Windows 10 End of Life: Are You Ready? Tips & Checklists
Only a few weeks remain before Microsoft ends support for one of the most widely used operating systems of all time. Are you ready for what comes next?
Just over a month left until Windows 10 finally hits its end of life on October 14, 2025. Still running it across your org? You’re not alone. It is the time to make a choice: move forward with Windows 11, extend support, or take another route. In this article, we break down the critical dates, outline your options, and provide checklists with pros and cons for each path so you can plan your next move with clarity and confidence.
End of Windows 10 support: key facts
It’s been a decade since Windows 10 was released, и the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching fast. On October 14, 2025, support officially ends for all editions of Windows 10 version 22H2 — Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise. On the same day, extended support also ends for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015.
For organizations, this is not just a technical milestone — it’s a security and compliance challenge. After this date, no more security patches, bug fixes, or technical support will be available. Any Windows 10 devices still in use will become increasingly vulnerable to new threats, raising the risk of incidents and potential compliance gaps.
More than 45% of computers worldwide are still running Windows 10. Until recently, it was the dominant operating system, and only in June 2025 did the number of devices running Windows 11 surpass those on Windows 10. Interestingly, in August, the share of Windows 11 devices dipped slightly, even as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 rapidly approaches.
Focusing solely on the US, the situation looks a bit different. Windows 11 overtook Windows 10 around March 2025 and has been steadily widening its lead since. However, Windows 10 still maintains a significant presence, accounting for roughly 40% of devices now.
Risks of running unsupported Windows
Using unsupported Windows versions exposes organizations to serious risks. The most critical issue is the absence of security updates, which turns these systems into easy targets for cyberattacks and puts sensitive data and essential operations in danger. For example, in August 2025 alone, Microsoft released 67 security patches for Windows, three of them critical.
Beyond security, outdated software can also lead to compliance issues, increasing the risk of regulatory violations, costly fines, or other legal consequences.
What to do? Your options
If your organization still has computers running Windows 10, it’s time to make some decisions — and yes, the clock is ticking.
- Move to Windows 11
If the hardware allows, upgrade the machines. For devices that don’t meet requirements, consider hardware upgrades or replacements. Costs will vary, but think of it as an investment in future-proofing your IT fleet. - Buy yourself some time with Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Enterprise customers can continue receiving updates for $61 per device in the first year, with renewals available for up to three years (through October 2028). This option gives you breathing room to plan your long-term migration without leaving devices unprotected. - Switch to another platform
Some workloads may benefit from a Linux-based environment, though compatibility, training, and application support require careful evaluation. If replacing devices that can’t run Windows 11, consider macOS as part of a long-term modernization strategy.
While Microsoft is reminding everyone about the end of support from every possible channel, IT administrators face the reality that planning should have started long ago. Whether it’s upgrading to Windows 11, moving workloads into Windows 365, segregating legacy systems on LTSC, or even shifting some workloads to a Linux-based platform, every day of delay adds to both security risks and operational headaches. The time to act is now.
Exceptions
For specialized workloads, such as medical or industrial control systems, Microsoft recommends Windows 10 LTSC editions. These receive support for a longer period, making them suitable for devices that cannot be easily upgraded. For example:
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is supported until January 12, 2027
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 is supported until January 9, 2029
Optional: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 is supported until January 13, 2032
How Alloy helps with migration
Alloy Software solutions make the migration process smoother by giving IT teams a clear picture of all devices in the organization. You can instantly see which Windows 10 PCs are ready for Windows 11 and which require upgrades, making planning much easier.
Using the Network Inventory module, whether cloud-based AlloyScan or on-premises Alloy Discovery, you can create custom data views based on Windows 11 requirements. Filter devices by processor, TPM version, RAM, storage, and other criteria to get a detailed, at-a-glance overview of your IT environment.
