The Clock Is Ticking For Windows 10: Are You Ready?

If your business is still running on Windows 10, you’re officially running out of time.

It reaches end of life October 14. Which means the end of free support from Microsoft. No more security updates, no more bug fixes, and no more technical help if things go wrong.

Cyber criminals love outdated software. They know businesses delay upgrades and leave themselves vulnerable. Without security updates, Windows 10 will become a prime target for malware, ransomware, and data breaches – risks that could cost your business thousands or even put you out of action.

You could pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU). But with the cost stacking up to hundreds per device, it’s an expensive Band-Aid. And after three years, even that won’t be an option.

Here’s the good news: You can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your devices are compatible. It’s packed with business-friendly tools and has been designed with productivity and security in mind. 

But not every computer running Windows 10 is compatible with Windows 11. Now’s the time to check your devices. 

If you leave it too late, you might find yourself scrambling to replace hardware, train staff, and migrate systems… causing unnecessary downtime and stress for you and your team.

It’s not like your computers will suddenly stop working on the morning of October 14. You’ll still be able to turn them on, open your apps, and get work done.

But here’s the harsh reality: Running an unsupported operating system is a ticking time bomb for your business.

From the moment Microsoft stops providing updates, your systems will become more vulnerable. You could start having software issues, and your IT headaches will multiply.

Here's some of the things to consider:

Right now, Microsoft regularly releases security patches to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities in Windows 10. These updates help to protect your business from hackers, malware, and ransomware attacks. 

On October 14, these security updates stop. And guess what? Cyber criminals know this too.

They actively look for businesses still using outdated systems, scanning for weaknesses they can exploit. 

Without Microsoft’s ongoing security patches, Windows 10 will become an open door to cyber threats, and it won’t take long for attacks to ramp up.

Think it won’t happen to you?

SMBs are prime targets for cyber crime because they often lack dedicated IT teams. In fact, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses – and many never recover from the financial and reputational damage.

A security breach isn’t just a tech problem, it’s a business disaster. If attackers get into your systems, you could face:

Microsoft knows some businesses will drag their feet, so they’re offering Extended Security Updates (ESU)… but at a price:

• Year 1: $61 per device

• Year 2: $122 per device

• Year 3: $244 per device

That’s $427 per device over three years just to keep getting security updates. And that’s without any new features, improvements, or technical support. If you miss any years, you’ll have to pay for them too.

Windows 11 isn’t just a security upgrade; it’s the new standard for business applications. Software developers will abandon Windows 10 in favor of Windows 11. And new applications will be designed to work with the new system. This means:

• Your critical business apps may stop working properly

• New features and updates might be unavailable to you

• You’ll fall behind competitors using newer, more efficient software

Your hardware could be affected, too. Some printers, scanners, and peripherals may stop receiving driver updates, meaning they could become unreliable or stop working altogether.

Ever had an IT issue and needed to contact Microsoft for help? That option disappears on October 14.

If something breaks or a major issue crops up, you’ll be on your own. No more security updates, no more bug fixes, and no more official support from Microsoft.

At that point, every problem will take longer to fix and cost more money… if it can be fixed at all.

Microsoft has set strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, and some older devices aren’t compatible.

The sooner you check whether your computers are ready for the upgrade, the sooner you can plan your next steps – whether that’s upgrading existing devices or investing in new ones. 

So, how can you find out what you need to do?

The fastest way to check if your computers can run Windows 11 is by using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool. Here’s how:

Google “Windows PC Health Check” and download the tool directly from the official Microsoft website. Install and open it on each of your business devices. Click “Check now” to instantly find out if the device is compatible with Windows 11.  

You’ll see a message like this: “This PC meets Windows 11 requirements.” This means you’re good to go. This computer is ready for the upgrade.

Or, you'll see something like this: “This PC doesn’t currently meet Windows 11 requirements.”

This could mean:

• A small setting needs to be changed

• You need a minor hardware upgrade (like more RAM or enabling TPM 2.0, a security chip)

• The device is too old and needs replacing

Windows 11 has higher security and performance standards than Windows 10. To run it, a PC needs to meet the following spec:  

• Processor: 1GHz or faster, at least dual core, 64-bit processor.

• RAM: 4GB or more (8GB+ is recommended for businesses).

• Storage: At least 64GB of free space.

• TPM 2.0: A security chip required for Windows 11.

  Secure Boot: Enabled in your BIOS settings.

• Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later.

• Display: 9-inch screen or larger, with at least 720p resolution.

Most business computers from the last 3–4 years should be compatible, but if your device is older, it might not meet these standards.

If the PC Health Check tool says your device doesn’t meet the requirements, don’t give up just yet. Some issues are easy to fix and could save you thousands in hardware upgrades you might not need.

