Tag: windows 10 eol

  • Planning a tech refresh ahead of the Windows 10 support ending? Here are our six best strategies

    Planning a tech refresh ahead of the Windows 10 support ending? Here are our six best strategies

    Microsoft officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. While that may sound far away, businesses that rely on Windows 10 across their devices need to start planning now. Waiting until the last minute can mean rushed decisions, unexpected costs, and potential downtime, which is something no organization wants.

    At Valley Techlogic, we’ve helped countless Central Valley businesses through smooth technology transitions, and we know how important it is to plan ahead. If your company is still running Windows 10, here are our six best strategies for preparing your tech refresh.

    1. Take Inventory of Your Current Environment

    Start by identifying which machines are still running Windows 10 and which may already be compatible with Windows 11. This step helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and ensures you only upgrade what’s needed. An inventory audit can also uncover outdated hardware, unsupported software, or security gaps.

    1. Evaluate Hardware Readiness

    Not every device that runs Windows 10 will support Windows 11. Requirements like TPM 2.0 and specific processor generations may prevent older PCs from upgrading. If your business has hardware that won’t make the cut, it’s best to plan replacements now, rather than scrambling in 2025.

    1. Budget and Phase Your Refresh

    Replacing or upgrading multiple devices at once can be expensive. By starting early, you can phase in new equipment over time, spreading out costs and minimizing disruption.

    1. Consider Cloud and Virtualization Options

    For some businesses, moving workloads to the cloud or implementing virtual desktops can reduce reliance on on-site hardware. Utilizing a service like Windows 365 (a cloud PC option) could be a more cost-effective solution than replacing every PC.

    1. Strengthen Security Along the Way

    End of support also means no more security updates from Microsoft. That makes staying on Windows 10 after October 2025 a serious risk. As you refresh your devices, it’s also a good time to review your company’s cyber security landscape, from endpoint protection and email security to backups and multi-factor authentication.

    1. Partner With an IT Provider for a Smooth Transition

    Technology refreshes are complex, especially when tied to a major operating system change. An experienced partner like Valley Techlogic can guide you through the process, ensuring you select the right devices, configure them correctly, and migrate your data without downtime.

    Don’t Wait Until October. The sooner you start planning your Windows 10 exit, the smoother your business will transition. Whether it’s a phased rollout of new PCs, upgrading to Windows 11, or exploring cloud options, Valley Techlogic can help your business stay secure, productive, and ahead of the curve.

    Are you ready to start your tech refresh plan? Contact Valley Techlogic for a free consultation today and let’s make your upgrade stress-free.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    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/.

  • Not ready for Windows 11? Microsoft has announced it’s possible to get free security updates for Windows 10 for a year – but there’s a catch

    Not ready for Windows 11? Microsoft has announced it’s possible to get free security updates for Windows 10 for a year – but there’s a catch

    Microsoft’s end-of-support date for Windows 10 is fast approaching: October 14th, 2025. After this date, regular security updates for Windows 10 will stop, leaving devices potentially exposed to cyber threats.

    But there’s new information that gives businesses a little breathing room. Microsoft has announced that it will offer free security updates for Windows 10 users for one additional year, providing some temporary relief for those not ready to migrate to Windows 11. However, before you put your upgrade plans on pause, you need to understand the catch.

    Historically, when Microsoft ends support for an operating system, businesses must either upgrade to a newer version or pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) to keep receiving critical patches. With this announcement, Microsoft is giving users a 12-month extension of free ESUs, allowing them to continue receiving vital security updates through October 2026.

    This is particularly helpful for organizations that:

    • Rely on legacy applications that don’t play well with Windows 11
    • Have hardware not yet compatible with the new OS
    • Need extra time to budget, plan, and test a smooth transition

    However, there is a catch for redeeming the free offer, you need to do one of the following steps:

    • Pay $30 in local currency.
    • Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud.
    • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

    So this offer is only free if you utilize Windows Backup or have Microsoft points to redeem, otherwise it’s $30 which is still less than the $61 per user that was originally reported by Microsoft (and us).

    Also, while this free security patch extension buys time, it is not a long-term solution. Once the grace period ends, businesses will need to:

    • Upgrade to Windows 11 or beyond
    • Pay for extended security updates beyond the free year
    • Risk running unsupported devices that are vulnerable to cyberattacks

    It’s also important to note that Microsoft has not promised feature updates or full support during this period, only essential security patches. Outdated software and hardware may still experience compatibility and performance issues, leaving businesses at a disadvantage compared to those who make the switch sooner.

    Microsoft’s free Windows 10 security updates for an extra year are a welcome reprieve, but they’re not a permanent fix. The safest, most cost-effective path forward is to start planning your Windows 11 migration now, rather than waiting for the clock to run out. Contact Valley Techlogic today to schedule your Windows 11 readiness assessment and avoid the risks of running unsupported systems.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    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/.

  • Windows 10 reaches EOL October 2025, and those who don’t upgrade may have to pay

    Windows 10 reaches EOL October 2025, and those who don’t upgrade may have to pay

    Windows operating system end of life events are a big deal, with 1.6 billion active Windows devices as of 2024 Microsoft still holds a commanding lead over any other operating system provider. Even though Windows 11 was released almost 4 years ago at this point, it still only represents 28% of the global Windows market share (with 70% still using Windows 10).

