...October 14th, 2025...
The official End of Support date for Windows 10 is 14th October 2025. As of this date, Microsoft will no longer provide updates for Security or compatibility issues for PC's and Laptops running the Windows 10 Operating System.
This decision has been primarily made due to the increasing level of sophistication of cyber attacks against the Operating System. Upgrading the Windows 11 addresses this issue, however, there are significant additional hardware requirements needed for installation of the Windows 11 Operating System.
We have assembled the following decision matrix to assist our clients in making a pragmatic decision on the "best" course of action for their business operation.
While we agree with Microsoft that security of desktop and laptop devices is imperative in all businesses, there are many ways this can be achieved without necessarily replacing all hardware!
Devices of this age have only two valid choices:
Unless the device is NEVER going to connect to the Internet and DOES NOT run any of the Microsoft Office 365 suite of applications, you might just get away with another 12 months of life from devices of this age.
You are on borrowed time and DO need to be budgeting for a replacement device!
This is the most complex case - your hardware MAY be compatible!
It will require evaluation to determine in the hardware compatibility requirements are met - if so, then an in-place upgrade is possible - see "case 3" for more details.
If your hardware does not meet the compatibility requirements, then the best value may be to pay for an extended support agreement with Microsoft for 12 months. Let's face it, hardware that is ONLY 3 or 4 years old is generally still very serviceable.
Alternately, if the device is only used for simple tasks such as web browsing, maybe an alternate Operating System is the Go?
Most hardware manufactured after January 2023 will support Windows 11 without further modification with the upgrade license generally available at no charge from Microsoft.
The Support Centre can initiate the upgrade on your behalf - if you are covered by a Foundation+ or Enterprise support agreement this will be actioned at no cost.
EASY!