Common fixes:

• Enable TPM 2.0: This is a security chip. Some PCs have this feature turned off by default. You can enable it in the BIOS settings (although please be very careful if you touch these. Better to ask an IT professional)

• Enable Secure Boot: Also found in the BIOS, this security feature may just need turning on

• Upgrade your RAM or storage: If your device is just short on memory or disk space, a small upgrade could fix the problem.

If your PCs can’t run Windows 11, what’s next? If your devices aren’t compatible with Windows 11 and can’t be upgraded, you have two choices:

Option 1: Stick with Windows 10 and pay for Extended Security Updates (not recommended. It’s not a long-term solution).

Option 2: Invest in future ready devices that can run Windows 11. If your hardware is more than 5 years old, replacing it now makes sense. Not only will you be ready for Windows 11, but your business will also benefit from improved performance and security.  

Remember that ordering hardware and setting up systems can take weeks or even months, especially if supplies run low closer to the end-of-support deadline. If you need to upgrade your devices, start doing it now - don’t wait until the last minute.

If you’re hesitating about making the switch, remember that Windows 11 isn’t just a fresh coat of paint on Windows 10. It’s a faster, smarter, and more secure system designed to help businesses work better.

One of the biggest improvements in Windows 11 is security. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated every year, and Windows 10 simply wasn’t built to handle the latest attacks. 

Windows 11, on the other hand, includes advanced security measures that help protect your data from malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

One of the key security upgrades is hardware-based protection. Windows 11 requires devices to have the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which strengthens encryption and makes it much harder for attackers to steal sensitive data. 

Encryption helps to protect your data by converting it into a secret code that only authorized people can read. So even if cyber criminals get access to your system, they can’t see the information.

Windows 11 also enables Secure Boot, a feature that prevents malicious software from loading when you start your computer.

Beyond these built-in protections, Windows 11 automatically applies stronger encryption to safeguard your files. It uses complex algorithms to scramble data, making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the correct decryption key. 

If your business handles customer information, financial records, or confidential files, these security features are going to become essential. 

Upgrading your business to Windows 11 isn’t something you want to do in a last-minute panic. Put it off until October and you’ll find yourself scrambling to train staff, migrate systems, and possibly having to upgrade devices – all while trying to keep your business running as usual.

The smart move is to plan ahead. A smooth transition means less disruption, fewer headaches, and a more efficient workforce once the upgrade is complete.

So, where do you start?

The faster you can detect an attack the sooner you can stop it – but cyber threats aren’t always obvious. Look out for unusual system activity, fake emails, slow performance, or unauthorized login attempts.  

If you suspect an attack, gather as much information as possible on which systems have been affected, when the issue started, and whether any data has been stolen. A structured incident reporting process helps your team act quickly.  

After containing the attack, you need to remove the threat completely and begin restoring systems. This might involve running security scans, restoring backups, and fixing exploited vulnerabilities like outdated software or weak passwords.  

If customer or financial data has been compromised, legal and regulatory requirements may apply. You may need to report breaches to authorities or notify affected customers.

Once the crisis is over, review what happened. What worked well? What didn’t? Where were the gaps?

Use the experience to update your security policies, improve employee training, and strengthen your backup strategy. Cyber threats are always evolving, so your defenses should too.

By regularly testing and refining your incident response plan, you’ll make sure your business is ready to act quickly and recover with minimal damage if the worst happens. 

Want to make sure you don’t miss anything when you upgrade? Here’s a checklist to help make sure you’ve completed every step:

• Run the PC Health Check tool on all business devices

• Identify incompatible devices and decide whether to upgrade or replace them

• Plan for hardware upgrades (RAM, storage, enabling TPM 2.0) if needed

• If necessary, budget for new Windows 11-ready devices

• Confirm cloud backups are up to date (or set this up if you don’t have a cloud backup)

• Back up all important files, emails, and business documents

• Make sure important software settings and licenses are saved

• Create a system restore point in case you need to roll back

• Check your essential business apps are compatible with Windows 11

• Update software to the latest versions to avoid compatibility issues

• Test printers, scanners, and other peripherals to make sure they’ll work

• Contact software vendors for guidance if needed

• Choose the best time to upgrade (avoid busy periods)

• Plan to upgrade a test device first

• Decide whether to upgrade other devices in phases or all at once

• Make sure IT support is available during the transition

• Communicate the plan to employees so they know what to expect

• Upgrade the test device first before rolling out to the rest of the business

• Monitor system performance after installation

• Check that all files, software, and settings have transferred properly

• Address any compatibility or performance issues immediately 

• Introduce employees to Windows 11’s new layout and Start menu

• Show them how to use Snap Layouts for better multitasking

• Explain the new built-in Microsoft Teams integration

• Highlight security improvements and best practices

• Enable automatic updates to receive the latest security patches

• Review cyber security policies to make sure you’re following best practice

• Set up regular system maintenance to optimize performance