In the upcoming version of AlloyScan, a ready-made widget will display an interactive chart of all Windows 10 PCs, clearly showing which devices are ready for migration and which are not. This makes it easy to prioritize upgrades, schedule hardware replacements, or plan phased rollouts, all while keeping IT operations under control.
Move to Windows 11
Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 across corporate environments. For organizations using Windows 365, there’s also the option of migrating workloads to Windows 11 in the cloud with virtual cloud PCs, which can simplify hardware requirements and deployment.
Hardware requirements
Upgrading to Windows 11 is not possible for every computer in your organization. Many older PCs—those from around 2020 or earlier—may lack the necessary hardware, and even relatively modern machines might fail to meet specific requirements such as TPM 2.0 or supported processors.
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, 64-bit compatible
- RAM: 4 GB or more (8 GB recommended for corporate workloads)
- Storage: 64 GB or more
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: version 2.0 required
- Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 9″ or larger, HD resolution (720p)
According to Microsoft script for assessing Windows 11 hardware compatibility, a device is considered capable if it meets the processor, RAM, storage, firmware (UEFI), and TPM requirements listed above.
About TPM 2.0
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a hardware security component that helps protect encryption keys, supports secure boot, and enhances overall system security. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, and it cannot be replaced with a purely software solution. Some older systems may support a separate TPM chip, or you can use virtual TPM (vTPM) in virtualized environments like Windows 365 Cloud PCs.
While there are unofficial methods to bypass the TPM requirement, these are not recommended, especially for corporate environments, as they compromise security and may void support.
Key considerations for Windows 11 migration
Before planning your migration, consider the following factors.
Hardware requirements
Many PCs currently in use may not meet Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 or processor requirements. Organizations can consider upgrading hardware where feasible, replacing devices entirely, or segmenting workloads across different environments.
Software compatibility
Carefully assess compatibility, especially for legacy applications, to avoid disruptions during migration.
New features and adoption
Windows 11 introduces new productivity features, including Copilot+. Users and administrators may be uncertain about their practical impact, so plan for testing and provide user training to ensure smooth adoption.
What is Copilot+?
Copilot+ is an AI feature in Windows 11 that assists with tasks like drafting content, summarizing documents, and automating workflows. Some users see it as helpful for productivity, while others are still evaluating its usefulness. Administrators can enable or disable it as needed.
Key points of moving to Windows 11
- Recommended by Microsoft for corporate environments.
- Works with Windows 365 for cloud-based migration options.
- Requires modern hardware (TPM 2.0, 64-bit processor, minimum RAM/storage).
- May involve upgrades or replacements for older devices.
- Supports new productivity and security features, which may require user adaptation.
Checklist for migrating to Windows 11
Evaluate which devices meet Windows 11 requirements, including TPM 2.0. Alloy can help you here!
Plan hardware upgrades or replacements for incompatible PCs.
Assess software compatibility, including legacy applications.
Test new Windows 11 features, including Copilot+ and Recall, and provide user training.
Migrate systems to Windows 11 according to your migration plan.
A moment in history
Thirty years ago, when Windows 95 replaced Windows 3.1, some users had mixed feelings. Many were excited about the leap forward — a new Start menu, improved graphics, and better multitasking. But not everyone was impressed.
Take, for example, Anthony Martin of the Committee to Fight Microsoft Corp., seen here distributing leaflets outside a downtown Manhattan computer store. He warned consumers not to buy Windows 95, claiming it wasn’t a true “upgrade” and that PCs would require costly additional memory to run it properly.
Enroll in extended security updates
If upgrading to Windows 11 immediately isn’t feasible, organizations can use the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. ESU provides critical security updates and bug fixes for Windows 10 devices even after the official end of support, allowing enterprises to maintain system security while planning a migration.
For enterprise customers, the ESU subscription costs $61 per device for the first year. The price doubles each subsequent year, with a maximum duration of three years. Therefore, organizations can extend support for up to three years beyond the official end of support date. Microsoft also offers some cost relief: ESU is available at no charge for devices that enable Windows Backup with cloud sync, or for devices enrolled through Microsoft Rewards, though these options are more relevant for smaller organizations.
