Windows 10 is Retiring: What it Means for Your Business
Microsoft
Thomas Mather
Windows 10 has been a trusted operating system for businesses for nearly a decade, but its time is coming to an end. Microsoft has officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. While that may seem far away, businesses need to start planning their transition now.
Windows 10 was one of the most successful operating systems globally with a 65% market share for desktops in 2024. In fact, Windows 10 was so successful, in 2015 some internal engineers who worked on the operating system, thought it would be the last version of Windows ever.
So, if Windows 10 is so good, why are Microsoft retiring it and why should your business upgrade to Windows 11?
Well firstly, Windows 10 will no longer receive mainstream support. This means that without regular patches, Windows 10 will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Leaving Windows 10 devices on your network will soon become the equivalent of leaving your front door at home wide open.
Running an unsupported operating system may also put businesses in violation of industry regulations like GDPR and ISO standards. You certainly won’t be able to pass or renew a Cyber Essentials certification, even with just one Windows 10 device on your network.
After security and compliance concerns, it is worth considering the impact on productivity. It is possible that new software releases will focus on Windows 11, making it harder for businesses to keep up. Some software solutions may become incompatible with Windows 10 altogether. Furthermore, maintaining an outdated system often requires costly workarounds and additional security measures.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Transitioning to Windows 11 can be very simple and doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With proper planning and appropriate replacement devices, your business could be ready within weeks.
Windows 11 is also a great operating system. It builds on the foundations of Windows 10 to give users a familiar experience but with added functionality and security. Learning to use Windows 11 will be quick, ensuring little disruption once it’s rolled out.
Why Businesses Should Start Planning Now
Delaying the upgrade could leave businesses scrambling as the deadline approaches. By planning ahead, organisations can:
- Ensure compatibility: Verify that hardware and critical applications will work with Windows 11.
- Minimise disruption: Schedule a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
- Budget for the future: Avoid unexpected costs by allocating funds ahead of time.
Acronyms offers hardware management plans to all IT support customers. These plans help to manage your business’ infrastructure so you can avoid major operating system changes in the future as well as enable easy budgeting.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experts today to see how we can help your business transition to Windows 11.