In October this year, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, marking a significant milestone for organisations that have relied on this operating system (OS) for many years. In this blog post, we’ll break down what the end of support really means, why taking action is crucial, and the practical steps you should follow to stay secure and compliant.
What Does “End of Windows 10 Support” Actually Mean?
When Microsoft ends support for an operating system:
No More Security Updates Microsoft will no longer provide critical security patches or bug fixes. Any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, leaving your systems susceptible to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
Reduced Software Compatibility Over time, software developers stop testing or updating their applications for an unsupported OS. This often leads to performance issues or incompatibilities, especially with newer productivity, security, or business apps.
Regulatory and Compliance Risks Many industry standards and regulations require organisations to use supported software. Continuing to run an unsupported OS could lead to compliance failures or increased insurance premiums in the event of a breach.
Postponing action can expose your organisation to unnecessary risks and costs:
Cyber Security Threats: Unsupported operating systems are prime targets for cybercriminals. The longer you remain on Windows 10 after its support ends, the more attractive your business becomes to attackers.
Operational Disruptions: As compatibility with critical software and hardware deteriorates, day-to-day operations may suffer. This can lead to downtime, frustrated employees, and unhappy customers.
Higher Long-Term Costs: The costs associated with recovering from a breach—financial loss, reputational damage, and potential fines—far outweigh the investment in upgrading or replacing your systems proactively.
Action Plan
Conduct a Software and Hardware Audit Start by identifying all the systems currently running Windows 10. Note the hardware specifications (processor, RAM, storage capacity) to ensure they can handle an upgraded OS such as Windows 11.
Key point: Check if mission-critical software is compatible with newer operating systems.
Upgrade to Windows 11 (or a Newer OS) For most organisations, the simplest and most cost-effective path is upgrading existing devices to Windows 11—provided they meet the hardware requirements. To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, your PC must meet the following requirements:
Operating System: Windows 10 version 2004 or later, with the September 14, 2021 security update installed
Processor: At least 1 GHz with two or more cores on a 64-bit processor from Microsoft’s approved list
RAM: Minimum of 4 GB
Storage: At least 64 GB of available disk space
Security Features TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and UEFI firmware support
Graphics: DirectX 12-compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver
Use the Windows 10 PC Health Check tool to confirm compatibility.
Tip: Before upgrading, check to ensure that all drivers, peripherals (printers), and line-of-business applications are fully compatible.
Device Replacement In some cases, older hardware will not meet the specifications for Windows 11 or other modern OS options. Replacing these devices might be necessary.
Benefit: By investing in new hardware, your organisation also gains the advantages of improved performance, AI, battery life, and reliability.
Implement Strong Patch Management While Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, other software components—like Microsoft Office or third-party applications—will still need regular patching.
Best Practice: Use a centralised patch management tool to automate updates and monitor system health. This helps ensure that all systems remain up to date with the latest security fixes.
Reinforce Cyber Security Hygiene Upgrading to a supported operating system doesn’t guarantee invulnerability. You’ll also need a solid cyber security foundation.
Endpoint Protection: Install next-generation antivirus and firewall solutions that proactively detect and isolate threats.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security on critical logins to protect against stolen passwords.
Regular Backups: Maintain multiple backups—onsite and offsite—to rapidly recover data if your systems are compromised.
Educate and Train Staff People remain the weakest link in the cyber security chain. Comprehensive staff training can help mitigate common threats like phishing and social engineering.
Advice: Conduct regular cyber security awareness sessions and encourage employees to report any suspicious emails or activities.
Develop a Continuity and Recovery Plan
Even with the best defences in place, breaches or operational issues can still occur. Be prepared with a well-defined business continuity plan.
Focus: Outline clear roles, responsibilities, and processes to get critical operations back up and running swiftly.
We have written a guide to disaster recovery planning.
What if a Windows 10 PC Cannot Be Upgraded or Replaced?
If a Windows 10 PC is running a critical application that cannot operate on any other platform, such as a custom-built business tool or an application no longer supported by its provider, businesses must take specific steps to manage the risks associated with unsupported systems. These systems, while essential, pose significant security and compliance challenges. To address this:
Isolate the System: Move the PC to a separate part of the network to limit exposure to other systems and block internet access to reduce vulnerabilities.
Document and Exclude: If you have compliance requirements such as Cyber Essentials clearly define and document these systems as out-of-scope for compliance certification to avoid issues.
Protect Everything Else: If the unsupported system is part of a larger setup (like a virtual machine), make sure the rest of that setup is also kept separate from your main network.
Plan for Transition: Develop a long-term strategy to replace or upgrade the application, ensuring business continuity while minimising risks from unsupported software.
The alternative option is to buy extended support for Windows 10 from Microsoft that is being offered on a annual basis starting on October 2025. The licensing is on a per machine basis and Microsoft states that the scheme will last 3 years. UK pricing has not yet been confimed.
Redeploy Your Old Hardware
Consider deploying ChromeOS Flex. ChromeOS Flex is a cloud-first operating system designed to breathe new life into your old PCs and Macs. It's a free alternative to traditional operating systems like Windows and macOS, offering a fast, secure, and easy-to-manage experience. By installing ChromeOS Flex, you can revitalise aging devices, extending their lifespan and reducing e-waste.
Partnering with OCM Communications
Given the complexities involved in managing an OS transition and ongoing security, partnering with OCM can offer invaluable support. We can help:
Assess and Plan: Conduct a detailed audit and provide a roadmap for upgrades or replacements.
Implement Upgrades: Handle the technical aspects of moving systems to Windows 11, minimising disruption to your team.
Ongoing Security Monitoring: Provide round-the-clock threat monitoring and compliance reporting to keep your business safe and audit-ready.
Strategic Guidance: Offer advice on emerging technologies, ensuring your organisation stays up to date in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Final Thoughts
The end of Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 isn’t merely a milestone—it’s a serious call to action for businesses to fortify their cyber security posture. Failure to act could leave your business vulnerable to attack, regulatory penalties, or crippling downtime.
By taking proactive measures—conducting a thorough audit, upgrading to a supported OS, reinforcing cyber security, and investing in staff training—you’ll be well on your way to safeguarding your organisation’s future.
If you need guidance on how to proceed, we are ready to assist with tailored advice and hands-on support.
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