ESU is designed as a temporary measure that allows IT teams to manage updates and maintain compliance while preparing for a future upgrade to Windows 11 or other platforms
Key points of extended security updates (ESU)
- Provides critical security updates and bug fixes for Windows 10 devices for up to three years after the official end of support.
- Enterprise cost: $61 per device for the first year, doubling each subsequent year.
- Free options: Available for devices using Windows Backup with cloud sync or enrolled through Microsoft Rewards (mainly for smaller organizations).
- Designed as a temporary measure while preparing for a future migration to Windows 11 or other platforms.
Checklist for extended security updates (ESU)
Identify Windows 10 devices that need ESU coverage. Alloy can help you here!
Purchase ESU licenses for eligible enterprise devices.
Use Windows Backup with cloud sync or Microsoft Rewards for free coverage where possible.
Plan migration to Windows 11 or another platform within the ESU period (up to three years).
Switch to an alternative
Another option for organizations facing the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025 is to consider a Linux-based platform. Unlike Windows 11, which may require upgraded hardware with TPM 2.0 and modern processors, many Linux distributions can run on older machines, providing stability without costly hardware replacements.
Linux embodies the spirit of freedom and open-source innovation. Many organizations favor Ubuntu or Linux Mint, which are user-friendly and suitable for desktops, while commercial options like Red Hat offer flexible subscription models, often at lower cost than Windows equivalents. Linux also allows for deep customization, letting IT teams install only the components they need, which can reduce maintenance costs and improve performance.
Switching to Linux comes with a huge adoption curve. Training staff, adapting workflows, and ensuring software compatibility can require significant effort, especially in larger organizations with entrenched Windows-based processes. Although these challenges exist, many businesses worldwide are gradually moving to Linux in 2025.
If your organization is already planning hardware upgrades to replace devices that cannot run Windows 11, it may also be worth considering macOS devices. Investing in Apple hardware can provide future-proofing, offering a robust ecosystem and long-term support alongside Windows or Linux environments.
Alloy Software’s ITAM solution with built-in network inventory automatically discovers, audits, and tracks all computers—Windows, Linux, or macOS—plus network devices, giving you full visibility with minimal effort.
Key points of moving to Linux
- Runs on older hardware, reducing upgrade costs.
- Desktop-friendly distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint are free; Red Hat offers paid options.
- Customizable to install only needed components, improving performance and lowering maintenance.
- Flexible deployment for desktops or servers.
- Involves a huge adoption curve, requiring training and workflow adjustments.
- Increasingly considered as part of organizations’ long-term IT strategy.
Checklist for migrating to Linux
Identify which devices and workloads can move to Linux. Alloy can help you here!
Choose a suitable distribution (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Red Hat, etc.).
Test applications and hardware in a pilot environment.
Plan deployment, including training and IT support.
Migrate systems according to your plan.
Microsoft Office 2016-2019 end of support
Alongside Windows 10, several versions of Microsoft Office, including Office 2016, Office 2019, and certain LTSC editions, will reach their end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support.
Organizations can upgrade to Microsoft 365, move to the latest LTSC Office version, or consider an alternative productivity platform.
Alloy products automatically detect software installations, such as Office 2016–2019, and help you allocate licenses, plan updates, and monitor software license compliance across your environment.
Key takeaways
- End of support: Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025.
- Start now: If you haven’t begun planning your migration, act immediately.
- Three options: Move to Windows 11 and replace devices that can’t upgrade, enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU), or switch to another platform.
- Plan carefully: Not all hardware can run Windows 11, so evaluate your devices in advance.
- Use Alloy tools: Alloy Software solutions give you a complete view of your IT environment, showing which devices are ready for migration and which are not, so you can plan your migration carefully.
- Microsoft Office, too: Office 2016–2019 also reaches end of support on the same date, so plan updates or migrations accordingly.
