Windows 10 EoS is coming soon: what you need to know
12 December 2024
Michaela Gray
Blog,
As we approach the End of Support (EoS) period for Windows 10, the clock is ticking. While October 14 2025 might seem far off, planning ahead ensures your organisation will seamlessly transition to new tech without disruption.
The countdown to Windows 10 EoS is a reminder to evaluate and modernise your infrastructure and processes. Staying secure and maintaining productivity requires careful planning and a proactive approach. Without a solid plan, workflows can become disjointed, leading to wasted time, effort, and resources.
There are several paths you can take to prepare for Windows 10 EoS, all designed to streamline the transition.
What does Windows 10 EoS mean for my organisation?
When End of Support for Windows 10 happens, Microsoft will no longer provide:
- Bug fixes for system issues
- Security patches for vulnerabilities
- Time zone updates
- Technical support
The final version of Windows 10, version 22H2, will receive monthly security updates until October 14 2025. However, specialised versions like Windows 10 IoT Enterprise and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) will follow their own update schedules.
Operating unsupported software leaves organisations exposed to security threats and compliance risks, making it vital to migrate to a modern operating system before the deadline.
What are my options?
When a product reaches EoS, upgrading to the latest version is usually the best course of action. For Windows 10 users, transitioning to Windows 11 is the recommended and least disruptive step.
Windows 11 is designed with enhanced security and productivity features to meet the evolving needs of workplaces across industries. There are three main paths to upgrade:
- Upgrade existing devices to Windows 11 using your preferred tools and approach
- Purchase new Windows 11 devices and provision them using Windows Autopilot for a seamless rollout
- Migrate to Cloud PCs with Windows 365, enabling access to Windows 11 from virtually any device
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Refresh to new Windows 11 devices
For organisations looking to upgrade hardware, modern Windows 11 devices offer enhanced accessibility, security, and user-friendliness. If you plan to upgrade existing devices, begin by assessing their compatibility with Windows 11’s hardware requirements. This can be done using your existing management tools or with the assistance of Windows specialists.
For devices that don’t meet the requirements or are approaching the end of their lifecycle, it’s worth investing in new devices. Partners like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Surface provide a wide range of options tailored to different user needs.
Migrate to Windows 11 in the cloud with Windows 365
Another option for modernising your endpoint environment is transitioning users to Windows 11 in the cloud through Windows 365. This allows employees to benefit from the latest updates while also enabling flexible, secure ways of working.
Microsoft has announced that Windows 365 subscriptions will include Extended Security Updates (ESUs) at no additional cost for Windows 10 devices connected to a Cloud PC running Windows 11. This approach supports cost and sustainability goals by extending the usable lifespan of older devices for up to three additional years.
Windows 365 is particularly beneficial for frontline and shift workers, enabling access to Windows 11 on shared or older devices through the cloud.
Extended Security Updates (ESU’s) for Windows 10
For organisations unable to fully migrate to Windows 11 before EoS, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10. Similar to the Windows 7 ESU program, this subscription service provides critical security updates for three years.
Key details about ESUs:
- Available as a yearly subscription, renewable for up to three years
- Includes critical security updates but excludes new features, customer requested changes, and technical support
- Free for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop customers under specific conditions
Pricing details for Windows 10 ESUs are expected to mirror those of the Windows 7 program.
Talk to us
If you are interested in finding out more about how your organisation will benefit from Windows 11 book your free one-to-one call with one of our specialists by using the booking form below.
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Michaela has worked within the industry for over 11 years, both within sales and marketing. She works closely with the team to support them with all their marketing needs and maintains and promotes the License Dashboard brand.
Michaela Gray
