As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. While it’s hard to say goodbye to the familiar, organisations that don’t act promptly, risk exposing themselves to significant security vulnerabilities and escalating operational costs.
The transition to Windows 11 or other modern solutions is not just an upgrade—it’s an opportunity to future-proof your organisation’s IT infrastructure.
Here’s why this shift matters, and how partnering with a Microsoft-specialist managed services provider can ensure your transition is seamless, secure, and cost-effective.
Microsoft EVP and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, Yusuf Mehdi, said, "We believe that Windows 11 is available at a time when the world needs it most – providing advanced AI capabilities and modern security benefits that customers expect in 2025 and beyond," Mehdi said. "As the world moves with us to Windows 11, we will welcome them with new features, enhanced security, improved functionality, and the familiar Windows experience they know and love."
The Security Risks of Staying on Windows 10
When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, it will no longer receive security updates, patches, or bug fixes. This creates a significant risk:
- Increased Vulnerability to Cyber Threats: Without updates, your systems become an easy target for hackers. Exploits targeting outdated software are one of the primary methods attackers use to gain access to networks.
- Compliance Challenges: Many regulatory frameworks require organisations to use supported and secure software. Running unsupported systems could put your organisation at risk of non-compliance, leading to potential fines or reputational damage.
- Operational Downtime: Malware or ransomware attacks resulting from vulnerabilities can cause downtime that impacts productivity and revenue.
The Cost of Vulnerability vs the Investment in Modernisation
While some organisations may hesitate to upgrade due to perceived costs, delaying the move could ultimately be far more expensive. Running outdated systems leads to:
- Increased IT Maintenance Costs: Keeping unsupported systems operational often requires more frequent interventions and costly workarounds.
- Higher Risk of Data Breaches: The financial impact of a data breach, including recovery, fines, and damage to reputation, often far outweighs the cost of upgrading.
- Compatibility Issues: Older systems struggle to support new software and hardware, leading to inefficiencies and lost productivity.
Investing in a managed transition to Windows 11 not only eliminates these risks but also positions your organisation to leverage the benefits of a modern, secure, and efficient operating system.
Hesitating about the switch to Windows 11?
Some organisations may have concerns about switching to Windows 11, such as:
- Learning Curve: New interfaces and workflows may disrupt operations in the short term.
- Hardware Requirements: Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, which may necessitate upgrading devices.
- Cost Concerns: Organisations may worry about budget constraints, especially if hardware upgrades are needed.
While these concerns are valid, they can be mitigated with a thoughtful, well-planned transition. A managed services provider with Microsoft expertise can assess your current environment, identify potential challenges, and develop a strategy to minimise disruption and cost.
How Core can help
As a leading Microsoft-specialist managed services provider, Core is uniquely positioned to guide your organisation through this critical transition. Our expertise ensures that:
- Your transition is secure and compliant: We prioritise security to keep your data and operations safe.
- Costs are managed effectively: We help you optimise budgets by planning hardware upgrades and licensing strategically.
- Disruption is minimised: Our tailored approach ensures a smooth transition with minimal downtime or productivity loss.
- Future-proofing is embedded: We align your IT infrastructure with your long-term business goals, making it ready for what’s next.
Don’t wait until it’s too late
The October 2025 deadline for Windows 10 end of life may still seem distant to some, but the time to act is now. Preparing your organisation requires careful planning, expert guidance, and a focus on security and cost management. We can help ensure your transition is seamless and your organisation remains secure, productive, and compliant.
Get in touch today for a consultation and help with your transition plan.