End of support for Windows 10

What it means for your company and what steps you need to take now

The end of support for Windows 10 is just around the corner, and companies in a variety of sectors, be it finance, healthcare or industry, need to make sure they switch to a modern operating system such as Windows 11. According to statistics, around two-thirds (67%) of companies worldwide are still using Windows 10(StatCounter Global Stats)(TechRadar), which shows that many companies have not yet addressed the issue. With the end of extended support in October 2025, these companies risk serious security issues if they do not switch to Windows 11 or an alternative operating system.

Important timeline: The end of Windows 10 support

• October 14, 2025: Windows 10 reaches the end of its extended support. From this date, Microsoft will no longer offer security updates, bug fixes or technical support for Windows 10.
• Until 2025: Security updates will continue to be released, but no new functions will be added.

What does this mean for your company?

From October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. This means that new security vulnerabilities will remain undiscovered and patches will no longer be available. Companies that continue to use Windows 10 are exposing themselves to a considerable risk. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to spread malware, steal sensitive data or jeopardize business continuity through ransomware attacks.

Consequences of omitting the EOL (end-of-life):

Staying with Windows 10 after the end of support harbors risks:

1. Increased security risk: Without security updates, the operating system remains vulnerable to hacker attacks. Companies that process sensitive data such as customer data, financial information or medical records are particularly vulnerable.
2. Compliance violations: Many industries, especially finance and healthcare, are subject to strict regulations regarding IT security. The use of an unsupported operating system can lead to compliance violations and possible fines.
3. Unreliability and instability: Applications and software that are optimized for newer operating systems could increasingly work incorrectly or not at all on Windows 10.
4. Lack of innovation: By missing out on modern operating systems, you are missing out on potentially innovative features that could increase productivity and efficiency.

To check whether your computer supports Windows 11

There are two simple steps to check whether your computer can be updated to Windows 11:

1. System requirements for Windows 11: Make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements, including
   • Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
   • RAM: At least 4 GB.
   • Memory: At least 64 GB.
   • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
   • Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot-capable.
2. Windows 11 compatibility check:
   • PC Health Check app: Microsoft offers the “PC Health Check” tool, which automatically checks whether your computer supports Windows 11. Download it here and run the analysis.

Necessary steps for companies

To be prepared for the end of Windows 10 support, companies should take action now. Here are the most important steps you should take:

1. IT infrastructure inventory: Start with a detailed analysis of your current IT infrastructure. Which systems and workstations are still using Windows 10? Which critical applications depend on Windows 10?

2. Upgrade planning: Decide whether you want to move to Windows 11, which is expected to be supported until 2029. Alternatively, you could consider switching to another platform, such as Linux, if this fits better with your IT strategy.

3. Budgeting and timeline: Create a budget and timeline for the transition. Include the cost of software licenses, hardware upgrades (if required) and potential training for employees.

4. Test phase: Carry out tests to ensure that all company-specific applications and processes run smoothly on the new platform.

5. Implementation and rollout: Start with a step-by-step implementation of the new operating system. Prioritize systems that are particularly critical for business operations.

6. Training for employees: It is important to prepare employees for the new software. Make sure that your team is familiar with the new functions and processes.

7. Continuous monitoring: After the changeover, regular checks and maintenance should be carried out to ensure system security and efficiency.

Security risks after the end of Windows 10 support

Companies that ignore the deadline and continue to use Windows 10 after end-of-life are exposing themselves to serious threats:

• Malware and ransomware: Attackers will increasingly target outdated systems, as known security gaps are no longer closed.
• Data loss: Without regular security updates, the risk of a data leak or theft increases. Especially in industries such as finance or healthcare, such an incident could threaten the existence of the company.
• Legal consequences: In many countries, there are regulations that require the use of secure and up-to-date software. A violation could not only lead to high fines, but also damage your company’s reputation.

Conclusion: act now

The end of support for Windows 10 affects companies in all industries. A proactive approach can protect you from potentially costly and dangerous scenarios. Time is running out to make the switch – make sure your business is protected from these risks and plan now to move to a new operating system.

At Leftclick AG, we are happy to help you make the transition as smooth and secure as possible. Contact us to find out more about our IT services and consulting for Windows 11 and other operating systems.