Microsoft Will End Support for Windows 10: What NYC and Long Island Businesses Need to Know

Microsoft has announced it will stop supporting Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While your PC may still work after that date, essential services like security updates, technical support, and software compatibility fixes will no longer be available for free. For business owners in NYC and Long Island, this is crucial information, as continuing to use Windows 10 without support could put your business at serious risk.

Why This Matters for Small Businesses

Increased Security Risks
Without ongoing security updates, your business becomes more vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a small business, you can’t afford the risk of malware, data breaches, or system vulnerabilities that come with running unsupported software.

Software Compatibility Issues
Many of the software programs you rely on will eventually stop working properly with outdated operating systems. If you don’t upgrade, you could run into issues where your most important tools become unreliable or stop working altogether.

Compliance Concerns
If your business deals with sensitive customer information or follows regulatory guidelines, running an unsupported OS like Windows 10 could create compliance issues, leading to potential fines or legal problems.

Your Options: Plan Ahead for the Transition

Microsoft recommends users upgrade to Windows 11 before the end-of-life date for Windows 10. However, not all PCs currently running Windows 10 will meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Here’s what you can do:

• Upgrade to a New PC compatible with Windows 11.
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• Pay for Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 (available up to three years but no longer free).
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• Switch to an Alternative OS like Linux.
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• Attempt to Upgrade Incompatible PCs through technical workarounds (though this isn’t recommended).
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• Ignore the Deadline (Not Advised) and risk your business’s security.

Before taking any action, remember to back up your important files to avoid losing data during the upgrade process.

Take Action Now: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Waiting for Microsoft to extend the deadline is not a risk worth taking for your business. Being proactive in planning your transition will ensure you’re protected and compliant. Work with your managed IT services provider to develop a strategy that fits your business, whether that means upgrading devices or paying for extended support. This will minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition.

Need help with the transition?

Our team at Need Tech Inc. offers IT support to small businesses across NYC and Long Island. Schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call with our experts to get started.  To schedule, call us at 718-412-9196 or CLICK HERE