Windows 10 End of Life: What Administrators Should Know and Do
Official support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. For IT administrators who manage complex corporate environments, this deadline poses a number of challenges – ranging from security risks to hardware compatibility issues. Together with Roman Usiatycki, Team Lead Service Specialists at EBF, we will show you how IT managers should prepare for the switch—and why it is important to act quickly. You will learn what you need to consider when switching to Windows 11, what alternatives are available, and how to turn this obligation into an opportunity.
Why the end of Windows 10 is relevant for businesses
There are several reasons why businesses need to prepare for a switch:
- Security risks: There will be no more security updates in the future. This significantly increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, ransomware, and other threats.
- Compliance issues: In many industries, up-to-date software is a prerequisite for regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS). Unsupported systems can result in fines.
- Software compatibility: New applications and services may discontinue support for Windows 10 after end-of-life, which can make it difficult to use tools that ensure productivity.
- Cost risks: Although Microsoft will likely offer Extended Security Updates (ESU), these come at a high cost and drive up maintenance expenses.
- Outages: Companies that migrate too late run the risk of facing system outages, performance losses, and a lack of manufacturer support.
Roman Usiatycki explains why it is so important for companies to take action:
“A new operating system not only brings new features, but is also crucial in terms of security. After all, Microsoft will no longer provide security patches for Windows 10 after support ends. And security will become even more important in the coming months, as the end of CVE funding by the US government creates new opportunities for malicious actors.”
Your options for the transition
Companies have several options for the transition and should evaluate them early on:
1. Switch to Windows 11
- Check hardware compatibility with the Microsoft PC Health Check tool to identify suitable devices.
- Conduct an IT inventory: Which devices are ready? Which ones need to be replaced? Make sure to do a phased rollout to avoid interruptions and make sure the transition goes smoothly.
- Opt for a phased introduction to avoid interruptions and ensure a smooth transition.
- Validate the compatibility of business-critical software with Windows 11.
- Evaluate licensing models to find the best model for your business (e.g., volume licenses or subscription solutions).
- Analyze your infrastructure: Are you already using Microsoft Intune and Autopilot, or are you still working with SCCM/co-management?
Roman Usiatycki points out a hardware hurdle:
“There are many companies that use Windows 10 because they only switched to it recently—after support for Windows 7 ended in 2020. And that brings us to another problem with migrating to Windows 11: Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip, which not all devices have. This means that a large number of companies that recently changed their devices now need new ones again. The shortened life cycles pose challenges for many IT departments.”
2. Alternative routes
- Virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI): Use cloud-based solutions such as Azure Virtual Desktop or VMware Horizon 8 for centralized management and improved security.
- Thin clients: Rely on low-maintenance, cloud-managed endpoints and Azure Virtual Desktop or VMware Horizon 8.
- Linux or macOS: Alternative operating systems can be useful in certain workflows—provided they can be securely managed via your UEM system.
- Windows 365 (Cloud PC): Consider a subscription-based, cloud-hosted Windows to extend the life of your devices and reduce dependence on local hardware.
- Extended support: If the switch is not possible immediately, you can use Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a stopgap measure. However, these come with high costs.
Designing the transition correctly
- Plan hardware cycles: Take a strategic approach to replacing outdated devices in order to balance budget constraints and performance requirements.
- Train end users: Prepare your employees for the changes that Windows 11 will bring—from the new user interface to the new features. This will reduce resistance and increase acceptance.
Additional considerations
- Evaluate network and connectivity options: Does it make sense to upgrade to a 5G-enabled laptop on a public, private, or hybrid 5G network to increase security and mobility?
- Switch to device leasing and from CAPEX to OPEX: With hardware costs rising (e.g., for 5G modems), consider device leasing. This could convert capital expenditures (CAPEX) into operating expenditures (OPEX) and give you financial flexibility.
- Assess the security situation: Ensure that you meet modern security standards – e.g., through zero-trust architecture, endpoint detection and response, and multi-factor authentication.
Act now – instead of improvising later
The sooner you start planning, the smoother the transition will be. Evaluate the options, examine potential risks, plan budgets – and start planning your migration strategy today.
Roman Usiatycki emphasizes the urgency:
“Implementing a new operating system usually brings with it a number of challenges that can be mitigated through forward planning. Those who start early can carry out tests at their leisure, avoid bottlenecks, and create space for themselves, rather than having to react under pressure at the end.”
Do you need support in making decisions or implementing changes?
We are happy to assist you—from the initial planning meeting to successful implementation.
