Although Microsoft won’t officially end service on Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, your small business should begin planning the steps needed to upgrade to Windows 11. Your organization’s IT assets will need time and effort to make this important change, so the earlier the process begins the better.
It is highly recommended that you consult closely with a trusted IT partner, such as Network Depot, to assist you in formulating and executing a smooth transition plan. Having a well-planned transition process will ensure that your company can continue to comfortably use Windows 10 and then seamlessly move into the upgraded environment of Windows 11.
Windows 11: Microsoft Improves on the Popular Windows 10
Even as it approaches 10 years of age, Windows 10 is the most popular operating system available. Technology experts note that it currently has an impressive 65% market share. Because of this popularity, Microsoft has focused on keeping the positive aspects of Windows 10 in Windows 11 while improving on the key features of power, speed, and functionality. Windows 11 includes enhanced security features, improved performance capabilities, and an updated framework to support complex modern technologies.
What Happens with the Windows 10 End of Service?
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer install important security patches, provide bug fixes, or offer free technical support. After this date, if a user would like to keep receiving security updates and get assistance from Microsoft, they will have to enroll in the Extended Securities Update (ESU) program. This program will last a maximum of five years and requires a paid subscription, which would be an unnecessary financial burden on your small business.
Main Reasons to Start the Transition Process to Windows 11
Cybersecurity threat
The most important reason to upgrade to Windows 11 is to maintain the highest level of cybersecurity for your organization. As documented regularly on this site, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated with their cyberattacks. With the assistance of more powerful AI, the frequency of cyberattacks has also rapidly increased making the threat even more dangerous.
Security experts note that the cybersecurity threat is challenging enough even with the latest operating system providing advanced protection. Cybercriminals make a point of targeting company networks with IT assets that are using outdated equipment, operating systems, and cybersecurity tools. The horror stories of massive security breaches in the news often involve a company or third-party vendor using an outdated operating system. Bad actors exploit the vulnerabilities of these less advanced operating systems to penetrate networks and wreak havoc.
Cybercriminals are becoming ever more sophisticated and calculating, so it is dangerous to leave your network protected at less than the highest level. After the end of service date for Windows 10, cyberattacks will increase exponentially and a preferred target will be less protected organizations still using Windows 10. To overcome this increasingly powerful cybersecurity threat, it is important that your organization has transitioned to Windows 11 well before October 14, 2025.
Maintain operational efficiency
Windows 10 is an impressive operating system that will still function after the end of service, but users will not be reaping the optimal benefits of Windows 11. The increasing amount of new software and hardware demanded by most small businesses will have compatibility issues with Windows 10 that will only get worse with time. This problem will negatively impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your business operations. The steady technology advances in cloud solutions and AI will only exacerbate this problem.
In short, as many different forms of applications continue to increase in complexity and power, your company’s operating system must be able to work well with them to keep your business functioning at its highest level. An upgrade to Windows 11 is necessary to maintain and improve your organization’s operational efficiency.
Benefit from a timely transition
The Windows 10 end-of-service date is far enough away to allow your organization to carefully plan your transition without suffering the negative results of a rushed change process. However, this date is close enough that you should immediately begin the process to avoid any complications. Your dependable IT Support partner stands ready to help you formulate a practical plan and help you execute it every step of the way.
It makes sense to start the planning and budgeting for this important process now. Timely attention to this issue will ease unnecessary worry and budgetary pressure as the end of service date approaches. You don’t want your business to be that “procrastinating company,” which contacts your IT partner the week before the Windows 10 end of service date requesting emergency assistance. At that late date, it will be difficult for even the most skilled IT Support partner to mitigate the negative impact of using an outdated operating system.
In summary, October 14, 2025, is rapidly approaching and action is required. Take the time now to work with a trusted IT Support partner like Network Depot to plan and execute a seamless transition process from Windows 10 to Windows 11. As a result of your efforts, your company will be well protected from cybersecurity threats and your operations will be improved. With the powerful features of the latest Windows operating system in place, your organization will be able to keep its focus on achieving its unique goals.