Windows 10 End of Life Migration
Are you preparing for the end of Windows 10? IT Strategic can help your business safely and securely migrate to a new operating environment.
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its End of Life (EOL) on 14 October 2025.
As this date approaches, businesses who are still reliant on this operating system must start planning their migration to ensure continuity, security, and efficiency. Organisations that adopt a proactive approach will not only avoid disruption but also position themselves for future success.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
When an operating system reaches its end of life, the software developer ceases to provide updates, including critical security patches. This makes systems running Windows 10 increasingly vulnerable to exploits and cyber threats. For businesses, this can mean heightened risks of data breaches, compliance violations ransomware, and operational disruptions.
Proactively planning for your migration reduces these risks and opens opportunities to take advantage of the advancements in transitioning to Windows 11 or exploring other options for your business.
6 Steps to Prepare your Business for Windows 10 End of Life
Transitioning away from a deprecated platform is not just a technical necessity; it can also be a strategic business decision. Here are six recommended steps to set you on the path to a successful migration.
Conduct a Comprehensive IT Audit
We’ll evaluate your current IT infrastructure to identify any dependencies on Windows 10. IT Strategic can conduct an IT audit across your business to help you be aware of the existing setups and potential bottlenecks that may occur during the migration.Plan for Hardware Upgrades
Some of your legacy hardware will no longer be compatible with the EOL of Windows 10. We can review, recommend and procure new hardware to ensure you can continue to meet your business requirements in the new environment. This may also be a good time to consider transitioning to cloud-based or hybrid solutions for some of your technology, giving you scale for the future.Develop a Migration Timeline
Working backward from the deadline your business wants to rollout the upgrade, our team will create a phased implementation plan and assign a project manager to ensure. Where applicable, this timeline will include planned outages and testing periods to avoid downtime and critical dates for your business.Invest in Cybersecurity
As older systems are always a target for cybercriminals, prioritising the latest cybersecurity measures, including advanced endpoint protection, anti-spam measures, firewalls and the Essential 8 framework - IT Strategic can help you to develop an ongoing plan to mitigate these risks effectively, including cybersecurity training for your whole team.Prepare Your Team
Regularly timed communications with your team will ensure a smooth transition. Let them know why the change is necessary, emphasise how you are mitigating risks and provide advance notice of important milestones and actions you need your team to take to prepare them. Early discussions help set clear expectations, reduce anxiety, and ensure everyone is prepared. Keeping the communication simple, involve the team in planning and encourage questions to help, make the transition smoother for everyone.Expert guidance and continuous IT Support
Partnering with a managed IT provider like IT Strategic ensures expert guidance throughout the migration and beyond. We’ll handle everything from strategy development to hardware procurement and software deployment with IT support on hand to troubleshoot issues that may arise and ease your business into the transition.
Need help with your Windows 10 migration? Talk to us for expert guidance and attention.
The EOL for Windows 10 is a critical juncture and opportunity for businesses to configure their IT ecosystems for optimal operational efficiency. For tailored migration strategies, IT project management and IT support, get in touch with us today.