Microsoft has just announced that October 14th, 2025 is the end of support for Windows 10 after a ten-year life cycle. Support ending translates to no more security patches, or semi-annual feature updates will be developed or released to plug any holes left in the operating system’s security after this date.
On June 24th, Microsoft is expected to reveal its replacement, currently dubbed “Windows 11”.
Recent leaks of the new User Interface, Start Menu, Desktop Experience and even Start-up Sound show a sleek, modern-looking operating system yet seems familiar enough to windows users not to feel foreign. Here’s hoping the Windows 8/8.1 fiasco is well and truly behind them.
Widgets seem to be making a re-appearance, simplified window snap tools have been integrated into the maximize button, and smoother dual-screen experiences are expected.
These changes are constantly refreshing to see and hear. However, let us not get too excited. Now’s the time to start considering how this change in the operating system will impact your business! With Microsoft ending Windows 10 support in 2025, a new Operating System is undoubtedly on its way. So now might be the time to start collaborating with bespoke software vendors you use within your business to ensure these critical applications are still under a support contract and whether the contract includes upgrade rights.
And let us not forget that upgrades to operating systems can be disruptive. When Windows 10 came out, millions of users took advantage of a free upgrade grace period back in 2016. If this is offered again, the last thing you want to see walking into the office on a Monday morning is all the office PC’s and laptops still 50% through the update with who knows how many hours left until it’s finished. Worst yet, what if all computers and laptops try downloading the update simultaneously? Can your bandwidth handle that much throughput?
Until 24th June rolls around, all we can do is speculate. But it’s never too early to start considering upgrade paths. How many of you still have that old PC in the corner of the office collecting cobwebs, churning out Payroll reports once a month? Or that PC you borrowed from a vacant desk years ago, hooked up to the big TV in the conference room, slapped a webcam on and used as a meeting room PC that has slowly been grinding to a halt but goes unnoticed; because you rarely host in-office conference meetings? Can these fossils take an upgrade to come in 2025? Or are they set to croak it before then?