All good things must come to an end. For Microsoft, that means they plan to end support for Windows 10 on 14 October this year. Because there are serious potential cybersecurity implications to no longer being updated and supported by Microsoft, we’d strongly recommend anyone using Windows 10 to consider their upgrade options sooner rather than later.
What will happen in October?
Microsoft has announced that from October they will no longer provide software updates, technical support, or security fixes for Windows 10. Any machine using Windows 10 will still work, but it’ll be at a significantly greater security risk, as vulnerabilities will no longer be patched to prevent easy access to cybercriminals. Would-be cyberattackers know this deadline is coming – they know that it could be the gateway to unprotected devices and your data through malware and ransomware, in particular.
As well as the heightened risk of cyberattack, Microsoft 365 apps will not be supported on Windows 10, which could cause productivity issues if your business relies on them to function. It’s worth also noting that Office 2016 and Office 2019 are also due to become unsupported at the same time, if you’re still using either of those.
If you need more time – perhaps to upgrade your devices to meet the requirements of Windows 11 – it is technically possible to buy a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, but this only protects certain Enterprise Editions (as it’s designed to help big organisations that can’t change fast enough in practice). Our firm recommendation would be to scope out what you need to do to upgrade to Windows 11 as early as possible to meet the October deadline.
How could staying on Windows 10 affect your business?
The risks are significant, including:
- Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks – hackers love outdated software. Without security patches, your systems become a prime target. Even if you have cybersecurity software in place, it’s only as effective as the operating system it’s running on. If your operating system becomes outdated, that opens the door to malware, ransomware, and more.
- Compliance risks – using an unsupported operating system is a significant risk to your data, which could also put you outside of regulatory compliance (as well as causing reputational damage).
- Productivity issues – without regular patches and updates, you’re likely to face extended downtime if things go wrong. If you’re a Neos customer, we’d do our best to get you back up and running, but we could be dealing with something that takes a while to unravel.
- Compatibility problems – software developers tend to phase out support for older operating systems, meaning you might find that business-critical applications you depend on become no longer compatible with Windows 10 (including Microsoft 365). That could seriously disrupt your operations and require further investment to bring everything back into alignment.
What are the benefits of Windows 11?
Windows 11 is packed with enhancements that can improve your business operations, not just add extra features. These upgrades bring:
- Enhanced security:Windows 11 includes advanced security features such as hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection, designed to safeguard data.
- Improved performance:Windows 11 is optimised for modern hardware, resulting in faster boot times, better battery life, and more responsive applications.
- User-friendly interface:The redesigned interface of Windows 11 is more intuitive and easier to navigate, improving your user experience.
- Support for modern workflows:Windows 11 is built to support hybrid work environments, with features such as virtual desktops, integrated Microsoft Teams, and better multi-monitor support.
Steps to take to upgrade to Windows 11
If you’re still on the fence about upgrading, now’s the time to act. If you leave it until September to look at this, you may find yourself facing a mountain of hardware upgrades. We know this will be significant for a lot of our clients because most businesses are heavily reliant on Windows 10 and devices which are incompatible with Windows 11. Here are the steps to start taking now:
- Conduct a thorough audit of the current IT infrastructure to identify which workstations are running Windows 10, giving a clear picture of the scope of the upgrading required. If you’re a Neos customer, we can do this for you.
- Make purchasing decisions if you need to replace any machines to meet the specific requirements to run Windows 11. The more time you have to make these decisions, the better the outcome – you have time to select the right devices at the right price, phase the rollout to spread the cost over several months, and avoid as much disruption to productivity as possible.
- Consider upgrading machines that are Windows 11 compatible but could require extra RAM to meet its demands. Depending on the age of the device, it may be more cost-effective to replace it completely; if it’s a smaller upgrade to hardware, that can be scheduled and managed to maintain productivity.
Don’t sit on this – it’s better to act now
Windows 10’s end of support might seem like a distant issue, but time is ticking. The longer you wait, the more risks you take on—both to your security and your bottom line. By making the upgrade to Windows 11, you’ll not only protect your business from cyber threats, but you’ll also be setting yourself up for a more secure, efficient, and productive future.
If you’re a Neos client, we’ll be reaching out with more information about how to upgrade very soon. If you’re not a Neos client, we’re always happy to talk through the process and the decisions you need to make. Contact us to start that conversation.