October 14, 2025. Mark that date in your calendar. It's the official end-of-life for Windows 10. While it might seem like a distant future, for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), now is the time to strategise your next move. Continuing with an unsupported operating system is a risky proposition, leaving your valuable data and operations vulnerable.
While we here at AFSecure may not (at the time of this blog post) offer desktop support as a service, providing expert security advice is well and truly part of our offering and the transition from Windows 10 carries some significant security implications for any enterprise still using it.
So, what are your options? Let's explore some viable paths forward, weighing the pros and cons to help you make the best decision for your business.
Option 1: Embrace the New - Upgrading to Windows 11
The most straightforward path for many Windows-centric businesses is to upgrade to the latest iteration, Windows 11. Boasting a refreshed interface, enhanced security features, and improved performance, it's the natural successor.
Pros:
- Continued Security Updates: You'll receive the latest security patches, protecting your systems from emerging threats.
- Modern Features and Performance: Benefit from the advancements in user experience, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness.
- Familiar Ecosystem: Your team will likely adapt quickly to the familiar Windows environment, minimizing disruption.
- Software Compatibility: Most modern business applications are designed to be compatible with Windows 11.
Cons:
- Hardware Requirements: This is the biggest hurdle. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. You might need to upgrade or replace older PCs that don't meet the specifications, incurring significant costs.
- Potential Compatibility Issues: While generally good, there's always a slight chance of encountering compatibility issues with older, niche software. Thorough testing is crucial.
- Learning Curve: While familiar, the new interface and some features might require a brief learning period for your staff.
- Increased Ad Intrusion: Some users have reported a higher prevalence of promotional content and suggestions within the Windows 11 user interface, which can be distracting in a professional environment.
- Shift Towards Subscription Model: While not fully implemented, there's a growing trend towards Microsoft offering more features and services through subscription models, potentially increasing long-term costs.
- Forced Microsoft Account Usage: Certain features and the initial setup of Windows 11 now require the use of a Microsoft account. This may not be a problem for medium and large enterprises with a Microsoft 365 subscription, however it is likely to be a problem for smaller enterprises without one.
Option 2: The Linux Leap - A Web-Centric Alternative
For businesses that primarily rely on web-based applications, transitioning to a Linux distribution can be a cost-effective and secure alternative. Various user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora offer a stable and robust environment.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Most Linux distributions are free to use, significantly reducing software licensing costs.
- Highly Secure: Linux is known for its strong security architecture and a lower susceptibility to malware compared to Windows.
- Lightweight and Efficient: Linux can often run smoothly on older hardware, potentially extending the lifespan of your existing machines.
- Ideal for Web Applications: If your core business tools are accessed through a web browser (CRM, project management, cloud storage, etc.), Linux provides an excellent platform.
- Customisable: Linux offers a high degree of customisation, allowing you to tailor the operating system to your specific needs.
Cons:
- Application Compatibility: This is the major consideration. Desktop-based Windows applications will not run natively on Linux. You'll need to find web-based alternatives or explore compatibility layers like Wine (which isn't always reliable for business-critical software).
- Learning Curve: The Linux environment is different from Windows, and your team will require training and time to adapt.
- Support and Familiarity: Finding IT support familiar with Linux might be more challenging than finding Windows expertise. Some hardware peripherals might also have limited Linux driver support.
Option 3: The Risky Gamble - Sticking with Windows 10
The temptation to stick with what you know might be strong, but continuing to use Windows 10 after its end-of-life is a significant risk that no SMB should take lightly.
Pros:
- No Immediate Costs: In the short term, you avoid the upfront costs of upgrading hardware or migrating to a new OS.
- Familiarity: Your team continues to work in an environment they already know.
Cons:
- Security Vulnerabilities: This is the biggest and most critical drawback. Microsoft will no longer release security updates, leaving your systems, your data and ultimately your business vulnerable to new and evolving cyber threats.
- Compliance Issues: Depending on your industry, running an unsupported operating system can lead to compliance violations and potential penalties.
- Software Incompatibility: Over time, new software and updates to existing software may cease to be compatible with Windows 10.
- Increased Risk of Downtime: Security breaches and malware infections can lead to significant downtime, impacting productivity and revenue.
Option 4: The Isolated Fortress - Air-Gapping Windows 10 for Proprietary Hardware
For businesses in specialised sectors like healthcare or manufacturing that rely on proprietary hardware exclusively compatible with Windows 10, a complete system overhaul might not be immediately feasible. In such cases, a carefully implemented air-gapped environment can provide a degree of security.
Pros:
- Continued Use of Essential Hardware: Allows you to continue operating critical machinery or devices that have no alternative software.
- Isolation from External Threats: By physically isolating the Windows 10 system from the internet and other networks, you significantly reduce the attack surface.
Cons:
- Limited Functionality: The isolated system cannot access online resources, requiring manual data transfer via external media (which itself introduces security risks) or complex network configuration.
- Management Overhead: Maintaining a completely isolated network requires careful planning and ongoing management to prevent accidental connections.
- Internal Threats: While protected from external threats, the system is still vulnerable to internal threats (e.g., malicious insiders, infected USB drives).
- Not a Long-Term Solution: This approach is a temporary workaround and doesn't address the underlying security risks of an unsupported operating system. Eventually, hardware and software will need to be updated or replaced.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
The end of Windows 10 support is a critical juncture. Each of these options presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Carefully assess your business needs, budget, technical expertise, and long-term goals.
- Consider upgrading to Windows 11 if your hardware is compatible or you're prepared for upgrades and your business relies heavily on the Windows ecosystem.
- Explore transitioning to Linux if your primary applications are web-based and you're looking for a cost-effective and secure alternative, with a willingness to invest in training.
- Absolutely avoid sticking with Windows 10 on internet-connected devices due to the significant security risks.
- Only consider air-gapping Windows 10 for essential proprietary hardware as a temporary measure, with stringent security protocols and a plan for eventual migration.
Don't wait until October 2025. Start evaluating your options now, plan your migration strategy, and take proactive steps to ensure the security and continuity of your business operations. Consulting with an IT professional can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. The future of your business depends on making the right move.
Remember, if you need security advice for your small to medium business, you can always reach out to AFSecure for help.