Windows 10 Support Has Ended—Here’s What Your Organization Should Do Next

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10, halting all security updates and technical support for the operating system. While devices running Windows 10 will continue to operate, they now face heightened risks: unpatched vulnerabilities, declining compatibility with modern software, and escalating maintenance costs. For IT leaders, this marks a critical moment to reassess your organization’s endpoint strategy and act decisively to ensure security, compliance, and productivity.

This isn’t just about replacing an outdated OS—it’s about positioning your organization for resilience and innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Stakes of Staying on Windows 10

Running an unsupported operating system exposes your organization to significant operational and strategic challenges. Here are the key risks:

  • Security Threats: Without security patches, Windows 10 devices are open targets for cyberattacks, including ransomware, malware, and data breaches. Just days after support ended, new exploits are already endangering systems worldwide as cybercriminals target unpatched vulnerabilities.
  • Compliance Risks: Organizations in regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, or education face audit failures and penalties for using unsupported systems.
  • Software Incompatibility: Modern applications, including Microsoft 365, will increasingly drop support for Windows 10, leading to degraded performance and user frustration.
  • Escalating Costs: Maintaining legacy systems diverts IT resources from strategic initiatives, with rising costs for troubleshooting and emergency fixes.

Crafting a Proactive Transition Strategy

The end of Windows 10 support demands a structured approach to modernization. Waiting until disruptions occur risks operational chaos and budget strain. A well-planned transition allows organizations to phase costs, minimize downtime, and build a future-ready IT environment.

Key Steps to Get Started

  1. Audit Your Environment: Catalog all devices running Windows 10 to understand the scope of your transition.
  2. Evaluate Hardware Readiness: Determine which devices meet Windows 11’s requirements and which need replacement.
  3. Prioritize Device Refreshes: Plan hardware upgrades for incompatible systems, leveraging enterprise-grade devices from partners like HP or Dell.
  4. Create a Phased Rollout Plan: Spread migrations across manageable timelines to avoid overwhelming IT teams or budgets.

Strategic Pathways Forward

Organizations face several options for navigating the Windows 10 end-of-support milestone. Each has its own considerations:

  • Upgrade to Windows 11: For compatible devices, upgrading to Windows 11 is the most cost-effective way to maintain security and compatibility.
  • Invest in New Hardware: Devices unable to support Windows 11 should be replaced with modern, secure systems from trusted partners like HP or Dell, optimized for long-term performance.
  • Consider Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Microsoft’s ESU program provides temporary security patches for a fee, but it’s a stopgap solution that’s often costlier than modernizing.

Turning a Deadline into an Opportunity

The end of Windows 10 support isn’t just a challenge—it’s a chance to transform your IT environment. By upgrading to Windows 11 on modern hardware, organizations can unlock:

  • Enhanced Productivity: Faster devices, better battery life, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365 empower users to work efficiently.
  • Hybrid Work Enablement: Modern hardware supports collaboration tools and secure networking solutions, like those from Cisco, to enable flexible work environments.
  • Streamlined IT Management: Standardized, modern devices simplify endpoint management and reduce long-term support burdens.

This transition is an opportunity to rethink your IT strategy, prioritizing security, efficiency, and user experience.

Why Partner with Netsync?

Navigating a large-scale OS and hardware transition requires expertise and precision. Netsync, in collaboration with industry leaders like HP and Dell, delivers end-to-end solutions tailored to your needs:

  • Certified Hardware: We source enterprise-ready devices optimized for Windows 11, ensuring reliability and scalability.
  • Expert Deployment: Our engineer-led process handles procurement, configuration, and rollout, minimizing disruption.
  • Ongoing Support: Netsync provides lifecycle management, from planning to post-deployment maintenance, to keep your environment secure and efficient.

Take the Next Step

The end of Windows 10 support is a call to action. Partner with Netsync to assess your environment, plan your migration, and deploy secure, modern devices that empower your workforce and protect your organization.

Contact Netsync today to start building your Windows 11 strategy and seize this opportunity for transformation.