Microsoft has officially announced that support for their Windows 10 operating system will come to an end on 14th October 2025 – the same day as support is switched off for Office 2016. This marks the end of over 10 years of regular improvements, updates, and support for one of the most widely used operating systems (OS) in history. In this article, we’ll look at what this means for your business.
Yes. For Windows 10 users, 15th October 2025 will appear like any other day. The software will continue to work indefinitely – in principle. However, operating systems require regular upgrades and maintenance to counteract emerging threats and ensure compatibility with newer hardware and apps. When Windows 10 reaches its end of support, Microsoft will stop providing new security patches and fixes for vulnerabilities, leaving your devices more open to cyber threats.
There will also be no new features or performance enhancements available, and you will no longer be able to access official support from Microsoft and its partners to address any technical issues. The efficiency and security of unsupported applications always decreases over time, making them more and more vulnerable to data breaches, glitches, and performance issues.
Many users will, no doubt, stick with Windows 10 after official support ends, and while this may be convenient, it can have serious risks. These include:
Essentially, continuing to use the Windows 10 OS past this date increases your risk of data breaches, malware infections, and system instability. You’re better off upgrading to a newer version of Microsoft Windows before this time.
Microsoft’s official recommendation is for all Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11 or another actively supported OS before the October 2025 deadline. If your current devices don’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, now might be a good time to consider upgrading your IT infrastructure.
Windows 11 is a very similar operating system to Windows 10, and will be immediately familiar to users of the older OS. Windows 11 also has a more modern user interface, with a cleaner and more intuitive toolset that makes it easier to multitask on your PC. Windows 11 also supports the latest apps, games, and hardware, helping to keep your system current and secure.
Also, importantly, as the cyber security landscape evolves, Windows 11 includes stronger and regularly updated protection such as advanced phishing prevention and hardware-based encryption to keep your data and team safe.
If you need to update your Windows operating system on one or more devices, it is best not to wait until the last minute. The following steps will help you get ready:
1. Check the compatibility of your hardware, using Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool, to find out if your devices can run Windows 11.
2. Backup your data before upgrading to ensure that all important files are safely preserved.
3. Plan your upgrade – whether you choose to upgrade your system or purchase a new one, take action well ahead of the 2025 cut-off.
Regularly check with the Microsoft blog to stay informed and prepared, and if you have any questions about Windows 10 or are concerned about the end of support, please feel free to reach out to the experienced team at Vantage IT to help you plan the transition.
09/07/2025
