How long can I safely use Windows 10?
With Windows 11 launched in early October, there are inevitably some users wondering how long before they have to upgrade. Not everyone rushes to upgrade to a new operating system (OS) as soon as it’s released. This is especially true for businesses running custom software or that need time to properly plan a company-wide transition.
When there are multiple employee devices and a wide variety of business IT systems to upgrade, it can be a while after a new OS comes out before an organisation is ready to make the switch.
But, if you wait too long to upgrade from an older OS to a new one, you could run into security issues. Once an operating system loses critical support, there are no more security patches issued, which means devices will be at high risk of an attack.
Approximately 60% of data breaches are due to unpatched system vulnerabilities.
While there is some overlap built into the Windows lifecycle, where both the new and older operating systems can be used safely, it’s important to understand when that lifecycle ends so you’re not left in a rush to upgrade at the last minute.
What’s the Lifecycle for Windows 10?
Each windows OS has a lifecycle of approximately 10 years. After about the first five years, mainstream support ends, and after the 10-year mark, extended support ends.
Here’s what that means for Windows 10:
· Launch: July 29, 2015
· End of extended support (“retired”): October 14, 2025
If you’ve followed Windows lifecycles before, you may be wondering about the mid-way point, which is called the end of “mainstream” support when it becomes more difficult to get OS support from Microsoft.
According to Microsoft, this is not applicable to Windows 10 as long as users upgrade to the latest version.
On October 14, 2025, when Windows 10 reaches the end of extended support, this means that Microsoft will no longer issue critical security updates for the OS, or updates of any kind.
So, you can use Windows 10 safely until 14 October 2025, however that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to run out the clock because there are other disadvantages to keeping your office running on an older OS for too long.
Why It’s Better to Upgrade from Windows 10 Sooner Rather Than Later
Incompatibility With New Software & Hardware
Once a new operating system is released, software and hardware providers are going to be focusing on that new OS rather than looking backward. If you stay on Windows 10 for too long, this can mean that you run into compatibility issues when you want to purchase new technology.
You could also find that when trying to upgrade the software you are using, you’re stuck on the older version until you update to Windows 11, or you could miss out on additional features that won’t run on Windows 10.
Inability to Install a New Application
If you want to use a new application for your company devices, you may find your options limited if you’re on an operating system that is considered “legacy” and is about to be retired.
Can Lag Behind in Productivity
Your company can end up lagging behind your competitors when it comes to productivity if you don’t upgrade from Windows 10 for a few years. Windows 11 is designed to help daily tasks take less time, including a new split windows layout feature and click to call or chat from the desktop.
You Could Hurt Team Moral
Approximately 34% of surveyed UK workers say they’re not being equipped with the right technology to properly do their work.
When you delay updating to the latest operating system, your employees can feel they’re not being properly supported with the digital tools they need to succeed and can lose morale and become less engaged at work.
You Risk Delaying Too Long & Upgrading Late
While 2025 seems like a long way away right now, it will be here before you know it. If you’re still on Windows 10 when the time rolls around, you may find that you’ve waited too long and have to rush to upgrade. You also run the risk of upgrading too late, leaving your network vulnerable to a data breach or malware infection.
More Difficult Getting OS & Software Support
When the rest of the world has moved on and you’re still on an older OS, support could be harder to find both for Windows issues and any software running on the outdated operating system.
Start Planning Your Upgrade from Windows 10 With BrightSkye
Don’t wait too long to begin planning a company upgrade from Windows 10 to 11. BrightSkye can sit down with your UK business to help you plan an upgrade timeline, factor in staff training, and take care of all post-upgrade testing to ensure everything is optimised on the new OS.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation at 0141 212 2240 or reach out online.
References linked to:
https://securityboulevard.com/2019/10/60-of-breaches-in-2019-involved-unpatched-vulnerabilities/
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows
https://workplaceinsight.net/outdated-technology-remains-a-massive-waste-of-time/