Are you still using Windows 10? It’s time to take action NOW.

When support ends, it truly ends. This means:

• NO more security updates
• NO bug fixes,
• NO assistance from Microsoft if anything goes wrong

While your existing PCs will continue to function, they do so with potentially significant risk effectively putting a target on your back for cybercriminals.

We strongly encourage you to upgrade to Windows 11 and the latest Office software for the enhanced performance and continued ongoing security that it brings.

Failing to upgrade your hardware and devices puts your business at serious risk.

Operating with end of life software increases the chances of your organisation being successfully hacked.  This not only heigtens the likelihood of data breaches but also opens the door to hefty compliance fines.  Your company could easily become prey to malicious attacks that seek to disrupt operations and demand ransoms for data recovery.

What’s concerning is that many business owners are unaware of this upcoming change. A recent survey revealed that 18% had no idea that support was ending, and another 14% had considered it but had not started their planning. That represents a significant number of businesses at serious risk of disruption, data breaches, or worse.

Yes…Microsoft has announced they will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, but these are not free. They are merely a temporary fix, not a long-term solution, and the costs increase each year.

The better option? Transitioning to Windows 11 now, while there’s still time to do it properly and without stress.

Windows 11 is not just the next version of Windows; it is designed to be faster, more secure, and more compatible with the way modern businesses operate. It is built for hybrid teams, packed with productivity features, and includes the latest security tools to help protect against today’s threats.

You will experience smoother performance and better integration with tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Copilot.

The bottom line? 14th October 2025 is the deadline. The longer you wait, the more difficult and expensive the transition will become.

Here is some steps for you to do before upgrading:

1. Firstly you need to check to if your current devices are compatible with Windows 11.  Unfortunately, not all devices that run Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11 so you may need to upgrade your hardware as well. That is why it is essential to act now, instead of waiting until you are forced to make last-minute decisions that could be more costly and disruptive.
   • To check if your current devices meet Microsoft’s Windows 11 system requirements you can easily verify compatibility using the Microsoft PC Health Check tool.
   • If you need assistance with upgrading your devices, TecSec is here to help. By purchasing in bulk, you can save money through our Group Discount Hardware Scheme on any new desktops or laptops.
2. Secondly you need to make sure other software your business uses is compatible with Windows 11. Most modern applications should have no issues, but it’s always good to confirm that key business software will work smoothly after the upgrade. In some cases, you may need to update or upgrade.
   • You should also take a moment to consider the peripheral devices your business uses, like your printers, scanners, and external drives. While these typically work across various versions of Windows, it’s still worth double-checking that they’ll function properly with Windows 11. You may need to download updated drivers or software to make sure everything works the way it should.
3. Thirdly, before diving into the Windows 11 upgrade, you need you back up your data before you upgrade. Your business relies on countless files, from customer records and financial data to contracts and project files. While it’s unlikely that something will go wrong during the upgrade, accidents can happen. Files may get corrupted, or the upgrade could fail mid-process, potentially leaving you with missing or damaged data.
   • A backup acts as an insurance policy, giving you the security of knowing that if anything goes wrong, your business won’t lose valuable information.
4. Finally, plan your migration.  Once your data is securely backed up, you’re ready to start the migration to Windows 11. This might seem like a big task, but with a little planning, you can make the switch without disrupting your business. The key is to approach the upgrade thoughtfully, minimising any impact on your team’s productivity while making sure everything moves forward smoothly.
   • Consider timings: Upgrading your systems during a busy period can cause unnecessary stress, so it’s a good idea to plan the migration when things are quieter, or when fewer staff members rely on their computers. Depending on the size of your business, you might want to stagger the upgrades. For example, upgrading one department at a time can help you avoid a situation where everyone’s systems are down at the same time, allowing your business to keep running.
   • Another important aspect is communication. Make sure your employees know when the upgrade will happen and what to expect. Let them know if there will be any downtime and how long it might take. Clear communication helps avoid confusion and allows your team to prepare by saving any work they’re doing or adjusting their schedules to accommodate the changes.
   • Before you begin the upgrade, make sure that everyone has saved their work and logged out of their systems. This helps avoid any potential data loss during the process. Once you’ve confirmed that everything is backed up and your people are ready, you can start the upgrade.

In Summary:

If you haven’t started preparing yet, please do so now. Ask your existing IT support partner: “Are we ready for the end of life for Windows 10?” If the response is anything but a confident “yes,” it’s time to make a plan.

This isn’t just about upgrading to Windows 11; it’s also about evaluating whether your IT support partner is truly the partner you believed they were.

If you need any assistance at all with the upgrade or with Windows 11 compatible hardware please feel free to get in touch.  As a fully qualified Managed IT Support and Cyber Security risk management company; we are working closely with all our clients to help them with their upgrades.