Windows 10 End of Support and the Awesome Business Benefits of Windows 11

Windows 10 End of Support on 14 October 2025

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 end of support takes effect on 14 October 2025.

On the same date, Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10. This is because operating systems like Microsoft Windows 10 and earlier versions will stop meeting the system requirements for Microsoft 365 apps. Office 2016 and 2019 will also reach end of support.

What are the differences between Windows 10 and 11?

Microsoft has built Windows 11 to adhere to secure-by-design and secure-by-default principles. This means several new features and enhancements are available to help your business run more efficiently and securely.

• Enhanced security
  • Inbuilt security enabled by default, minimising the need for manual configuration
  • Credential safeguards, malware defences, and application security that have significantly reduced security incidents
  • Stricter hardware requirements
  • BitLocker improvements for better security and performance
  • Passkey (passwordless login) security powered by Windows Hello and Windows Hello for Business, offering easier and more secure sign-in options, eliminating points of vulnerability
• Redesigned, modern interface that’s faster and easier to use
• Copilot – Microsoft’s AI tool designed to increase your productivity
• Integration with Microsoft Teams right there on your taskbar
• More apps and Android app integration
• Improved support for touch, pen, and voice input – making it easier to work with different devices in different locations
• More support for virtual desktops
• Greater performance with better memory management

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends?

With Windows 10 end of support, Microsoft will cease providing security updates and fixes, technology support, and feature updates.

Microsoft also ended support for Windows 8.1 in January 2023 and Windows 7 in January 2020.

The computers in your network will still work but, because of the security risks, Panoceanic and Microsoft recommend you upgrade them to Windows 11.

The risk of using Windows 10 without support

Computers and other devices not updated to Windows 11 will become vulnerable with Windows 10 end of support.

Each year, cyberattacks grow in volume and complexity. In 2015, Microsoft identity systems detected about 115 password attacks per second. In 2024, that number increased by 3,378% to over 4,000 attacks per second.

The devices and technology you use need more robust and all-encompassing security than they did in the past. A Windows 10 computer may seem to work fine. But with Windows 10 end of support, it’ll be at greater risk of viruses and malware that could destroy not just your computer but your critical business files.

If a Windows 10 machine is hacked due to a lack of security updates, it leaves your whole network of Windows 10 machines open to threats.

Windows 11 helps prevent your network from being exploited. It delivers the security protection necessary in today’s modern workplace by providing:

• Malware protection
  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus and SmartScreen
  • Windows Firewall
  • Bluetooth protection
  • Secure Wi-Fi
  • Azure VPN client
    • Recommended if your business runs in a hybrid environment and/or your employees or clients access corporate data remotely on public Wi-Fi using a secure connection
• Phishing prevention – Windows 11 stops password and network attacks by validating your credentials with a PIN code, fingerprint, or facial recognition
  • Windows Hello/ Windows Hello for Business
  • Passkey
  • Microsoft Authenticator app
  • Find My Device
  • Privacy Dashboard
• Built-in app security
  • Edge
  • OneDrive
  • Family Safety
  • Microsoft 365 Cloud App Security
  • Security from the hardware level to the cloud
• Integration with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), Microsoft Intune, and Defender for Endpoint – Provides a holistic approach to security
  • Enforced security compliance of your organisation’s devices
  • Remote device management
  • AI-powered security
  • Comprehensive endpoint security
  • Seamless single sign-on (SSO) experience when accessing your organisation’s cloud-based and on-premises resources

Windows 10 extended support

If you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 11 when Windows 10 end of support kicks in, you can purchase Windows 10 extended support.

The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides enrolled computers with critical and important Microsoft security updates. You can continue to receive these updates even after support for Windows 10 ends.

Note that the ESU program will not provide feature updates and technical support.

However, Panoceanic recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to benefit from a standardised environment, wide range of features, and security enhancements offered by a more modern operating system.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11

To upgrade your business network to Windows 11, we recommend the following approach.

1. Audit your Windows 10 devices

Auditing your Windows 10 devices before an upgrade helps ensure your new system’s security. A security audit, performed by a qualified IT professional, will identify and address any security threats found on your devices. That way, you won’t take these threats with you when you upgrade.

It might also be a good time for your staff to revisit their filing system and remove any unnecessary files taking up space on their machines or in the cloud.

You can also ensure there’s compatibility in how all devices on your network are configured.

