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Windows 10 End of Life - What It Means and How to Prepare for the Transition to Windows 11

Author: Helen Neudorf Time: 28.03.2025

Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 will reach End of Life (EOL) on October 14, 2025. This means that after this date, Windows 10 users will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. If you’re still using Windows 10, you might be wondering: 

“What does this mean for my computer? What are the risks? And how can I prepare for the transition to Windows 11?”
 

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Windows 10 EOL, the risks of staying on an unsupported system, what’s involved in upgrading to Windows 11, and what to do if your PC doesn’t meet the upgrade requirements.  

What Happens After October 14, 2025?  

After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will officially become an unsupported operating system. 

This means:  

  • Your PC will still function - you’ll still be able to turn it on, access files, and use apps.  
  • No more security updates - Microsoft will stop patching vulnerabilities, leaving your system open to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.  
  • No technical support - Microsoft will no longer help with Windows 10 issues.  
  • Compatibility issues - New apps and hardware may not work properly on Windows 10 as developers shift focus to Windows 11: 
    • New devices, such as printers, scanners, or graphics cards, may not have drivers compatible with Windows 10.
    • RIA (Information System Authority, Estonia) will support Windows 10 in the ID-software for as long as it remains secure and feasible to develop. However, if new security vulnerabilities emerge or development becomes unsustainable, support for DigiDoc4 on Windows 10 will be discontinued.
  • Performance degradation – Over time, your system may slow down and become unstable as it becomes less optimized for modern hardware and software.  

In short, your computer won't stop working immediately — but it will become increasingly vulnerable and unreliable over time.  

The Risks of Staying on Windows 10

Staying on an unsupported operating system comes with serious risks:  

  • Increased Security Threats  - Without regular security updates, your system will become a prime target for hackers. Even if you have third-party antivirus software, it won’t be enough to protect you from system-level vulnerabilities.  
  • Compliance and Privacy Issues  - If you use your computer for work or manage sensitive data, running an unsupported OS may put you in violation of industry compliance standards (like GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).  
  • No Fixes for Bugs or Glitches  - Any new bugs that emerge after October 14, 2025, won’t be addressed by Microsoft. If something breaks, you’re on your own.  
  • Software and Hardware Compatibility IssuesNew apps and hardware will eventually stop supporting Windows 10, making it harder to install new software or upgrade hardware components.  

Transitioning to Windows 11

The good news is that Windows 11 is already available and offers many improvements over Windows 10, including:  

  • Even more secure by default - Enhanced security features like TPM 2.0 and secure boot  
  • A modern, streamlined user interface - Key elements like the Start menu and taskbar have been updated for a cleaner look
  • Improved performance and efficiency - Enhanced response time when in sleep mode, faster web browsing, intuitive navigation

What If Your PC Doesn’t Support Windows 11?

If your PC isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options:  

  • Upgrade to a New PC - If your current machine is not upgradeable, consider investing in a new computer that meets Windows 11 requirements. Most modern PCs released after 2018 will be compatible.  
  • Enable Extended Security Updates (ESU) - Microsoft may offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 after EOL — but likely as a paid service for business users. This would provide some critical updates but wouldn’t restore full support. 

With the End of Life for Windows 10 approaching, it’s crucial to start preparing now. Whether that means upgrading your current system, transitioning to Windows 11, or exploring alternative solutions, proactive planning will help you avoid security risks, compliance issues, and costly downtime. Don’t wait until the last minute — assess your devices, explore your upgrade options, and create a roadmap to ensure your systems stay secure, supported, and future-ready.

If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact us and we will find a solution.

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