Have You Gone To 11?
Windows 10 Support Is Ending in 500 Days
HAVE YOU GONE TO 11?
In 500 days Microsoft will no longer provide free support or security updates for Windows 10. So plenty of time left to move to Windows 11, but what are the considerations?
A perfect segue to Spinal Tap references from 40 years ago.
WHAT IF I STICK TO 10?
If you're currently using Windows 10, you might wonder what this means for your day-to-day operations. The good news is that your computers won’t suddenly stop working. But after October 14th 2025, Windows 10 will not receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. It considers it to be obsolete. And can’t help if something goes wrong, or a critical security vulnerability is found.
There are still 350 'working' days to go but you may want to consider upgrading to Windows 11 sooner rather than later. Microsoft is devoting its attention to the newer operating system, so future developments and innovation are be focused on Windows 11.
Upgrading can be a daunting task, but moving to Windows 11 has so many benefits:
THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO 11.
Is it just one better?
The sooner you upgrade, the better your protection against these threats, and the more significant the benefits you'll be able to reap from Windows 11.
- Enhanced Performance
Windows 11 has been designed to maximise efficiency and performance across all types of devices, making it a no-brainer for businesses looking for faster and more efficient technology. - Improved User Experience
The interface has been updated with a more modern look, making it easier to navigate and customise. - Increased Security
Windows 11 comes with Microsoft's most advanced security features, making it harder for cyber criminals to breach your system. - Better Integration with Cloud Services
Windows 11 gives you access to a range of cloud-based services, making it easier to collaborate with other team members and enhance your business' productivity.
Like any big project, making the move to Windows 11 needs to be planned and implemented properly. Your hardware needs to meet certain requirements and, of course, you’ll need to make sure it’s done without affecting day to day operations.
THE HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
Can These Go to 11?
There are a couple of criteria on the hardware side to run Windows 11. Secure Boot and the Trusted Platform Module.
Secure Boot is an important security feature designed to prevent malicious software from loading when your PC starts up (boots). Most modern PCs are capable of Secure Boot, but in some instances, there may be settings that cause the PC to appear to not be capable of Secure Boot.
Most PCs that have shipped in the last 5 years are capable of running Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 (TPM 2.0). TPM 2.0 is required to run Windows 11, as an important building block for security-related features. TPM 2.0 is used in Windows 11 for a number of features, including Windows Hello for identity protection and BitLocker for data protection.
OPTION SUMMARY
2025 may seem like a way off, but it’s a good idea to start weighing up your options now. Here they are:
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
Microsoft's preferred option is for you to switch to Windows 11. It's got some fantastic features and free updates until its end of life.
Option 2: Stick with Windows 10 and pay
While the idea of paying for updates might raise some eyebrows, let's put this into perspective. By 2025, Windows 10 will be a decade old. And as we know, Windows 11 is available today. Supporting multiple old operating systems can be quite a handful, even for a tech giant like Microsoft.
You can choose to stay with Windows 10, but you'll need to pay for security updates (no new features, though). The Extended Security Updates subscription isn't intended to be a long-term solution - more of a temporary bridge. The ESU program only provides monthly security updates and does not extend technical support. It also doubles in price each year.
Option 3: Stick with Windows 10 and don’t update it
Sure, you can continue using Windows 10 without paying, but this isn't advisable. Without updates, your business’s PCs will become vulnerable to threats and security issues. And without Microsoft’s support to fix problems, even tech experts like us have nowhere to go for help. Please don’t take this option!
You've got until October 2025 to decide, so there’s no immediate rush but we’d highly recommend upgrading to Windows 11 sooner rather than later. It's also worth bearing in mind that Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 2019 will be joining windows 10 on the retirement bench on the same day, October 14th 2025.
If you're considering the move to Windows 11, or you’d like help making the transition with as little disruption as possible, get in touch.