The end of Windows 10 support; Your 6 available options to consider
As is typical of Microsoft, most of their products and services have a period for which support comes to an end. These products and services range from Microsoft Office Suite, Azure, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Teams, Power BI, Operating systems, and Servers.
Microsoft Windows 10 introduced in 2015 had an end of support date automatically tagged for 2025, which will be ten years after release. After its introduction, it has gained a lot of users across the world due to the user experience it came with. However, as the end of support takes effect officially in October 2025, do you know what to do with your PCs before the day?
You have until almost a year and a half to consider the various options available to you and how this end of support should not interfere with your operations as an organization.
Why will support end for Windows 10?
Support ending for a Microsoft related product or service like Windows 10 will not be anything new. Microsoft has this stance to primarily encourage users to upgrade to newer versions that offer improved features, performance, and security.
Microsoft offers support for its operating systems, including updates, patches, and technical assistance, for a defined period post-release. Nonetheless, with technological progression and the advent of new versions, supporting older versions becomes more expensive, not forward-looking, and complex.
Can I continue to use Windows 10 securely even after the end of support date?
Continuing to use Windows 10 after the end of support date is possible, but it comes with certain risks you should take note of and prevent. Once Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it no longer provides security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. This means that your system will become more vulnerable to security threats over time, cyber-attacks, malware as well as any new vulnerabilities discovered will not be patched by Microsoft.
How long can I use Windows 10 after the end of support date?
There is a three-year Extended support Update option you may want to take advantage of. This according to Microsoft will come as a yearly subscription plan for organizations. You have at least a year more to save up to use this option.
What options are available after Windows 10 end of support?
The end of support for Windows 10 is a significant event for your organization and should not be taken lightly. It has the potential to halt some aspects of your operations that rely heavily on using Microsoft’s OS if the right and timely steps are not taken.
The Operating System technology continues to advance at a rapid pace and as Windows 10 end of support is fast approaching, it is crucial to look at the options available to you and which of them will work best in your case.
1. Upgrade to New Windows 11 Operating System
After the end of support for Windows 10, this is an option that may be considered by your IT and management team. Windows 11 offers a variety of new features and enhancements when compared to Windows 10. Upgrading ensures access to the most recent updates and security patches and promises a more streamlined and efficient user experience. However, it’s important to verify that your device meets the minimum system requirements before upgrading to Windows 11. In the case where your system does not meet the minimum requirements, note that you will experience compatibility issues leading to system malfunctioning.
2. Upgrade using pre-owned Windows 11 Operating System (OS) license.
Upgrading to a new operating system can be a daunting task, and it often comes with a hefty price tag. However, there is the option to consider doing the upgrade using pre-owned or used Windows 11 Operating System licenses.
This is because pre-owned licenses are cost-effective, hence saving on your purchases. With good negotiation, you can purchase the license at a fraction of the cost compared to purchasing it when new. This can be beneficial to you considering that your organization is on a budget or doesn’t want to spend a large amount of money on an OS upgrade. Interestingly, the pre-owned license has the same features and functionality as a new one.
3. Purchase a new computer that is Windows 11 enabled.
This option may not be met with excitement as it will require making money available. Your current budget may not have room for this option and even if it does, in an organization where there are many computers, this will involve huge sums of money. However, with this option, you may want to speak to our team of experts to help you see how you can look at your entire IT estate to see what other options will work best for you.
4. Keep using Windows 10-ignore deadline.
This option is knowing that the deadline period is here, yet choosing to do nothing about the end of support as you plan to keep using Windows 10. Your organization is exposed to security breaches, but you work hoping that it will not affect your PCs or operations.
Your continuous use of Windows 10 only shows that your organization may not be enthused by the Artificial Intelligence component that comes inbuilt with Windows 11. You are not looking at getting your organization up to standard in terms of fast and the most secured operating system for a quicker start up, improved accessibility that comes with Windows 11 Operating System and an environment fit for the modern era of work. You may also want to consider purchasing Anti-Virus in this case to help check threats. Note: we will not advise you to ignore the deadline.
5. Purchase security updates from Microsoft.
Microsoft has made this option available to organizations at a fee as extended support for Windows 10 even after the end of support date. To continue using Windows 10 as an operating system for business purposes, you may consider this. The extended support includes security updates and technical support for an additional three years after the end of mainstream support. However, this option may not be feasible for businesses due to its high cost. If this is your option, note that the Extended Security Update license for your organization will cost $61 for each device for year. The amount then doubles every year for the three years duration of the Extended Security Update.
6. Speak to an independent Microsoft licensing expert.
An independent expert will support and guide you from an unbiased position to make the best decision. An expert understanding very well how the Microsoft ecosystem operates including what it means by end of support, will help you look at your current situation to make the best of decisions. With the options listed earlier, the option that can help you save on spending ideally should be recommended by the expert.
Our team of experts at Q-Advise can help you look at your current licensing agreement to determine if any changes made will still ensure you are compliant with Microsoft terms and conditions. In case you choose to upgrade to Windows 11, will there be the need for additional licenses or what requirements are there in, and this we can advise you on.
Using Windows 11 may require purchasing licenses in bulk as an organization which will require negotiations with Microsoft. Our team of experts can assist with understanding pricing structure and other licensing agreement areas to get the best deals to avoid any hidden costs or fees.
Send our team of experts today an email at, [email protected] lets help manage your license renewals and ensure that you are always up to date with the latest licensing requirements.
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