Windows 10 support will officially end on October 14, 2025, bringing an era of no more free security updates, technical support, or system improvements. While your PC will still function, running it without support is like driving without insurance—it’s risky and can lead to costly consequences.

If your PC didn’t pass the Windows 11 compatibility test, you’re not alone. Many businesses faced similar challenges when Windows 7 was retired in 2020, with some clinging to outdated systems years after their support ended. Unfortunately, this put their organizations at significant risk of cyberattacks and compliance violations. Don’t let history repeat itself. Here are five paths forward:

1.  Ignore the Deadline (Not Recommended)

Some businesses continued using Windows 7 after its retirement, and many paid the price in downtime, data breaches, and compliance fines. You could choose to run Windows 10 beyond October 2025, but this leaves your systems unprotected against new vulnerabilities.

Without security updates, your devices become easy targets for threat actors. Non-security updates that keep your PC running efficiently will also stop, and technical support won’t be available when things go wrong.

Ignoring the deadline is an option—but it’s one that comes with high stakes and higher costs.

2.  Switch to Linux (A Niche Solution)

For tech-savvy users, replacing Windows 10 with Linux might seem like an appealing way to extend the life of older PCs. However, this route isn’t without challenges.

Key Limitations of Linux:

Line-of-Business Compatibility: Most business applications are designed for Windows, not Linux. While emulators like Wine can bridge the gap, they often introduce compatibility issues, making this a poor fit for most organizations.

Update Dependencies: Linux updates can create dependency conflicts that require expert intervention. Without a skilled Linux administrator, these issues can lead to system instability.

Linux might work for personal use or specialized cases, but for most businesses, it’s not a practical solution.

3.  Upgrade Using a Technical Workaround (A Short-Term Fix)

If your PC failed the Windows 11 compatibility test, there are registry tweaks and configuration changes that might allow the upgrade. However, this approach comes with serious caveats:

  • Hardware Vulnerabilities: Older hardware often has outdated BIOS firmware or lacks security features like Secure Boot or Trusted Platform Module (TPM). These weaknesses leave systems vulnerable to exploitation.
  • Future Incompatibility: PCs upgraded through workarounds may not receive future updates, leaving them unsupported and at risk down the road.

Technical workarounds are a band-aid solution at best, allowing you to squeeze a couple more years out of aging hardware. But if your PC is nearing the end of its life, it’s time to think about a longer-term plan.

4.  Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs)

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for organizations that need extra time to transition. This subscription-based service provides critical security patches for up to three years after Windows 10’s retirement.

Challenges with ESUs:

  • High Costs: For businesses, ESUs start at $61 per device in the first year and jump to $244 by the third year—a total of $427 per PC. For most companies, this cost outweighs the benefits.
  • Limited Availability: ESUs are primarily aimed at large organizations with legacy applications requiring porting to newer systems. Small businesses may find them less accessible.
  • Ongoing Risk: ESUs are not comprehensive updates, and older systems remain on slower update cycles, leaving them vulnerable to advanced threats.

ESUs are a temporary bridge, not a destination. Their pricing structure encourages businesses to transition to Windows 11 or newer hardware sooner rather than later.

5.  Purchase a New PC (The Best Long-Term Option)

If your PC failed the compatibility test, chances are it’s already nearing the end of its lifecycle. A new Windows 11-compatible PC offers the best performance, security, and productivity enhancements for your business.

Why Upgrading Makes Sense:

  • Modern Security: New PCs come equipped with Secure Boot, TPM, and support for the latest updates, reducing your risk of breaches.
  • Improved Productivity: Faster hardware and updated software save time and reduce frustration for employees.
  • Lifecycle Management: A typical PC lifecycle is five years. Ensuring your hardware stays within this window keeps your systems efficient and secure.

Before upgrading, remember to back up your data to avoid losing critical information. With the right preparation, transitioning to new hardware can be smooth and painless.

Lifecycle Management: A Proactive Approach

Proper lifecycle management tracks the age of hardware and software, ensuring systems remain supported and secure. With operating systems like Windows offering a 10-year lifecycle, replacing hardware every five years ensures compatibility and keeps your business ahead of the curve.

Don’t Wait to Decide

October 2025 may seem far away, but now is the time to plan your next steps. Our team of experts can help you evaluate your options and create a seamless transition tailored to your needs.

If you choose to upgrade, our team will work to create a seamless transition that avoids unnecessary costs or downtime. To get started, give us a call at 413-786-9675 or click here to book now.