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CYBERSnippets: TRANSITION – Windows 10 End of Life: What Small Business Need to Know
By: Iain Fraser – Cybersecurity Journalist
CYBERInsights – First For Small Business Cybersecurity

#CyberInsights #CyberSecurity #CyberAwareness #CyberSafe #SME #SmallBusiness #Windows10 #Windows11

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will officially reach its End of Life (EOL) on October 14, 2025—meaning no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical support.

For Small Business, this transition could pose security risks, compatibility issues, and unexpected costs if not properly planned. With many Small Businesses still using older hardware, upgrading may not be straightforward. Here’s what this means for your business and how to prepare:

What Happens After Windows 10 EOL?

Once Windows 10 reaches its EOL, Microsoft will stop releasing:

✅ Security updates – Unpatched vulnerabilities will make systems easy targets for hackers.
✅ Bug fixes – Any software glitches or system issues will remain unresolved.
✅ Technical support – Microsoft will no longer assist with troubleshooting Windows 10 issues.

Your computers will still work, but running an unsupported OS exposes your business to Cybersecurity threats, compliance issues, and potential downtime.

Options for Small Businesses

🛑 Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, but not all Small Business PCs will meet the hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer processors).

🔹 Check compatibility using the PC Health Check tool.
🔹 Budget for hardware upgrades if your computers don’t meet the requirements.
🔹 Test software compatibility with Windows 11 before upgrading critical systems.

🛠 Option 2: Paid Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If upgrading isn’t immediately possible, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee, allowing small businesses to receive critical security updates beyond 2025.

🔹 ESUs are not free and prices will increase annually.
🔹 Best suited for businesses that need extra time before upgrading.

🏁 Option 3: Consider Alternative Operating Systems
If upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t viable, explore alternatives like:

Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Mint) – Free, secure, and great for basic office tasks. Chromebooks (ChromeOS) – Affordable option for cloud-based work. MacOS – Higher initial cost but stable and secure.

Recommendations for Small Businesses

1️⃣ Take Inventory of Your Systems. Identify how many computers in your business still run Windows 10.
Check if they meet Windows 11 hardware requirements.
List essential software to ensure compatibility with Windows 11.

2️⃣ Plan for Upgrades Now
If upgrading to Windows 11, start budgeting for new PCs if necessary. If staying on Windows 10 temporarily, consider ESU to maintain security. If switching to an alternative OS, train employees on new systems.

3️⃣ Strengthen Cybersecurity
Ensure all Windows 10 devices are fully updated before EOL.
Use additional security tools (firewall, antivirus, endpoint protection). Back up critical data regularly in case of cyber threats.

4️⃣ Educate Your Team
Inform employees about phishing risks and outdated software threats. Train staff on Windows 11 or any new operating system. Implement stronger password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Final Thoughts
For Small Businesses, waiting until the last minute to upgrade from Windows 10 could be costly and risky. Start planning now—whether upgrading to Windows 11, extending security support, or exploring alternatives—to keep your business secure and running smoothly.

🛠 Need help navigating Windows 10 EOL? Contact us for expert cybersecurity and transition strategies tailored for small businesses!

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Launched in 2020 by Cybersecurity Journalist Iain Fraser and his team at IfOnly… CYBERInsights was developed to be the go-to platform providing definitive, reliable & actionable Cybersecurity News, Intel, Awareness & Training specifically written and curated for Small Business & Enterprise Owners, Partners and Directors throughout the UK. #CyberInsights #CyberSecurity #CyberAttack #CyberAwareness #Compliance #DDoS #Fraud #Ransomware #ScamAlert #SME #SmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #ThreatIntel