Platform
Navigating Windows 10 End of Service: Ensuring Business Continuity and Security
Microsoft is a major technology foundation for millions of businesses – but because it is so ubiquitous in organizations, it can make changes and updates time-consuming and intense. While many organizations have already upgraded to Windows 11, many more have not yet begun the upgrade process. If your company has been waiting to make the jump, time is running out to take full advantage and protect your business without disruption.
Windows 10 was originally released in 2015 and has been in the market for 10 years. Microsoft maintains a published software lifecycle policy that outlines when both mainstream and extended support for its products will end; at the end of 2023, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would reach end of life in October 2025.
Read Thrive’s FAQs here for more information.
Windows 10 will enter its End of Service (EOS) on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. This will have a wide impact on daily operations, security posture, and budget efficiencies related to all legacy systems. In the EOS phase, Windows 10 will no longer receive free technical support, updates, or security updates from Microsoft as part of the original subscription.
However, there are options for organizations that still have Windows 10 systems.
Top Risks of Not Upgrading
Waiting to update to Windows 11 creates compounding risks within your environment the longer you operate after October 14, 2025, without it.
Increased Security Vulnerability & Compliance Risks
Microsoft and 3rd party vendors will cease to push out security and other updates, resulting in cyber threat and malware vulnerabilities and potential regulatory compliance gaps.
Reduced Efficiency & Increased Downtime
Due to a lack of patching from Microsoft and 3rd party software vendors, your systems will be slower and prone to errors and crashes, which will disrupt business operations and impact overall productivity and continuity
End of Support Limitations
Your IT team will be left without Microsoft’s technical support assistance and resources for troubleshooting and issue resolution. In addition, 3rd party vendor patching services will only apply resources to currently supported platforms like Windows 11,meaning that your internal IT teams will be burdened with these increasingly difficult duties.
Increased Costs and Budget Inefficiencies
While it is possible to purchase extended support for Windows 10, the period where that is available is limited and the cost increases sharply over time. Microsoft Windows 10 ESUs include Critical and Important security updates for up to 3 years after October 14, 2025 – and the costs double each year. ESUs are only security-focused, and do not include new features, compounding the opportunity and productivity costs to your business.
Future Update Ineligibility
Future software releases and hardware upgrades are designed with Windows 11 in mind and may not be compatible with Windows 10.
Top Benefits of Moving to Windows 11
Windows 11 performance and feature updates enable more productive and secure collaboration and workflow across your business.
Microsoft Support & Enhanced Security Features
With hardware-based isolation, encryption, and advanced malware protection, Windows 11 offers a robust security environment that helps safeguard your business from cyber threats. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, having the latest security features is essential to protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity.
Deeper Integration & Collaboration
Microsoft will continue to drive further integration from their productivity ecosystem into Windows 11. Features such as Teams chats and calls can now be accessed and launched directly from the Task Bar. The conversation opens separately from the main Teams app, reducing the number of windows and clicks needed to quickly communicate with peers. Notifications also appear here and no longer depend on the full Teams app being launched.
Improved Memory Management & Performance
Windows 11 manages resources more efficiently, giving active and in-focus applications more processing power and memory allocation. This enables smoother performance and better productivity outcomes as the user multitasks between applications.
Modern Interface & User Experience
The Windows 11 user interface focuses on streamlining navigation with a centrally aligned taskbar, redesigned Start menu, and features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for easier and more organized windows multitasking.
Redesigned Virtual Desktop Management & Navigation
Virtual Desktops were also redesigned in Windows 11, with the Task View now showing each desktop name and sliding animations to easily navigate between them, enabling users to seamlessly switch and manage their workspaces.
Steps for a Successful Windows 11 Update
Upgrading to Windows 11 as soon as possible will help you avoid last-minute disruptions and will allow you to take advantage of the latest performance, productivity, and security enhancements.
As a trusted Microsoft Solutions partner, Thrive experts recommend the following steps to ensure a successful migration:
- Assess Your Current Setup: Evaluate your existing hardware and software to determine compatibility with Windows 11 (for existing Thrive customers, this can be done through the Client Portal).
- Backup Your Data: Ensure that all important data is backed up before starting the upgrade process.
- Create a Timeline: Plan a timeline for the upgrade, considering factors such as business operations and potential downtime.
- Test Before Rollout: Perform a test upgrade on a small group of devices to identify any issues and address them before an organization-wide rollout.
- Train Your Team: Provide training and resources to help your team get familiar with Windows 11 and its new features
Windows 11 Upgrade Options
Whether you’re aiming to update to Windows 11 before the End of Service deadline, or you’re looking for a grace period as you manage some hurdles, Thrive’s Microsoft experts are here to help.
There are two different device update paths:
- For newer systems with adequate hardware, the easiest thing is to do a system update
- For systems which are older than 18 months old or which do not meet the hardware specifications, the system should be replaced with a new one.
For most organizations, upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for the best security, performance, and long-term support.
Thrive helps you assess your current environment and determine your upgrade readiness with a report on any devices that are not eligible and need replacement. Thrive’s strong hardware vendor relationships provide you with the best equipment options on the market.
Before fully rolling out the upgrade, for large scale deployments, Thrive will run a pilot migration to prove its effectiveness. Once determined ready, Thrive will deploy the Windows 11 Feature Update to the remaining eligible devices and provide remote support during the next business day to help ensure a smooth transition.
After the upgrade process is complete, Thrive will provide a summary of all the devices that were upgraded, which you can review with your account management team.
As part of the overall migration process, Thrive can help activate and install ESUs to cover systems which are in the process of being updated or which will soon be retired. These ESUs are a temporary solution; there is a maximum of three years availability, and it only covers Critical and Important security fixes, not support.
Thrive helps businesses complete their Windows 11 upgrade quickly and efficiently and provides ongoing technical advisory and support – contact us today to learn more.