    There are a lot of reasons for this, from users being comfortable with the Windows 10 interface to many devices that simply aren’t Windows 11 ready (interested in a Windows 11 device in 2025? Here’s our guide).

    Users hanging onto a previous version of Windows until the bitter end is nothing new for Microsoft, Windows 7 still had a 12% market share when Windows 11 was released October 2021 (almost 2 years since it’s own EOL date occurred).

    In the past, Microsoft has released critical security updates even for systems no longer receiving support. Users could also purchase optional extended support plans for devices that can’t be upgraded for one reason or another (the keyword being “optional”).

    Now Microsoft has announced for the first time ever that consumers looking to extend the life of their Windows 10 devices – or just remain on the operating system they prefer – will have to $30 for a single year of Extended Security Updates (ESU).

    Businesses will be charged even more for ESU, $61 for the first year with the price increasing steeply every year beyond 2025 – $122 for the second year and $244 for the third year respectively. This does not grant Windows 10 users the ability to receive support from Microsoft for these devices, it only means they will still receive critical and important security updates.

    Microsoft has been pushing Windows 11 adoption and we will likely see a stronger market share as consumers replace older devices especially as more AI ready devices become available on the market and Microsoft users look to also take advantage of Co-Pilot.

    There are also some compelling reasons not to use a device that’s reached EOL that go beyond user preference (and the first is covered by this article):

    1. Lack of Security Updates: EOL devices no longer receive critical security patches, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks and malware.
    2. Compliance Risks: Using outdated devices can lead to non-compliance with industry regulations, potentially resulting in fines or reputational damage.
    3. Performance Issues: EOL devices may struggle with newer applications and workloads, leading to inefficiencies and reduced productivity.
    4. Increased Maintenance Costs: Aging hardware is more prone to failures and often requires costly repairs or workarounds to maintain functionality.

    If navigating Windows 10 EOL in your office in 2025 keeps you awake at night, Valley Techlogic can assist. Whether it be evaluating whether your office devices are Windows 11 ready or procurement assistance, we are experts at helping our clients make strategic choices in the technology hardware used by their business. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    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 Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • When is the best time to buy a new laptop? Plus our top laptop picks by category for 2024

    When is the best time to buy a new laptop? Plus our top laptop picks by category for 2024

    With Amazon’s Prime Day starting next Tuesday we know a lot of people will be interested in taking advantage of any laptop sales the e-commerce giant will have available to refresh an older device or bump up to better hardware, but is this the best time to buy a new laptop?

    There are actually several times throughout the year we see laptop (and devices in general) sales spike, including:

    1. Back-to-School Season (July to September): Retailers often offer discounts to attract students and parents preparing for the school year.
    2. Holiday Sales (November to December): Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) offer significant discounts. Christmas and New Year sales can also be a good time to find deals.
    3. New Model Releases: New laptop models are usually released in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). Purchasing a laptop just before or right after new models are released can lead to discounts on older models.
    4. End of Financial Quarters: Retailers and manufacturers may offer discounts at the end of March, June, September, and December to meet sales targets.
    5. Annual Tech Events: Pay attention to major tech events like CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in January. After such events, you might see price drops on older models.

    For Windows devices in particular, we often see a lot of new releases coming around in October when Windows big feature updates for the year typically drops (and if you’re still on Windows 10 which reaches end of life October of next year, this is a great time to upgrade to a Windows 11 or Windows 11 ready device).

    For our personal laptop recommendations, we’re both a Lenovo and Dell partner and recommend the following from each brand, first from Lenovo:

    1. Best 2-in-1: The Lenovo Yoga 7 functions in both laptop and tablet mode and is a great option for creative roles with it’s built in stylus and faster processor.
    2. Best Daily Driver: The Lenovo ThinkPad is an all-around great day to day model with long battery life and rugged components (especially if you spend a little more for the T series models).
    3. Best Workhorse: The Lenovo X1 Carbon is designed with business use in mind and the hardware can be upgraded for even the most demanding load with options for more RAM, faster processors and high powered video cards that will make this laptop work as hard as you do.

    If Dell is your favored brand we have a couple of recommendations for them as well:

    1. Best 2-in-1: In the 2-in-1 category from Dell we have the Dell Latitude, Dell even one ups Lenovo with the ability to fully go tablet mode and remove the keyboard entirely while keeping the same impressive performance capabilities.
    2. Best Workstation: The Dell Precision is Dell’s daily work model, with the focus spent here on providing just enough power to complete all your daily tasks and in whatever form factor you prefer (this model ranges from a travel sized 14 inches up to 17 inches for better viewing capabilities).

    While these are just some of our recommendations in a nutshell, Valley Techlogic clients receive the benefits of our procurement services which include helping them select a device that’s perfect for them and their workflow down to the smallest detail. If you would like to know how Valley Techlogic can assist you with making hardware choices for your business and more, schedule a consultation with us today.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    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 Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.