Native IT consultants urge companies to organize for Windows 10 safety dangers

Microsoft will finish assist for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving customers doubtlessly susceptible to safety threats until they improve to Windows 11 or buy prolonged assist, based on the Managed IT experts at Bit-Wizards in Fort Walton Beach.

• Brian Schlechter, Director of IT at Bit-Wizards, mentioned the change will have an effect on hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide, together with companies and residents all through Okaloosa County.

“Microsoft will end Windows 10 support,” Schlechter mentioned throughout a latest interview. “We’re generally recommending people to upgrade before the end date. Whether you’re doing it now or you’re doing it later, you’re going to have to do it.”

The finish of assist means Microsoft will cease offering safety updates for Windows 10, leaving methods uncovered to potential cyber threats. Schlechter defined that this creates vital dangers for customers who delay the transition.

• “The biggest thing is that you’re not going to receive any updates, most importantly, any security updates,” he mentioned. “If any other vulnerabilities are found in Windows 10, unless you’re doing the paid program, you will not get that update, which means you’ll then be vulnerable.”

For organizations unable to improve earlier than the deadline, Microsoft provides Extended Security Updates, a paid program that gives continued safety patches for Windows 10. However, this feature requires extra prices and is just out there to qualifying organizations.

The transition might require {hardware} purchases for some customers. Windows 11 has particular necessities, together with TPM (Trusted Platform Module), a {hardware} part that handles encryption. Users whose computer systems lack these options might want to purchase new gadgets.

Schlechter warned that timing may complicate purchases for many who wait. The October deadline coincides with the Christmas pc shopping for season, doubtlessly creating longer lead occasions even after ordering new tools.

• “The longer you put it off, the harder it’s going to be,” he mentioned throughout the interview.

For companies which have been working with Bit-Wizards, the corporate has been making ready shoppers for over a yr, figuring out which computer systems want substitute and serving to develop improve timelines.

Schlechter mentioned the influence received’t be instantly noticeable however will worsen over time for many who don’t improve.

• “You may not notice a difference in performance for the first six months, but the next six months may show more significant issues,” he mentioned. “It’s not like a switch will flip on that day and render your computer useless just because Microsoft stops support and updates for Windows 10.”

The transition itself needs to be manageable for many customers, based on Schlechter.

“Luckily going from Windows 10 to Windows 11, while there are differences for sure, it’s not as big of a difference as some of the previous jumps in Windows operating systems,” he mentioned. 

To assist customers put together, Bit-Wizards recommends 4 key steps. 

1. Check whether or not present computer systems will be upgraded to Windows 11 with out substitute, as many more moderen PCs might already meet the system necessities. 
2. Backup all recordsdata earlier than making any adjustments to keep away from information loss throughout the transition.
3. Evaluate whether or not present software program will stay appropriate with Windows 11, significantly for companies utilizing older applications or customized software program.
4. Plan a price range and timeline for potential new tools purchases.

For these shopping for new computer systems, Schlechter suggests beginning up and utilizing the brand new system earlier than transferring recordsdata to develop into aware of Windows 11’s variations. He additionally recommends retaining the previous pc for a couple of weeks as a backup.

Beyond safety issues, customers who stay on Windows 10 might face extra challenges. Third-party software program distributors, together with firms like Adobe, might cease offering assist for applications operating on the outdated working system. Even widely-used purposes like Google Chrome might ultimately cease guaranteeing compatibility with Windows 10.

The finish of assist additionally poses compliance dangers for regulated industries equivalent to healthcare and authorities companies that should keep present safety requirements to fulfill necessities like HIPAA and SOC compliance.

• Windows 11 provides enhanced safety features and integrates extra intently with Microsoft Office 365 and AI instruments like Copilot. The new working system gives improved cybersecurity capabilities and new AI functionalities for customers who depend on these instruments.

Natalie Ewing, Lead Content Specialist at Bit-Wizards, famous that end-of-life bulletins are routine within the expertise trade. Windows 8.1 reached its finish of life in January 2023, following Microsoft’s commonplace lifecycle coverage that has been in place for the reason that firm set its first end-of-life date for Windows 1.0 in 2001. 

For companies with a number of gadgets requiring substitute, the native IT consultants recommend scheduling upgrades in phases. If sellers provide reductions on bigger orders, firms ought to take into account changing tools in fewer steps to benefit from bulk pricing. 

Bit-Wizards gives managed IT companies to assist native companies navigate the transition and different expertise challenges. The firm has printed steerage supplies on its web site here to help with the Windows 11 improve progress.