Support for Windows 10 ended Tuesday, here’s everything you need to know

Two weeks ago we reported on Windows 10 going end of life and now the day is here, no one has been more vocal on the topic than Microsoft themselves with the announcement of Windows 10 ending (with no wiggle room) and drawing a hard line in the sand for businesses and consumers alike remaining on the operating system past it’s end of life date (October 14^th, 2025) and the news is clear. No more updates for Windows 10 users, and no more support for these devices, at least no more unpaid support.

For consumers alone, there is a workaround to the paid option which we covered in this blog post from August, for businesses the only way to continue support for their Windows 10 devices is to pay for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) which costs $61 the first year and doubles from there. ESU packages must also be purchased sequentially, so if you make it through 2025 and think you’ll just purchase the 2026-2027 SKU this is unfortunately not an option.

For devices purchased 2021 and beyond it’s worth checking to see if the free upgrade to Windows 11 is an option, though it was reported the tool for upgrading was broken earlier this week, a workaround was quickly discovered. A direct link to Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant can be found here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

It may not feel like it, but it’s been 10 years since Windows 10 was released to the general public and quickly became a favorite akin to the popularity of Windows 7. Windows 11 has not been able to garner the same support, with users admonishing what they perceived to be a bloated system update that removed functionality. Reduced battery life, lag, inaccurate and sluggish search capabilities, and UX design flaws all sited as by users still loyal to Windows 10.

However, we would like to highlight some of the benefits of Windows 11, including:

1. Improved Performance and Efficiency
   Windows 11 is optimized for modern hardware with better memory management, faster wake times from sleep, and improved power efficiency - especially on newer CPUs. It also features smarter background task handling for smoother performance.
2. Enhanced Security Features
   Windows 11 enforces stronger security baselines, such as requiring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, providing better protection against firmware and ransomware attacks. It also includes features like Windows Hello, hardware-based isolation, and improved phishing protection.
3. Modernized Interface and Productivity Enhancements
   The redesigned Start menu, centered taskbar, and Snap Layouts make multitasking and workspace organization easier. Integration with Microsoft Teams and virtual desktops adds flexibility for both work and personal use.

From a security perspective alone, Windows 11 is the clear choice, but we know for businesses this is no small investment. That’s why we suggest working with a provider like Valley Techlogic to strategize a migration plan that fits your business’s technology budget without compromising on device quality or incurring unnecessary downtime.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help your business upgrade Windows 11–ready devices and develop a customized replacement plan for those that don’t meet the requirements.

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This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.