Microsoft’s flagship operating system, Windows 10, has been a staple for many users since its inception in 2015. However, all good things must come to an end, and Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its EOL (end of life) or EOS (End of Support) on October 14, 2025. 

A Decade of Windows 10

Windows 10 was first released on July 29, 20151. Over the years, it has seen numerous updates and versions, each bringing new features and improvements. The final version of Windows 10, 22H2, was released on October 18, 2022. This version, along with all other editions of Windows 10, will continue to receive monthly security update releases until the end of support date.

What Does End of Support Mean?

The end of support for an OS (operating system) signifies that the software will no longer receive updates. The most important of these being security updates. This means that whilst the Microsoft software will continue to function as it did previously, Microsoft will no longer patch the software for bugs or any security vulnerabilities that may be discovered in the future. Leaving your PC (Personal Computer) vulnerable to hackers and trojans that discover holes in this platform in the future.

What are my Options?

With the end of support for Windows 10 clients should consider one of the following options:

• Upgrade to Windows 11: For users with hardware that meets the Windows 11 requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is the most straight forward and best practice option
• Purchase a new PC: Unfortunately if the current hardware does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, new will need ro purchase a new PC with Windows 11 pre installed.
• Continue using Windows 10: Whilst PIP would never endorse the continual use of an unsupported system. Your Windows 10 PC will still run as usual. PIP will still offer support and managed services to those users. However it needs to be expressed that there is no security protection for these Operating Systems. 

Conclusion – Windows 10

Although the end of support for Windows 10 marks the end of an era, it provides a new platform for those yet to experience the advantages of Windows 11. Business especially will find new technologies and services bundled into Windows 11 and coming into the new Windows 12. Providing seamless cloud integration and centralised management of even the smallest of corporate networks.