On October 14th, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. This event marks an important milestone for businesses, schools, and individual users worldwide. Lets explore what the end of life for Windows 10 means, who it affects, and what you can expect moving forward. At ADC Technologies, we can offer practical advice on how to keep your systems up to date and steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition.
In software, “End of Life” (EOL) refers to the point when a developer, in this case, Microsoft, stops providing updates, security patches, and technical support for a particular version. For Windows 10, that falls on October 14, 2025- ten years after its initial release. After this date, Microsoft will cease to issue security updates, feature improvements, and official technical support, leaving users without safeguards against vulnerabilities, reduced software compatibility, and potentially limited support for third-party applications over time.
The EOL for Windows 10 affects a wide range of users, including businesses, schools, home users, and IT professionals. For businesses, relying on Windows 10 past its support end-date can expose them to security risks and compatibility challenges, impacting small to medium-sized enterprises and large corporations alike. Schools using Windows 10 may find their systems vulnerable to data breaches, which could put sensitive student and staff information at risk.
- No More Security Updates: Microsoft will no longer issue patches to fix security vulnerabilities. This means that any security holes discovered after this date will not be patched, leaving your system at risk.
- No More Feature Updates: Users will no longer receive new features or improvements.
- Limited or No Support: Technical support from Microsoft will end, and you will no longer be able to seek official assistance for any problems you encounter with Windows 10.
- Compatibility Issues: Over time, new software, drivers, and peripherals may not work properly on Windows 10 as developers will prioritize updates for newer versions of Windows.
Who will be affected?
The EOL for Windows 10 affects a broad range of users, including:
- Businesses: Many companies still rely on Windows 10 for daily operations. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations alike will need to upgrade to avoid security risks and ensure their systems are compatible with new software and hardware.
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Many schools use Windows 10 on their computers. Without updates, these systems could be vulnerable, putting sensitive student and staff data at risk.
- Home Users: Anyone with a personal computer running Windows 10 will be affected. While casual users may not notice immediate changes, the lack of security updates could expose them to viruses, malware, and data theft.
- IT Professionals and Developers: Those who build and maintain systems on Windows 10 will need to plan for the transition and ensure that all devices and software are compatible with the latest operating system.
What to expect after Windows 10 EOL
Microsoft will shift its focus entirely to newer versions of its operating system, particularly, Windows 11 and future updates. This is what you should expect:
- Increased Security Risks: Since there will be no more security updates, any new vulnerabilities discovered after EOL will not be patched, making systems running Windows 10 increasingly vulnerable over time. Hackers often target EOL systems because they know there won’t be new security patches.
- Compatibility Problems: Over time, new software and hardware will be designed to work optimally with newer versions of Windows. This could lead to compatibility issues with applications, drivers, and new peripherals on Windows 10.
- Support Services Will Diminish: You may find that companies offering support for third-party software and hardware on Windows 10 will gradually reduce or withdraw their services.
- Compliance Concerns: For businesses, using an unsupported operating system could lead to compliance issues, especially for industries that handle sensitive data and must adhere to strict security standards
How to keep your system up to date
As Windows 10 reaches its end of life, it’s crucial to plan for the future. Here are a few ways to keep your system secure and up to date:
- Upgrade to Windows 11: The most straightforward way to stay updated is to upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 offers new features, better security, and enhanced performance compared to Windows 10. It is designed to provide a seamless experience, especially for modern devices.
- Evaluate Your Hardware: Before upgrading, check if your current hardware meets the system requirements for Windows 11. Older machines may not be compatible, which might mean it’s time to invest in new hardware.
- Explore Other Operating Systems: While upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended, you can also consider other operating systems, like Linux distributions or macOS (for those willing to switch platforms).
- Backup Your Data: Before making any changes, ensure you have backed up all essential data. This ensures you won’t lose any critical information during the transition.
- Stay Informed: Microsoft regularly provides updates and resources regarding EOL products. Keep an eye on their announcements to ensure you don’t miss any important details about the transition process.
There’s no doubt that the update can become a bit of a headache, but that’s where ADC Technologies can help you and/or your business make sure all of your boxes are checked and you are ready to continue with Microsoft support.
Here are a few steps to take before Windows 10 reaches its End of Life:
- Create an Upgrade Plan: Start planning your upgrade strategy now. Assess how many systems need to be upgraded, check compatibility, and set a timeline for the transition. Businesses may need to plan around busy seasons to avoid disruptions.
- Check Compatibility: Use tools like the PC Health Check app provided by Microsoft to determine if your current devices can be upgraded to Windows 11. If they’re not compatible, you may need to look into upgrading or replacing your devices.
- Consider Alternatives: If Windows 11 is not a viable option, consider other operating systems. Some businesses and users prefer Linux for its open-source nature, security features, and customizability. However, be prepared for a learning curve and potential compatibility issues with some software.
- Update Software and Drivers: Before upgrading to a new operating system, ensure all your software and drivers are up to date. This minimizes the risk of issues during the transition.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure how to proceed, consider consulting with IT professionals who can guide you through the process and ensure your data and systems remain secure throughout the transition.
- Review Licenses and Subscriptions: Make sure that any software licenses or subscriptions you have will still work on the new operating system. If not, you may need to find alternatives or upgrade to newer versions that support the new OS.
The nice part about this, is you have ADC Technologies! We can take the stress out of the transition and help check off these boxes for you, so you don’t have to worry about your network security or something failing.
Upgrading to Windows 11 comes with several benefits, including:
- Enhanced Security: Windows 11 offers advanced security features, including hardware-based protection, virtualization, and encryption. These features make it harder for malware and other threats to infiltrate your system.
- Better Performance: With improved performance and battery efficiency, Windows 11 provides a smoother user experience. It is optimized for modern hardware, making tasks like multitasking, gaming, and productivity faster and more efficient.
- New Features and Interface: Windows 11 introduces a redesigned, modern interface that’s more intuitive. It also includes productivity enhancements, such as the new Snap Layouts for better multitasking, Teams integration, and support for Android apps.
The end of life for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025, marks a significant moment for many of users around the world. While the thought of upgrading can be daunting, taking proactive steps can make the process smoother and ensure your systems remain secure. Whether you choose to upgrade to Windows 11 or explore other operating systems, let ADC Technologies assist to create a plan early and help ensure you’re prepared for the transition.
Start by evaluating your current setup, exploring upgrade options, and ensuring all your data is backed up. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate the end of Windows 10 support without disruption and keep your devices running smoothly.
