Windows 10 support is ending: What to expect and how to prepare

Windows 10’s journey is coming to a close. How does this affect your business, and how should you prepare?

Microsoft announced last year that updates for Windows 10 will cease after October 14, 2025, making version 22H2 the final update.

For those who have transitioned to Windows 11, this may not pose a problem. However, if you’re still using Windows 10, you might be wondering what comes next. Here we address your concerns and help you prepare for the transition. As a Microsoft Partner, Complete IT Systems are well-equipped to handle any Microsoft 365 issues you might encounter.

When does windows 10 officially end?

Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, except for Long-Term Service Channels (LTSCs), designed for organisations needing a stable and long-lasting environment with minimal changes. After this date, while you can still use Windows 10, you’ll be at risk of security breaches since new patches won’t be available without payment. This end-date is crucial for businesses reliant on Windows 10, as not all PCs can upgrade due to hardware limitations. We’ll discuss ways to navigate this situation.

Risks of using free Windows 10 after its end date:

  • Security vulnerabilities: Without new updates, Windows 10 devices become more susceptible to cyber threats.
  • Performance degradation: Lack of updates can lead to system instability, crashes, and decreased performance.
  • Lack of support: Microsoft will stop providing support for Windows 10, making troubleshooting difficult.
  • Software compatibility: New software may not be compatible with Windows 10, limiting functionality and potentially making critical applications slower.

Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for up to three years, but they come at a cost. There are three options:

  1. Activation key: A base license package costs £48 for the first year, doubling each year for three years.
  2. Cloud-based: Businesses using Microsoft cloud-based update management solutions get a 25% discount for up to five devices.
  3. Windows 365 subscription: Those with a Windows 365 subscription can access ESU services without additional costs for one year.

What are the options?

You have the following options based on your business needs:

  • Upgrade to Windows 11: This ensures your device is protected with the latest security updates.
  • Pay for ESU services: Use one of the ESU options to buy more time to transition to Windows 11.
  • Continue with Windows 10 unprotected: Not recommended due to the significant risks involved.
  • Purchase a new Windows PC or move to Mac OS: New Windows PCs come with Windows 11, or you could switch to a Mac if you prefer.

Benefits of Windows 11

Windows 11 offers numerous advantages:

  • Improved performance: Faster and smoother operation with optimised coding and resource management.
  • Innovative user interface: A revamped UI with a central taskbar, new snap layouts, and an aesthetically pleasing design.
  • Ideal for hybrid working: Features seamless Microsoft Teams integration and enhanced multitasking capabilities.
  • Integrated AI: Includes the AI-powered assistant “Copilot” to help generate ideas and improve productivity.

Want to learn more?

As Microsoft Gold OEM Partners, Complete IT Systems have a team of Microsoft specialists on hand to demo the solution, discuss business benefits and help you understand how the technology works for your organisation.

To get in touch or request a demo please contact us.

 

What you need to know about migrating to Windows 11

Upgrading your users to a new operating system may seem like one job too far for overstretched IT teams. 

This article outlines the what, why and when of making the move to Windows 11.

📅 Windows 10 will be retiring on 14th October 2023. It’s time to start thinking about your migration plan!

About Windows 11

Windows 11 offers new productivity features and functionality to enable users to work safely and securely on the go.

🏃‍♂️ Here’s some of the key changes over Windows 10:

  • Universal search: Taskbar search function to find what users need from files, photos, contacts, emails, and the web.
  • Accessibility: Move to new ways of working with voice recognition1, live captions, and on-screen text read aloud by a narrator in a natural, human voice.
  • Easy setup and personalisation for users to tailor their workspaces.
  • Snap assist to organise screens in an easy manner
  • Desktop groups to silo work and business
  • Optimised working: Microsoft Phone Link is now available for iPhone® devices and Android™ to view notifications, read messages, and dial calls from your PC
Keeping devices and data more secure

🔐 For IT, it’s also easier to keep users and data safe with new performance and security features

From start up, Windows 11 is on guard. It works in combination with your hardware and was designed with multiple layers of protection to help keep your apps, information, and privacy secure.

Devices are also protected with SmartApp Control, meaning Windows 11 will only run reputable apps that won’t compromise your data. In addition to giving your users control over their data and defending against malware, Microsoft Edge can also scan the web to check if your passwords have been compromised.

Find out more

❔ Contact us today to find out how we can help you migrate your users to Windows 11.

The perfect solution for Windows 10 migrations

Kingston’s Desktop/Notebook Memory and Business Solid-State Drives (SSD) are the perfect enterprise client combination for your Windows 10 migration and system update deployments.

The UV500 family of solid-state drives dramatically improves the responsiveness of your existing system with incredible boot, loading and transfer times compared to mechanical hard drives. Powered by a Marvell 88SS1074 controller combined with 3D NAND Flash for read and write speeds up to 520MB/s and 500MB/s1, this SSD is 10X faster than a traditional hard drive for better performance, ultra-responsive multi-tasking and an overall faster system. UV500 provides end-to-end data protection, supports 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption and TCG Opal 2.0 security management solutions.

More reliable and durable than a hard drive, UV500 is built with NAND Flash semiconductor memory. There are no moving parts, making it far less likely to fail than a mechanical hard drive. It is also cooler and quieter, and its shock and vibration resistance makes it ideal for notebooks and other mobile computing devices.

UV500 is available in Multiple capacities from 120GB–1.92TB,2 so you can buy one to use as a boot drive, or take advantage of the larger capacities to store videos, photos and host your most frequently used applications.

Ideal for desktops and notebooks

Comes in multiple form factors (2.5”/M.2/mSATA) to fit in a wider array of systems. It is ideal for slimmer notebooks and systems with limited space.

Multiple capacities

Available in a range of capacities up to 1.92TB2 to meet your data storage requirements.

Encrypted protection

Protect sensitive data with support for 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption and TCG Opal 2.0.

10X faster than a hard drive

With incredible read/write speeds, the UV500 will not only increase performance, but can also breathe new life into older systems.

How we can help

Complete IT Systems and Kingston Technology have the solutions, experience, accreditations and skills to provide your business with the security solutions you need. For more information call us on 01274 396 213 or contact us and we can call you back.