Microsoft made it official at the end of April: there will be no more big updates and Windows 10 support will end. Now, companies have to get serious about moving to its successor. How long do you really have to ditch windows 10?
Windows 10 has been one of the most popular operating systems since its release in 2015. However, all good things must come to an end, and Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will be reaching its end-of-life (EOL). This could have a significant impact on small to medium businesses (SMBs) that rely on this operating system for their daily tasks.
Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or support for Windows 10 after this date.
What does end-of-life mean for SMBs?
End-of-life for Windows 10 means that it will no longer receive any updates, including security updates. This can leave SMBs vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the system that will not be patched by Microsoft. Additionally, software and hardware vendors may stop supporting their products on Windows 10, which can lead to compatibility issues.
SMBs will need to upgrade to a newer operating system to ensure that they are protected from security threats and can continue to use new software and hardware products. This can be a scary task for SMBs, as upgrading to a new operating system can be time-consuming and require significant IT resources.
How can IT support providers help?
IT support providers can play an important role in helping SMBs upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, which was released in October 2021. It offers several new features and improved security. It’s an excellent option for SMBs that want to ensure their systems are up to date and protected.
IT support providers can help SMBs with the following tasks:
- Evaluate compatibility: IT support providers can evaluate the compatibility of SMBs’ current hardware and software with Windows 11 to ensure that there are no compatibility issues.
- Plan the upgrade: IT support providers can help SMBs plan the upgrade process. This includes determining which computers will be upgraded, scheduling the upgrade, and ensuring that data is backed up before the upgrade.
- Perform the upgrade: IT support providers can perform the actual upgrade process. They will ensure that all computers are upgraded successfully and that there are no issues with the new operating system.
- Provide ongoing support: IT support providers can provide ongoing support for SMBs after the upgrade. They will address any issues that arise and ensure that the system is up to date and secure.
The next step for when windows 10 support is no longer available?
Windows 10’s end-of-life is fast approaching. SMBs need to start planning their upgrade to Windows 11 to ensure that they are protected from security threats and can continue to use new software and hardware products. IT support providers such as ourselves can play a crucial role in helping SMBs with this process. We will ensure that the upgrade is smooth and that the new operating system is up to date and secure.
Contact us today to start planning your upgrade to Windows 11.
