Windows 10 has been the backbone of business IT environments for nearly a decade, but its time is nearly running out. Microsoft has set October 14, 2025 as the official end of support for Windows 10. Even though the change has been on the horizon for a while, it can still feel like the deadline is arriving sooner than expected, especially when day-to-day business priorities take center stage.
If you haven’t yet upgraded, staying on an unsupported system will expose your company to serious risks that could impact both your security and day-to-day operations.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what Windows 10’s end of support means for you and why delaying your upgrade creates risk. We also cover the benefits of moving to Windows 11, and exactly how you can make that switch and transition smoothly, particularly with the support of managed IT services in Calgary and Edmonton.
What You Need to Know About Windows 10 End of Support
When upgrades seem daunting, it’s tempting to wait. But understanding what’s changing with Windows 10 is the first step to making a confident, informed decision. Here are the key facts you need to understand about Windows 10’s end of life:
- End Date: Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
- No More Security Updates: After this date, there will be no new patches or fixes.
- Software Compatibility Issues: With developers now building exclusively for Windows 11, applications built for modern systems may lose performance, compatibility, or even full functionality on Windows 10.
- Temporary Paid Option: Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for organizations that need to extend their use of Windows 10. But this comes at a rising cost each year and is only a short-term solution, not a long-term strategy.
Why Windows 10 Will Become a Liability After Support Ends
When Windows 10 support ends, businesses that continue using it will have to navigate several dangers to their operations. Here’s what you can expect:
- Security gaps: No more patches or updates means every new vulnerability is a potential opening for hackers and evolving cybersecurity threats.
- No vendor support: Microsoft won’t provide help for bugs, crashes, or compatibility issues, and third-party vendors will move on to Windows 11.
- Performance decline: Your system will slow down over time, with more crashes and reliability issues that frustrate your employees and disrupt your productivity:
- Compliance risks: Many industries require supported, specialized software to meet security and regulatory standards. Staying on Windows 10 could lead to audit failures or penalties.
- Missed innovation: Windows 11 brings new features, security tools, and productivity enhancements that won’t be available on Windows 10. You’ll lose your competitive advantage and fall behind without them.
Holding onto Windows 10 may feel like the easier option in the short term, but over time it will become a costly liability for both security and productivity.
What Your Business Gains by Moving to Windows 11
While yes, upgrading your operation system helps you avoid risk, moving to Windows 11 can also massively benefit your organization.’ You’ll get to access new features designed to modernize how your teams work and give them tools that actually help them perform better:
Stronger Security
One of the biggest benefits you’ll experience is the updated Windows 11 security enhancements.
Windows 11 includes features like TPM 2.0 hardware-based security, Secure Boot, BitLocker encryption, and advanced threat detection with Microsoft Defender. When cyber threats are constantly evolving in scale and sophistication, these updates give your business a layered defense against cyber threats that Windows 10 can’t match.
Smarter Identity Protection
With tools like Windows Hello for Business, employees can log in using biometrics or device-based PINs. By making authentication safer (and faster!), you’ll be able to reduce the risks of a data breach tied to weak or stolen passwords.
Modernized Productivity Tools
With Windows 11, your team will tap into several upgrades designed to help them save time, simplify tasks, and focus on their important projects. These include AI-driven enhancements through Copilot, a more intuitive Snap feature for multitasking, and improved File Explorer organization.
Better Collaboration and User Experience
Does your organization operate on a hybrid or remote work model? You’ll love new features like live captions, upgraded video call tools, and immersive sound, all of which elevate the user experience. The redesigned interface is also easier to use! Your employees can adjust to the new environment faster and boost overall efficiency.
Want to know more about why switching benefits you and your business?
How to Transition to Windows 11 Without Stress
Upgrading an operating system always feels like a big project, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, your business can make the move to Windows 11 without the stress or significant disruptions
1) Check your hardware first. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to see if your existing devices meet the requirements for Windows 11.
2) Review your software and confirm the new system supports your critical applications
3) Make a plan for older devices. Decide what to replace, budget for it, and schedule procurement and deployment.
4) Protect your data. Back up your files before you upgrade or replace devices, so your business-critical data stays safe.
5) Schedule upgrades thoughtfully. Coordinating the timing and upgrading in phases helps reduce downtime for your team.
7) Fine-tune after the upgrade. After you install Windows 11, adjust settings, enable key security features, personalize the user experience and provide any necessary training to your employees.
Future-Proof Your IT with PC Corp’s Expert Support
The Windows 10 end of support deadline has arrived. If you haven’t upgraded your systems, any delay will increase your risks. It’s time to take action! And once you do, you’ll see that making this change is an investment in your company’s security, productivity, and future.
For certain organizations with limited IT resources, navigating the upgrade process can feel overwhelming. When you partner with PC Corp for our Managed IT Services, Calgary and Edmonton businesses will enjoy peace of mind through:
- Proactive planning and lifecycle management.
- Smooth transitions with minimal downtime.
- Ongoing support and monitoring for your new Windows 11 environment.
With PC Corp as your trusted IT partner, you’ll not only stay protected, but you’ll also stay ahead.
Ready to get started with your move to Windows 11? Let us guide you through the update. Contact us today.
