Windows 10 Retirement: Start Planning Now

Microsoft has announced that it will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means:  

• No security updates
• No new features or fixes
• No technical assistance from Microsoft

The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free – HOWEVER – older computers may not meet the minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 11. That means it’s important to start budgeting now for hardware replacement costs.  

Why staying on Windows 10 is a bad idea 

1. Compliance and security risks – an outdated operating system opens you up to security vulnerabilities and may be non-compliant with industry regulations.
2. Compatibility problems – you may have software applications that require you keep your operating system up to date.
3. Performance issues – over time, Windows 10 will start to become disruptively slow.

Why plan your upgrade to Windows 11 now  

1. Budgeting – It’s highly likely that you’ll need to replace computers to meet Windows 11 system requirements. Many businesses can’t afford to replace all the computers at once, so planning ahead can make it easier to figure out your budgeting and financing options.
2. Smooth operations – With every significant operating system upgrade, it’s important to consider all the inter-dependencies of your software applications. Some may not yet be compatible to run on Windows 11, and others may require Windows 11.  
3. Convenient scheduling – Transitioning to a new operating system or to new hardware takes time. You can minimize downtime and business disruption by taking a phased approach to your Windows 11 migration. By scheduling your Windows 11 upgrade now, you can select a time that’s most convenient for your business. As the date grows nearer, our technicians may have less availability. 

First steps in planning your Windows 11 upgrade 

If you only have a few computers in your office, you can run Microsoft’s PC Health Check to see if each computer meets the minimum system requirements of Windows 11. That will tell you if the computer is capable of running Windows 11 – but does not guarantee compatibility of other hardware and software connected to that device.  

For companies of all sizes, we advise you book a time with one of our techs to run a Windows 11 Readiness Assessment. 

Booking a Windows 11 Readiness Assessment 

Eclipse Consulting can help you to prepare for the retirement of Windows 10 by running a Windows 11 Readiness Assessment for your organization.  This assessment will help you understand: 

• What hardware needs to be replaced
• Whether your software applicaitons are compatible
• Security risks within your tech stack
• Your data migration requirements
• The total cost of a Windows 11 deployment

The key to a smooth transition is to start your Windows 11 planning early – especially if you suspect you may have compatibility issues.