What would happen to your business if one of your key tools suddenly stopped being safe to use? That is the situation many businesses are facing right now with Windows 10.

Time is running out, and quickly.

Microsoft has confirmed that free support for Windows 10 ends on October 14 when it reaches end of life.

That date is right around the corner. With the time it takes to plan, budget, and roll out a full upgrade across your business, it is closer than you think.

Here is what you need to know: When support ends, it really ends.

There will be no more security updates, no more bug fixes, and no help from Microsoft if something goes wrong.

You will still be able to use your Windows 10 devices, but you will be doing so without protection, leaving your business exposed to cybercriminals.

What is even more concerning is that many business owners have not realized this change is coming. A recent survey found that 18 percent had no idea support was ending, and another 14 percent had considered it but had not started planning. That is a lot of businesses at real risk for disruption, data breaches, or worse.

Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs), but they are not free. ESUs are only a temporary fix, and the cost increases each year.

The better choice is to move to Windows 11 now. This gives you the time to upgrade properly and without unnecessary stress.

Windows 11 is not just the next version of Windows. It is built to be faster, more secure, and better for modern businesses. It is made for hybrid teams, comes with more productivity features, and includes the latest security tools to protect against today’s threats.

You will notice smoother performance and better integration with tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Copilot.

However, not every device that runs Windows 10 will be able to run Windows 11.

You may need to upgrade your hardware, too. That is why it is so important to act now instead of waiting until the last minute when your options are limited and costs are higher.

October 2025 is a firm deadline. The longer you wait, the harder and more expensive the transition will be.

If you have not started preparing, now is the time. Talk to your IT support partner and ask, "Are we ready for Windows 10 end of life?" If the answer is anything other than a confident yes, it is time to make a plan.

Think not just about upgrading to Windows 11, but also about whether your IT support partner is truly supporting your business the way you need.

Need help making the upgrade? Reach out any time - our team loves making tech work for you.