Windows 10 is decommissioning soon: What Are Your Options?

Microsoft has officially announced the end of support for Windows 10, set for October 14, 2025. While this may seem like a distant milestone, it’s crucial for individuals, IT pros, and organizations to start planning their next steps now.

If you’re still running Windows 10—currently the most widely used desktop operating system—it’s time to evaluate your options. In this post, we’ll break down what the end of support means, what your upgrade paths are, and how to prepare for a smooth transition.

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What Does “End of Support” Mean?

When Microsoft ends support for a product, it stops providing:

• Security updates
• Bug fixes
• Technical support

That means continued use of Windows 10 beyond the retirement date could leave your system vulnerable to security risks and compliance issues.

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Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11

The most straightforward option is upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft’s current flagship OS. It brings:

• A modernized UI and improved productivity tools
• Integrated Microsoft Teams chat
• Snap layouts for multitasking
• Enhanced security through TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

✅ Best for: Most home users, students, and businesses with compatible hardware.

Hardware Requirements:
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. Notably, it requires:

• TPM 2.0
• Secure Boot
• Supported processors (8th-gen Intel or Ryzen 2000 series and up)

Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to verify compatibility.

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Option 2: Replace Unsupported Devices

If your device doesn’t meet Windows 11’s requirements, it may be time to consider hardware refresh. Microsoft and OEM partners are offering modern devices optimized for Windows 11, cloud management, and hybrid work.

✅ Best for: Organizations with aging hardware and security-first environments.

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Option 3: Subscribe to Extended Security Updates (ESUs)

For businesses not ready to upgrade or replace devices by 2025, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10—for a fee.

• Available for up to 3 years after EOL (until 2028)
• Ideal for highly regulated industries or legacy systems

⚠️ Note: ESUs are not free. Organizations will need to weigh the cost against the benefits of upgrading.

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Option 4: Switch to Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop

For organizations moving toward a cloud-first strategy, Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) can provide modern, secure, and scalable desktop experiences—without traditional hardware limitations.

• Access Windows 11 on any device
• Centralized management
• Built-in security and compliance

✅ Best for: Enterprises, remote workforces, and BYOD environments.

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Option 5: Migrate to Alternative OS (Not for Most)

Some users may consider migrating to alternative operating systems like Linux. While this is technically possible, it is not typically recommended unless:

• You use only open-source applications
• You don’t depend on Windows-specific software
• You have technical expertise in Linux environments

⚠️ Best for: Developers, hobbyists, and niche use cases.

Windows 10 served us well, but it’s time to start planning the next chapter. Whether you’re an individual user or managing thousands of devices in an enterprise, the key is early preparation.

Take time to:

• Inventory your devices
• Assess compatibility
• Educate users
• Build a migration plan

By starting now, you’ll avoid the rush and risks associated with last-minute transitions.