As you will have heard by now, the Windows 10 operating system will go end of life on 14 October 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, security patches or technical support. One of the most common ways that malicious actors target organisations is by exploiting known vulnerabilities in end-of-life software, which can lead to data breaches, malware infections and ransomware attacks, so if there are any Windows 10 devices still in use across your business it’s extremely important that you take action as soon as possible.

To ensure your systems remain secure and up to date, we’ve been recommending that you upgrade all eligible Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 and replace those that aren’t with a new Windows 11 device. We’re happy to outline the process and help with the transition, which involves the removal of a Windows 11 blocking script that was put in place when the OS was released in 2021 to reduce the risk of any stability or compatibility issues and prevent end users from initiating the upgrade themselves. Windows 11 Readiness Reports can be generated to show the devices that pass Microsoft’s official upgrade check and help you decide which ones are eligible, as well as any that need to be excluded for replacement. Once a decision has been made, a ticket should be logged for our Service Delivery teams to work with you and agree a suitable time to complete the upgrades. The process typically takes around 1-2 hours, requires multiple reboots and can be automated, so is likely that you’ll want to schedule them to happen outside of business hours.

It’s important to note that as we approach the Windows 10 end-of-life deadline, demand for Windows 11 devices is expected to surge. This increased demand, combined with supply chain pressures and the rollout of new AI-capable hardware, is likely to drive up prices and reduce availability. Delaying your upgrade decisions could mean paying more for the same devices—or facing longer lead times to get the equipment you need. There will also be a higher demand on our Service Desk to complete upgrades and set up new machines as we draw closer to the deadline. Acting now will help you to avoid these cost pressures and ensure a smoother, more predictable transition.