As businesses rely on technology to drive their operations, the impending end of support for Windows 10 is an urgent matter that cannot be overlooked. Windows 10 has been a steadfast part of IT infrastructures since its launch in July 2015—making it a decade old—yet with Microsoft officially discontinuing support on 14 October 2025, it’s time to evaluate your options. Transitioning from Windows 10 may seem daunting, especially with Microsoft’s shift in device support to Windows 11, which excludes many legacy systems. However, the risks associated with continuing to use an unsupported operating system are serious and must be taken into account by all organisations.

This article will highlight the critical nature of migrating from Windows 10, outlining the substantial risks of remaining on an unsupported platform, and will guide you through the most effective migration strategies tailored for businesses of any size.

The Risks of Running Windows 10 Beyond 2025

After Microsoft withdraws support for Windows 10, organisations that choose to remain on this operating system will encounter several significant challenges:

1. Security Vulnerabilities:

Without continuous security updates, Windows 10 will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Cybercriminals often target outdated operating systems, escalating the risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and non-compliance with regulations.

2. Compliance Failures:

Many industries—including finance, healthcare, and legal—must adhere to stringent regulatory standards. Operating on an unsupported OS may lead to violations of GDPR, Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and other compliance frameworks, resulting in potential fines and damage to your reputation.

3. Software Compatibility Issues:

As software vendors update their applications to align with new versions of Windows, businesses still using Windows 10 risk losing access to essential software, leading to operational disruptions and increased IT support demands.

4. Rising IT Costs:

While Microsoft may offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, they come at a high price. Relying on ESUs is merely a temporary solution and not a viable long-term strategy.

Migration Options: Your Path Forward

When it comes to transitioning away from Windows 10, businesses have several viable migration paths, each tailored to different infrastructure needs and budgets:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11:

For many organisations, upgrading to Windows 11 is the most straightforward and advisable option. Benefits include:

– Enhanced security features.

– Improved performance and a modern user interface.

– Better cloud integration, especially for Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.

Considerations: Ensure hardware compatibility, as Windows 11 has stricter requirements, including the necessity for an 8th Generation Intel Processor and a TPM chip.

2. Windows 365 (formerly Windows Cloud PC):

For those adopting a cloud-first strategy, Windows 365 offers a fully managed, scalable desktop environment hosted in the Microsoft cloud.

– Accessible from any device.

– Scalable pricing based on actual usage.

– Built-in security and compliance managed by Microsoft.

Considerations: A reliable internet connection is essential; this option may not be suitable for organisations that operate solely on-premises.

Key Steps for a Successful Migration

To kickstart your migration project, consider implementing the following steps:

1. Assess Your Current IT Environment:

Conduct an audit to identify:

– Hardware compatibility with Windows 11.

– Legacy applications that may need updates.

– Current licensing agreements and potential cost implications.

2. Develop a Migration Plan:

– Prioritise high-risk systems for early transition.

– Define a phased rollout strategy to minimise disruptions.

– Allocate resources for staff training and IT assistance.

3. Implement Security Best Practices:

– Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

– Ensure robust endpoint protection and monitoring solutions are in place.

– Adopt Zero Trust principles to enhance overall security.

4. Engage with IT Experts, such as CTS Group:

CTS Group’s expert IT team specialises in migration strategies that minimise downtime and maintain compliance. Partner with us to seamlessly integrate your new systems into your existing infrastructure.

Windows 10 has served businesses well, but clinging to it beyond 2025 carries significant risks and costs. Initiate your migration planning now to prevent security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and operational inefficiencies. Whether your plan involves upgrading to Windows 11 or utilising Windows 365, success hinges on proactive planning, structured execution, and a forward-thinking security approach.

If your business is uncertain about the optimal migration path, consider engaging with CTS Group to discuss how we can partner with you to support a smooth transition and a strategic Windows migration plan.