The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching fast. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially discontinue security updates and technical assistance for the operating system. Devices running Windows 10 will continue to function, but without updates, they become high-risk: exposed to cyber threats, incompatible with modern apps, and costly to support.

For IT leaders, this is more than a routine software sunset. It’s a decision point about how your organization balances security, cost, and innovation going forward.

Understanding the Risks of Inaction

Operating on unsupported systems carries significant business implications. Common challenges include:

  • Security vulnerabilities: Without patches, ransomware and malware become inevitable threats.
  • Compliance exposure: Regulated industries risk failing audits and losing certifications.
  • Compatibility issues: Microsoft 365 and other core applications will gradually drop support, degrading user experience.
  • Rising support costs: IT teams spend more time firefighting legacy systems instead of driving innovation.

The longer organizations wait, the higher the risk—and the harder it becomes to control costs.

Building a Transition Plan

Migration is not something to leave until the final quarter of 2025. Hardware refreshes, OS upgrades, and user readiness require careful coordination. Organizations that start now can spread out costs, reduce disruption, and position themselves for a secure, modern endpoint environment.

Key Steps for IT Leaders

  • Inventory your devices. Identify which endpoints still run Windows 10.
  • Assess hardware compatibility. Many devices can upgrade to Windows 11; others will need to be replaced.
  • Plan refresh cycles. Older systems that don’t meet Windows 11 requirements should be prioritized for new HP or Dell devices.
  • Develop a rollout timeline. Stagger migrations to avoid bottlenecks and resource strain.

Strategic Options to Consider

Organizations have several ways forward. Each comes with tradeoffs:

  • Upgrade compatible devices to Windows 11. This is the most cost-efficient path, ensuring security continuity.
  • Refresh with modern hardware. For endpoints that can’t run Windows 11, Netsync works with HP and Dell to source secure, enterprise-ready devices with long support lifecycles.
  • Leverage Extended Security Updates (ESU). Microsoft offers paid ESUs for up to three years, but this is only a temporary measure and often more expensive than modernizing.
  • Explore alternatives for edge cases. Cloud PCs or ChromeOS Flex may fit niche scenarios, but mainstream operations benefit most from standardized Windows 11 devices.

The key is to align the mix of upgrades and refreshes with your business priorities. Netsync helps customers evaluate which workloads can be upgraded in place and where a strategic device refresh delivers better ROI.

Modernization as an Opportunity

The Windows 10 deadline isn’t only about avoiding risk. It’s a chance to modernize. By moving to Windows 11 on HP and Dell’s latest hardware, organizations gain:

  • Improved user productivity with faster performance, better battery life, and seamless Microsoft 365 integration.
  • Hybrid work readiness, supported by collaboration tools and reliable Cisco networking that Netsync designs into the overall solution.
  • Simplified lifecycle management using modern endpoint management tools and consistent hardware platforms.

Rather than treating migration as a cost center, forward-looking IT leaders use it as a springboard for greater efficiency and resilience.

The Role of Strategic Partners

No organization tackles this transition alone. That’s why Netsync aligns with trusted OEM partners like HP and Dell to deliver tested, enterprise-grade devices at scale. These partnerships ensure districts, enterprises, and public sector agencies get:

  • Hardware that’s certified for Windows 11 and optimized for long-term support.
  • Streamlined procurement and deployment with predictable costs.

Take the Next Step

Windows 10 support ends soon. Waiting only narrows your options, increases costs, and leaves your users exposed. By acting now, you can build a secure, modern endpoint environment that aligns with both compliance requirements and user expectations.

Netsync helps organizations design and execute end-to-end migration strategies. Our engineer-led approach ensures every upgrade, refresh, and deployment is aligned with your business goals.

Start planning today—before the deadline dictates your options.

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