Why Now’s the Time to Modernize Your Workplace
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. That means no more security updates, no new features, and no technical support from Microsoft. While that might sound like plenty of time to prepare, most organizations should start planning now to avoid falling behind.
This isn’t just about upgrading an operating system. It’s about keeping your business secure, supported, and productive as the tech landscape continues to evolve.
What Does End-of-Life Really Mean?
When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, the impact goes beyond just missing out on new features. Here’s what that really means:
- Security Risks
Without updates, any vulnerabilities discovered after October 2025 won’t be patched. That leaves your systems open to malware, ransomware, and other threats. - Compliance Concerns
Many industry standards (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, ISO, and others) require supported, secure systems. Running an outdated OS could put your business out of compliance. - Software Compatibility Issues
As vendors focus on Windows 11, they may stop supporting older versions. You could run into issues with critical line-of-business applications that no longer get updates. - Lack of Technical Support
Microsoft will no longer offer bug fixes or support after the deadline. If something breaks, your team or provider may be left troubleshooting without solid documentation.
Why You May Need New Hardware
One major hurdle in moving to Windows 11 is that not all devices will be compatible. That’s because the system requirements are stricter than they were for Windows 10. These include:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
- Secure Boot capability
- A compatible 64-bit processor (1 GHz or faster with at least two cores)
- At least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of storage
Even if your devices still work today, older hardware may not be able to run Windows 11 at all. That could leave you stuck maintaining an unsupported and insecure OS.
Why Now is the Time to Act
Waiting until the last minute to upgrade could create major roadblocks, including:
- IT teams stretched too thin during a rushed rollout
- Delays due to hardware shortages or budget cycles
- Disruption for users and departments
- Increased risk to data security and compliance
Planning ahead allows you to:
- Take inventory of current devices and systems
- Test compatibility and performance with Windows 11
- Roll out upgrades in manageable phases
- Offer training and support for your team
- Align your OS migration with broader IT improvements
Starting early turns a required upgrade into an opportunity to build a better, more secure workplace.
Need Help Navigating the Transition?
If you’re unsure where to begin, PCI can help. From system readiness assessments to hardware planning and secure deployment strategies, we partner with businesses through every step of the Windows 11 migration.
Let’s talk about how to simplify the process and make the most of your upgrade.