2. Back up your files and prepare your machines

Back up your files

We strongly recommend backing up your files on OneDrive or SharePoint before upgrading to Windows 11.

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service that comes with Microsoft 365 and lets you store your files and data online. You can access it on any device when you sign in with your Microsoft account.

Microsoft SharePoint is a site for storing and sharing business documents, making collaboration easier than ever. All you need is a browser and internet connection.

Windows Backup is a feature that comes with Windows 10 and 11. When you upgrade to Windows 11, and sign in to your Microsoft account, Windows Backup helps you securely save and transfer your files, data, settings, apps, and log-in credentials to Windows 11.

You may need the help of an IT professional to implement your company policy and security settings for these features. Also, for the greatest security and peace of mind, businesses should use a cloud backup service with unlimited space. Panoceanic offers this service as part of our business suites.

Prepare your machines for the upgrade

Update Windows 10

Confirm all the machines on your network are successfully updated with all current security patches released by Microsoft. Do this well before the Windows 10 end of support date to ensure upgrades go ahead without a hitch.

Confirm your computers can run Windows 11

If your computers meet Microsoft’s minimum security requirements, you shouldn’t experience any problems upgrading to Windows 11. The upgrade will be free.

You can check Microsoft’s website to see if your computers can be updated to Windows 11.

Set up Microsoft accounts to transfer your files and favourites

All users in your organisation need a Microsoft account. This account lets them use Microsoft apps and services such as Microsoft 365, OneDrive, SharePoint, Edge, and the Microsoft Store across different devices.

When your staff sign in with their Microsoft account, either on a new device or the same device newly updated to Windows 11, their files, favourites, and data come with them.

3. Create a deployment plan and deploy Windows 11

Create a deployment plan

With a deployment plan, you can schedule when to do the upgrade and select a pilot user to test and identify any potential issues before upgrading all machines on your network.

Be aware that downloading and installing Windows 11 will take longer than regular Windows updates. It’s best to install Windows 11 when the computer isn’t needed, like after work. In your deployment plan, you can schedule the Windows 11 installations for a specific time convenient for you and your staff.

Deploy Windows 11 to the rest of your business

After the pilot user has successfully upgraded to Windows 11 and any issues have been resolved, it’s time to install Windows 11 on all devices in your business network.

Follow the processes you documented in your deployment plan to avoid things going wrong.

Upgrading from Office to Microsoft 365

As well as Windows 10, Office 2016 and 2019 will reach end of support on 14 October 2025.

If your devices already run on Windows 11 or you plan to update to Windows 11, we recommend investing in Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft 365 offers more apps and services than Office, plus the benefit of continuous security updates and new features. You get Microsoft 365 when you purchase a business suite from Panoceanic.

You can also install Office 2021 on your devices. This non-subscription version of Office continues receiving Microsoft support but it doesn’t come with free upgrade options.

4. Post upgrade checks, training, and support

If your business doesn’t have a managed IT services provider, someone with good Microsoft expertise should check that all upgraded machines on your network are running as they should.

The new Windows 11 interface and operating system are easier to use than older versions of Windows. However, your team could benefit from a training session so they know how to use and get the best out of the new and improved features.

Hardware Upgrades

The enhanced security Windows 11 provides means stricter hardware requirements for your devices. This includes Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot.

If you’re using older computers, they may not meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. If your computers run on Windows 10 or an even older version of Windows, and they’re not eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, it might be time to invest in new machines.

Besides the enhanced security and features provided by Windows 11, other reasons to invest in more modern computers include:

• Ability to leverage the latest technology
• Faster and more efficient experience
• Lighter and slimmer machines
• Longer battery life
• Better image quality
• Modern operating system
• Greater overall reliability and security

If you’re ready to invest in a new computer, Panoceanic recommends the following machines:

• Lenovo X1 Nano – Our top-of-the-line solution and ThinkPad’s lightest laptop ever
• Lenovo ThinkPad X13 – The ultimate business laptop
• Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 12 – Perfect choice for upgrading to Windows 11

These computers ship with Windows 11.

FAQS

Is your business ready for Windows 10 end of support?

At Panoceanic, we can supply, configure, asset tag, and provide ongoing support for all your Microsoft and technology needs. We can help you compare Windows versions, upgrade to Windows 11, and select new computers that meet your needs.

Learn how we helped C3 Constructions with their technology, including upgrading to a Windows 11 device.

Connect with Panoceanic today to learn how we can get you started on your journey towards a modern workplace protected against modern threats.