On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. This means there will be no more software updates or technical support for your Windows 10 computer, regardless of how well it is performing.
Have you thought about what you will do when your Windows 10 computers reach end of support in October 2025?
With only 12 months until the end of support for Windows 10, here are your options.
1. Upgrade your computer to Windows 11
To check if your computer can run Windows 11, you need to run the PC Health Check App.
This free app from Microsoft will scan your device’s hardware to ensure its compatibility with Windows 11.
If your computer is compatible and eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, then upgrading could be the easiest option for you.
Before starting the upgrade to Windows 11, we’d recommend you contact your IT provider to confirm the best method and whether it is advisable to upgrade your device.
Like us, they may have their own recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
2. Buy a replacement computer
When you buy a new PC, it will come with the latest hardware specifically designed to support Windows 11 features.
Not only will it be more secure and reliable, but you will also have the option to purchase a 3- or 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
We recommend that all business computer purchases include a same day, or next business day warranty. This ensures that if you experience a hardware problem, an engineer will be sent promptly with replacement parts.
3. Keep running Windows 10 and pay Microsoft for security updates
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will continue to develop security updates for Windows 10, but they will no longer be free.
Microsoft has announced that it will offer Extended Security Options (ESUs) for Windows 10 and these subscription-based updates will be available for up to three years.
The Extended Security Update (ESU) license for businesses will cost $61 per device for one year, and this price will double every consecutive year, for up to three years.
With that said, Microsoft are only providing security updates as part of this and no support, should you hit issues with running Windows 10 you will be on your own!
What about upgrading parts so I can run Windows 11?
Before making any decisions, consider the age of your computer. Sometimes, investing in hardware upgrades is not cost-effective because of the aging components that cannot be upgraded to meet the requirements of Windows 11.
Is 256GB enough storage?
In the past, 256GB was considered sufficient storage for most business users.
However, over time, this space can be consumed by software applications, Outlook offline files, locally stored documents, Windows operating system files and software updates.
If you prefer to avoid regular storage clean-up processes, it is advisable to opt for 512GB storage as this should future proof your space requirements.
Will 8GB of RAM work with Windows 11?
Technically, the minimum amount of RAM required for Windows 11 is 4GB, but in our experience this is not advisable!
Currently, we believe 8GB of RAM is the minimum for a business computer, but even with 8GB you will experience slow performance when running multiple business applications.
For optimum performance, we suggest a minimum of 16GB of RAM to ensure that your business computer operates smoothly.
Should I wait until next year to make my Windows 11 decision?
If your Windows 10 computer is working well and your budget is set for next year, it’s okay to wait until 2025 to decide. However, we suggest planning ahead and not waiting until September or October of 2025.
Microsoft states “Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10, and all editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date.”
Small businesses are already reaping the benefits of the reliability, security, and time-saving features that Windows 11 offers. You don’t want to fall behind.
Whether your businesses aim to decrease the risk of a cyberattack or take advantage of AI-powered features to streamline your work, we recommend transitioning to Windows 11 Pro for business as soon as you can.
Contact our team of friendly business IT professionals, who can provide guidance on all the cost-effective upgrade and procurement options.