Firstly, let us look at the official Microsoft Word at the end of support and then unpack options.
“After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.”
So, in the short term, the risk is a bad actor may find a vulnerability in Windows 10, that Microsoft will not fix, increasing the risk that your PC may be compromised. In addition, Microsoft will provide no feature updates, and in the longer term, other applications will move on from Windows 10 support and may cease to function.
What can you do?
1. Ignore it and take a risk. Whilst this may be an option for home users, in the business world you have a much higher risk that a compromised device is an attack vector into your wider network. In addition to penalties if you fail to report a privacy breach because of leaked data, the potential for loss of business, remediation costs and reputational damage makes this a poor option for a business no matter how much additional protection you have by way of network security software.
2. Replace Windows with Linux. Possible, but retraining costs and business applications that are Windows only make the option of going Team Penguin difficult.
3. Run a virtual compute service. This option still has the problem that the end user device is Windows 10. Microsoft are offering extended support on some of their virtual Desktop plans but it is a costly way to deal with a Windows 10 problem.
4. Bend the knee and take extended support. This could be a short-term solution if you need extra time but isn’t a good long term one. It is for 3 years max with the initial USD$61 cost doubling each year (ouch). You still won’t get new features either.
5. Upgrade existing devices to Windows 11 for free. Sounds tempting ……however the requirements Microsoft placed on Windows 11 means even relatively recent devices might not meet them. Besides if your device is 3-5 years old you need to consider if it is worth the labour cost, even if your device is compliant.
6. Move forward with newer, fresher technology. Unsurprisingly this is Microsoft’s preferred option, and it has some merit as Windows 11 was released over 3.5 years ago. If your customers have devices due for a refresh soon bring those forward away from the deadline as there is likely to be supply issues closer to the day and if they have existing recent devices that meet requirements consider upgrading those to Windows 11 based on remaining useful life. The advantage of new devices is they can do so much more including built in hardware support for AI for those that need it.
How can we help?
Acer has a range of business devices, including laptops that are budget-friendly to executive thin and light, Tiny to tower desktops, and workstations for intensive applications such as Computer Aided Design. In addition, we have a good selection of the most excellent monitors to complete the picture – so get in touch with your requirements, and we will discuss options with you.
Final thought – sign up to the Acer Accelerate partner program for even more benefits, talk to us to find out more at acer@bluechipit.co.nz, say Chris sent you.
