One more year of Windows 10

And just like that, it’s almost half term and Halloween is fast approaching. It’s quite scary how quickly time goes. Blink and another twelve months will have passed, it will be October 2025 and Windows 10 will have reached the end of life.

What does Windows 10 reaching the end of life in October 2025 mean?

It means Microsoft will no longer support that version of Windows. There will be no more security updates or critical patches for it. If a flaw in the software is found, Microsoft won’t be fixing it. This potentially leaves you with insecure software.

You should have moved away from Windows 10 by September 2025

There’s still plenty of time to look at what computers you have in your business and document the ones which are using Windows 10. You can then plan what to do with them and have rolled out that plan by September 2025.

What are your options for computers running Windows 10?

The choices are straightforward. If the computer is compatible with Windows 11, you can upgrade for free to the relevant version of Windows 11. You will need to check that your computer is compatible. In general, if your computer is less than three years old, it will probably be able to run Windows 11.

If your computer isn’t compatible with Windows 11, then you need to think about putting an operating system on it which works for you and is in support.

The obvious choice here would be to look at replacing Windows 10 with Linux. There’s plenty to choose from which are supported and updated, with our recommendations being Ubuntu, Mint and Zorin. You will need to make sure you can work on this different operating system. If you’re 100% Cloud-based on your business systems, then this is a realistic choice (I’m typing away producing this article on a laptop running Linux Zorin). This will save your computer from landfills or gathering dust and means it can continue to be used.

Another option is to replace your computer.

There is an obvious cost associated with this. It might be that the computer you’re using is an antique, and replacing it was something you were considering anyway. If you are replacing the computer, think about what can be done with your existing computer, to save it from landfill. Our recommendation would be to recycle it where possible, install Linux on it, and then donate it to a charity for them to make use of or sell to raise funds.

All of the above options are straightforward and can be achieved easily. With time still on your side, now is the time to think about it and have a plan in place.

Whatever you decide, please don’t continue to use out-of-date software, you’re asking for a Cyber Security issue.

If you’d like to discuss your options for replacing Windows 10 in your business, please contact us at hello@lucidcomputersolutions.co.uk or 01527 908646.

Gavin Moorhouse is the owner of Lucid Computer Solutions, based in Redditch, they provide IT Services to businesses. Want to speak with him about your business? He’s only a phone call away… 01527 908646