Microsoft will discontinue updates and support for Windows 10 as of October 14, 2025.
There will be no future protection against vulnerabilities, bug fixes, or technical support, creating serious risks for your business, including security vulnerabilities and compliance issues.
At Business Technology Solutions (BTS), we help organizations plan a smooth, secure transition to Windows 11 before the deadline.
Act now to avoid disruption—start your upgrade journey today.
What Does “End of Life” Mean?
End of Security and Feature Updates
As Windows 10 approaches end of life, Microsoft will terminate all forms of support and updates. This includes essential updates that keep your systems protected and functioning smoothly. Without these updates, even a well-maintained machine becomes more vulnerable to bugs and attacks.
Here’s what you’ll no longer receive after October 14, 2025:
- Security patches
- Bug fixes
- New features or enhancements
- Official Microsoft support
Once this date passes, your systems are essentially running on borrowed time.
Unsupported Software Is a Security Risk
Unsupported systems are desirable to cybercriminals, who specifically target platforms that no longer receive patches. If your organization continues to use Windows 10 beyond the EOL deadline, it will face a much higher risk of malware infections, ransomware attacks, and data breaches.
This is especially true in environments with sensitive information or where employees work remotely, often on unsecured networks. Antivirus software alone cannot compensate for the absence of core operating system protections.
Lifecycle Completion and the Shift to Windows 11
Windows 10 had a strong run, but Microsoft is focusing all future development and support on Windows 11 and beyond. Businesses that don’t adapt risk being left behind, both technologically and competitively. By proactively planning for Windows 10 EOL, your organization can embrace improved security, features, and long-term support.
What’s at Risk?
Security Threats Increase Rapidly
As Windows 10 loses support, its defenses become static while cyber threats continue to evolve. Hackers actively exploit systems without up-to-date protections, targeting known vulnerabilities that remain unpatched. The risk increases exponentially with time, as more organizations delay the migration and fall out of compliance with security best practices. Even the most robust antivirus software can’t fully protect an unsupported OS. This creates a critical exposure point in your IT infrastructure.
Compliance Violations and Legal Exposure
If your company operates under industry compliance requirements such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI-DSS, running Windows 10 after its end of life poses serious compliance risks:
- Increased risk of failed audits, fines, or legal action in the event of a breach
- Outdated systems may violate security requirements under regulatory frameworks.
- Clients and partners may view unsupported systems as liabilities, damaging trust and reputation.
Protect your business—book a security audit to ensure your systems remain compliant.
Operational Disruptions and Application Failures
Outdated systems can disrupt daily operations as software and hardware compatibility decline. Over time, apps may stop working, devices may fail, and IT teams spend more time fixing issues, often making maintenance more costly than upgrading.
What Should You Do?
Start with a Compatibility Assessment
Before making any decisions, evaluate which devices in your environment can run Windows 11. Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool offers a quick scan, but for organizations with dozens or hundreds of devices, that process isn’t scalable.
Minimum Windows 11 requirements include:
- 64-bit processor, 1 GHz or faster, dual-core or higher
- 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
- DirectX 12–compatible GPU
BTS can run enterprise-level compatibility scans and provide a complete system report.
Upgrade to Windows 11 If Eligible
If your system meets the necessary specs, transitioning to Windows 11 is your best path forward. It includes significant improvements to performance, user experience, and built-in security. Best of all, it’s free for most eligible Windows 10 users.
Benefits of upgrading include:
- Enhanced security with virtualization-based protection
- New productivity features like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops
- Better integration with Microsoft 365 and Teams
It’s a future-proof investment for both large and small organizations. See if your devices are ready for Windows 11 – a free compatibility scan is available now.
Replace or Repurpose Incompatible Devices
Devices that can’t run Windows 11 should not continue using Windows 10 after its end of life. These machines should be replaced, repurposed for offline use, or retired securely with proper data destruction. BTS handles hardware sourcing, data transfers, and safe decommissioning to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
We’re Here to Help
Our End-to-End Windows 10 EOL Services
Transitioning your business away from Windows 10 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At BTS, we handle the entire process—from planning to deployment—so you can focus on running your business.
Our services include:
- Full environment audits
- Upgrade readiness checks
- Deployment planning
- End-user support and training
With BTS, your Windows 10 EOL plan is secure, organized, and efficient.
Minimize Downtime with Strategic Deployment
We understand that uptime matters. That’s why BTS coordinates every migration around your business needs. We plan installations during off-hours or weekends and test systems thoroughly to ensure continuity.
You’ll benefit from:
- Minimal operational impact
- Quick recovery plans in case issues arise.
- Ongoing post-upgrade support
Our process ensures business-as-usual, even during major transitions.
Train and Support Your Team for Windows 11
At BTS, we go beyond the upgrade with interactive Windows 11 training—virtual or on-site—to help your team get comfortable with new features and tools. We provide custom walkthroughs and advanced tips to boost productivity. Support continues after rollout to ensure a smooth, confident transition.
This ensures your investment in new technology translates into real productivity gains.
Can Your Devices Handle Windows 11?
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool
A good place to start is Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool, which helps determine if individual devices meet the basic system requirements for Windows 11. This lightweight app checks:
- Processor compatibility
- Available RAM
- Secure Boot status
- TPM 2.0 support
- Storage space and other system specs
It’s a quick and easy solution for small teams or individual users. However, in larger organizations with dozens or hundreds of devices, this tool can be too limited and time-consuming to use efficiently.
Understand Windows 11 System Requirements
Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements to deliver improved performance and enhanced security. Devices must meet the following baseline specs:
- 64-bit, multi-core processor (2+ cores) clocked at 1 GHz or above
- 4 GB RAM minimum
- 64 GB storage
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled
- DirectX 12–compatible graphics card
These features support modern functions like hardware-based encryption, virtualization-based security, and faster overall performance. If a device doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t run Windows 11 reliably—or at all. Meeting these requirements is critical for long-term usability and compliance.
Let BTS Handle Compatibility at Scale
Manually checking every machine in a large organization can overwhelm internal IT teams and leave room for error. BTS streamlines this process by running comprehensive, organization-wide compatibility checks.
We provide:
- Detailed diagnostics across your entire IT infrastructure
- A custom report showing which devices are Windows 11–ready, which need upgrades, and which should be replaced
- A prioritized migration plan aligned with your business goals, budget, and operational timelines
This approach saves your team time, reduces disruption, and ensures a smooth, strategic transition to Windows 11.
Don’t wait—schedule your free BTS compatibility assessment today and get a clear picture of your Windows 11 readiness.
Don’t Delay—Windows 10 EOL Is Approaching Fast
Continuing to use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, exposes your business to increasing security, compliance, and compatibility risks. Upgrading to Windows 11 offers enhanced protection, better performance, and a more modern user experience. BTS provides expert guidance and end-to-end support to ensure a smooth transition, avoid disruption, and start planning today.
Contact BTS now to schedule your free Windows 10 EOL readiness assessment and take the first step toward a secure upgrade.