Many businesses rely on Windows 10 for their everyday tasks, but it won’t be long before they have to find a new operating system. Microsoft announced that Windows 10 support will be terminated on October 14, 2025. As a result, business owners are searching for new operating systems they can use that will work just as well as the old one.
However, it doesn’t just take time to find an operating system, but it also takes a ton of time to mitigate. Don’t wait until the last minute to install a new system. Continue reading to learn how you can prepare for Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) and keep your business working seamlessly after the end of support date arrives.
Evaluate Your Current IT Infrastructure
While Windows 10 EOL may seem far away, you don’t want this date to sneak up on you and leave your business scrambling to find a replacement operating system. First, you need to determine if there are any software or programs your company needs to operate and what kind of operating system can support them.
Next, count how many Windows 10 computers your business uses so you know how many will be affected. You will also need to take a closer look at each computer to see if it’s compatible with Windows 11 or whichever operating system you want to use after Windows 10 EOL. This information will tell you if you need to upgrade your current machines or purchase new computers. It’s important to plan for this process in advance so you can budget and use resources accordingly.
Upgrade Your Systems
When it comes to upgrading your Windows 10 computer system, you have quite a few options. Windows 11 is the most obvious choice as it’s free to download for current Windows 10 users so long as their computers meet the necessary requirements. This new version of Windows will likely be the easiest transition for those familiar with Windows software.
If you’ve decided Windows isn’t the right fit for your business, there are plenty of other operating systems available to use after Windows 10 EOL. If you want to stick with your PCs, Linux might be the solution. If you’re looking for something entirely new, macOS or Android are available with their respective computers. Be aware that switching to a completely different operating system will involve a steep learning curve for everyone in your business. If your business doesn’t have the time or resources to train everyone, it may be best to stick with Windows 11.
Mitigate Security Risks Before the Windows 10 EOL
Keeping your data safe during any kind of operating system transition is a must. Regardless of whether you make the switch before or after the Windows 10 EOL you need to have back-ups made of all your information. This way if something does go wrong, your information is protected, and you avoid a major disaster.
If possible, transition off Windows 10 before its end of support date on October 14, 2025. The operating system will still technically work after this date, but it will no longer be protected by the latest security updates or antivirus software. This leaves all your information vulnerable to cyberthreats. Updating to a newer operating system ensures you get the latest security features going forward.
Plan Out Your Transition
Now that you know what operating system you need and how you’re going to implement it, you can start planning out that transition well before the Windows 10 EOL deadline. Develop a comprehensive upgrade plan that includes how many systems will be updated at a time to avoid excessive downtime. Be sure to schedule these upgrades during off-peak times to minimize disruptions to your business.
It’s also a good idea to upgrade a control group of computers before moving all of them over to a new operating system. This way you can test out the upgrades and resolve any issues prior to a full launch. Instead of trying to upgrade all your computers at once and possibly face equipment wide problems, you can prepare for the event and ensure a smooth transition.
Train Employees for the New System
Even if you decide to stick with a Windows operating system, there will likely need to be a training period after it’s installed. Training your employees on how to use your new operating system will help ensure a smooth transition and prevent a major dip in productivity. You don’t have to handle this on your own though. IT professionals like the ones at Strategy IT can provide ongoing training and support for employees so you can focus on running your business. This helps ensure you are getting the most out of your new system even after you have to say goodbye to your Windows 10 computers.
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Start Preparing for Windows 10 EOL Today!
Don’t wait until the Windows 10 EOL deadline on October 14, 2025, to transition to a new operating system. Putting this off could lead to major security risks after Windows 10 is no longer supported by Microsoft, as well as compatibility issues and increased costs in last-minute solutions. Luckily, you don’t have to plan out how you’re going to transition away from Windows 10 alone. Strategy IT is here to help with all of your IT support needs, including finding and installing the perfect operating system for your business. Book a conversation today and start preparing for a seamless Windows 10 EOL transition.
