Launched all the way back in 2015, Windows 10 remains an exceedingly popular computer operating system. As of last June, the system was still reported to be in use on 71.9% of PCs worldwide, showcasing an impressive market share. This is particularly noteworthy considering its successor, Windows 11, had been available for almost two years by that point. However, in the coming years, Windows 10’s dominance is expected to diminish, especially with Microsoft’s plan to withdraw support for the OS in 2025.
In this article, we’ll discuss what the end of Windows 10 support means for your business and explore the advantages of transitioning to its much-lauded replacement, Windows 11.
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Windows 10 End of Life – The Implications for Your Business
In April of last year, Microsoft announced its intention to cease support for its Windows 10 operating system on October 14, 2025. This announcement was anticipated, as it aligns with the standard support lifespan of 10 years for modern Microsoft products.
So what are the implications of this if your business still uses Windows 10?
Let’s start with a little context. Microsoft’s product support is generally provided in two distinct stages. The first stage, dubbed the ‘mainstream support’ stage, starts upon a product’s launch and usually lasts for a period of 5 years. During this support stage, Microsoft continues to develop aspects of the product, introducing new features and functionalities and making design changes based on user feedback. Routine maintenance updates are also forthcoming, including security updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements. In the case of Windows 10, this stage of support ended in October 2022, with Microsoft releasing the final iteration of the OS, version 22H2.
The second stage of support, otherwise known as the ‘extended support’ stage, starts upon the cessation of mainstream support. During this support phase, Microsoft provides updates relating to the security, integrity, and reliability of its platforms, so users can continue to expect security patches and bug fixes. However, at this point, feature updates are suspended. This is the support stage Windows 10 is currently in.
If your business is still using Windows 10, you’ll need to explore alternative arrangements ahead of the October 14, 2025 support deadline. Continuing to operate Windows 10 after this date could expose your devices to heightened risk of cyber-attacks, as security weaknesses will be left unremedied and open to malicious exploitation. Additionally, you’ll likely see a rise in reliability problems and performance degradation as bug fixes and performance tweaks will no longer be available.
Is There Any Way to Use Windows 10 Securely Beyond the End-of-Life Deadline?
For businesses with an operational requirement to run Windows 10 beyond the support deadline, Microsoft will provide security-related updates through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. ESU will run for 3 years following the withdrawal of extended support, will be administered on a per-device basis, and will require organisations to commit to 12-month support periods. The ESU programme is an expensive solution and one that should only be explored if your business is subject to constraints that require it to continue using Windows 10, such as to support legacy applications. The ESU programme will focus solely on system security; the following will not be provided:
- Feature Updates
- Design Alterations
- Technical Support: Customers in need of technical support beyond October 2025 will be required to have an active support plan in place.
What are The Business Advantages of Switching to Windows 11?
Windows 11 is the product of Microsoft’s unrivalled expertise in the development of computer operating systems. The result is a slicker and more refined operating system than any that came before it, with a fresh, modern interface and a raft of innovative productivity features.
Windows 11 reflects modern workplace realities far more profoundly than previous versions of Windows, partly because the latter stages of its development occurred during the pandemic. The result is an operating system designed to facilitate seamless and productive remote collaboration, with features and refinements attuned to the demands of remote and hybrid workforces.
Here’s what you can expect from making the switch to Windows 11:
- Better Performance: Enjoy faster load times and enhanced resource management for responsive performance across your devices.
- Maximum Compatibility: Windows 11 affords maximum compatibility with today’s hardware and applications. Enjoy seamless, hassle-free adoption of the latest software solutions.
- A Fresh New Look: Microsoft’s newest operating system looks truly of the moment, with crisp graphics, minimalist menus, and a softened colour palette.
- Microsoft Teams Integration: Windows 11 gives Teams a dedicated taskbar icon, allowing you to launch meetings, chats, and calls with any of your contacts in a couple of clicks from the desktop.
- Uprated Cyber Security: Numerous security tweaks make Windows 11 Microsoft’s most secure operating system to date. Benefit from identity and access management features based on the widely advocated zero-trust security model.
- Futureproof Support: Rest assured that you’ll enjoy support and updates for the foreseeable future. Capitalise on feature updates that will keep you at the forefront of the latest technology trends.
- Android App Compatibility: Search and download Android apps through the Microsoft store, and bring your favourites from mobile to desktop for the first time on a Windows operating system.
- Easier Management: Secure your digital estate through a single portal with Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Configure security settings, roll out updates, and enforce policies to keep your data secure and ensure compliance.
Final Thoughts
The end of Windows 10 is on the horizon, meaning businesses still operating the OS should plan for its replacement now to ensure their devices remain secure and dependable. If your business is still using Windows 10, consider making the switch to Windows 11 now to benefit from better security, productivity upgrades, updates, and support extending well into the future.
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