches EOL, the manufacturer no longer releases security patches or updates to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. This leaves systems running on an outdated OS susceptible to cyberattacks and other security breaches. Hackers often target systems that are running unsupported OS versions because they know they can exploit known vulnerabilities that are unlikely to be patched.

> Compliance Concerns

Many compliance regulations require organisations to maintain systems that are up-to-date and secure. Using an OS that has reached its EOL may violate your industry’s compliance standards, leading to potential fines, legal issues, or loss of official certifications. Compliance regulations such as GDPR and HIPPA often mandate that organisations need to keep their systems secure and up-to-date to protect their sensitive data.

> Lack of Support and Assistance

Once an OS reaches EOL, the manufacturer normally discontinues all technical support and assistance. This means users and organisations can no longer receive help or guidance from a support team if an issue should arise with the OS. Without access to official support, users may struggle to resolve technical issues on their own, leading to a decrease in productivity.

> Compatibility Challenges

As technology continues to evolve, software developers and hardware manufacturers may stop supporting older operating systems. This can lead to compatibility issues, where certain software applications, drivers, or peripherals may not work correctly or at all on systems running an outdated OS. Incompatibility issues can hinder productivity, limit functionality, and necessitate costly upgrades or workarounds.

> Performance Degradation

Over time, an outdated OS may experience performance degradation due to the lack of optimisation, compatibility issues with newer software and hardware, and the absence of performance-enhancing updates. This can result in slower system performance, increased system crashes, or instability.

> Increase Total Cost of Ownership

While not updating your OS may seem like a cost-saving measure in the short term, it can lead to a high total cost of ownership in the long run. The costs associated with security breaches, compliance violations, lost productivity, and compatibility challenges can far outweigh the costs of upgrading to a newer OS.

Upgrade your Windows 10 Operating System. Contact us today >>

Exploring Your Choices When Windows 10 Reaches End-of-Life

The end of Windows 10 may seem daunting, but it offers the opportunity for your organisation to embrace change and prepare for a productive future. It’s essential to plan ahead, budget for upgrades, and prioritise security to mitigate any risks, ensuring continued productivity, compliance, and stability. Here are some steps to consider:

> Continue Using Windows 10

While Windows 10 may still operate after reaching its EOL, overlooking this deadline poses a serious risk to your systems and data security. Once Microsoft ceases support for Windows 10, your device will no longer receive vital updates, leaving it open to potential cyber threats and malware attacks. It's crucial to either upgrade your operating system to a supported version of Windows or consider alternative solutions to safeguard your data and privacy effectively.

> Upgrade to Windows 11

As Windows 10 approaches its EOL, transitioning to Windows 11 presents a proactive solution to ensure continued security and performance for your devices. Windows 11 offers a host of new features and enhanced security measures, providing a modern computing experience while safeguarding against emerging threats. By upgrading to Windows 11, you not only stay ahead of the curve in terms of software support but also unlock new capabilities that can boost productivity and efficiency.

> Pay for Windows 10 Updates

As Windows 10 nears its end of support, some users may consider paying for extended updates to prolong the lifespan of their OS. While this option provides temporary relief by continuing to receive security patches and updates, it's important to weigh up the long-term implications and costs involved. Investing in paid updates may offer a short-term solution for maintaining security, but ultimately, transitioning to a supported operating system such as Windows 11 is a more sustainable approach. By upgrading to a newer version, users can access the latest features, enhanced security measures, and ongoing support, ensuring a more resilient and future-proof network.

> Replace Your Devices

Considering an investment in new devices can also be a strategic decision. Upgrading to newer hardware ensures seamless compatibility with supported operating systems, providing uninterrupted access to essential updates and security patches. However, it's essential to weigh up this option carefully, particularly if your current computer is still functioning effectively or if you rely on critical software that may not run on a new OS.

> Explore Alternative Operating Systems

As Windows 10 reaches its EOL, exploring alternative operating systems is a viable solution to ensure continued security and functionality for your devices. Options such as Linux or macOS offer robust security features, regular updates, and a diverse range of software applications. Transitioning to a different OS not only mitigates the risks associated with running an unsupported OS but also offers opportunities for customisation and flexibility. By considering alternative options, users can find an operating system that best suits their needs while maintaining a secure and efficient computer network.

Embrace the Future and Say 'Hello' to Your New Operating System

If your organisation is still running Windows 10 or below, we recommend that you upgrade before it reaches its end-of-life on 14^th October 2025.

As an expert IT support partner serving Cornwall, Devon, and the South West, NCI Technologies can offer a seamless software upgrade service with minimal disruption, ensuring your investment is maximised to its full potential.

Start your Windows upgrade today by contacting us or booking a Teams or in-person meeting with our friendly sales team.

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