What Your Business Must Do Before October 14, 2025
Time’s almost up for Windows 10.
The good news? You’ve still got time. But you don’t have much and the companies that wait until the last minute will be stuck scrambling for hardware, licenses, and IT time.
Let’s break down what this means, why you should act now, and how Total PC can help you upgrade smoothly and affordably.
Why This Change Matters More Than You Think
When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it’s not just a polite “sunset”, it’s a hard stop on the security updates that protect your business from evolving threats.
- Over 70% of PCs Still Use Windows 10
As of mid-2025, more than 7 out of 10 Windows PCs are still on Windows 10. That means millions of unpatched machines will be floating around by Q4 2025, making them prime hunting grounds for ransomware, malware, and phishing exploits.
- Compliance and Cyber Insurance Require Supported Platforms
If your business is in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, or retail, you already know: many compliance frameworks and cyber insurance policies explicitly require that all systems run on supported operating systems.
Failing to upgrade could mean losing coverage or failing an audit.
- Unpatched = Unprotected
It doesn’t matter how strong your firewall is, if a known Windows 10 vulnerability is published on October 15, 2025, attackers will exploit it knowing Microsoft won’t patch it.
Your Options Before the Deadline
You’ve got three main paths forward. The right one depends on your hardware, your budget, and your operational needs.
🔄 Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11
If your PCs are relatively modern (usually under 5 years old), they may already meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11.
- Pros: Cheapest option if your hardware is compatible.
- Cons: Requires a compatibility check to confirm CPU, TPM, and memory specs.
Total PC can:
- Audit all devices for Windows 11 readiness
- Handle the upgrade process
- Ensure apps and data migrate smoothly without disrupting your business
🛡 Option 2: Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates for businesses that can’t immediately upgrade.
- Pros: Buys you time beyond October 2025 for critical patches.
- Cons: Costs extra per device, prices rise each year, and it’s not a long-term solution.
Total PC can:
- Enroll your eligible PCs in ESU (Extended Security Updates)
- Map out a phased replacement plan so you’re not paying for ESU indefinitely
💻 Option 3: Replace Aging Hardware
If your PCs are more than 5 years old, there’s a good chance they won’t support Windows 11 at all.
- Pros: Boosts performance, reduces downtime, and positions you for years of secure operation.
- Cons: Higher up-front cost, requires planning and deployment.
Total PC can:
- Source cost-effective new hardware
- Migrate your data securely
- Set up devices ready to go on day one
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Q4 2025
Here’s what will happen if you wait until September or October next year:
- Hardware supply will tighten as thousands of other businesses rush to upgrade.
- IT providers, like Total PC may be booked solid, you may be waiting weeks for service.
- Your staff will be juggling end-of-year workloads and learning a new OS at the same time.
By planning now, you avoid the rush, lock in better pricing, and roll out changes on your schedule.
Real Risks of Doing Nothing
- Cybersecurity Breach: Your attack surface grows exponentially the moment Microsoft stops patching vulnerabilities.
- Compliance Failure: Non-supported OS could trigger audit findings or legal trouble in regulated industries.
- Insurance Denial: Cyber insurance providers can deny claims if breaches involve unsupported systems.
- Operational Disruption: A single ransomware hit could take your business offline for days; or worse.
How Total PC Makes the Transition Painless
We know upgrades can feel daunting, especially across dozens or hundreds of devices. That’s why Total PC offers a turnkey migration service tailored to your business.
We can:
- Audit Device Readiness: See which PCs can be upgraded and which need replacing.
- Plan Cost-Effective Paths: Balance budgets with performance needs.
- Deploy with Minimal Downtime: Schedule upgrades outside peak hours to keep your team productive.
- Secure Your Network: Ensure every new or upgraded device is fully patched and compliant.
And because we also handle network support, VoIP services, AI solutions, and custom development, we can address the ripple effects of an OS migration across your entire IT ecosystem.
The Clock Is Ticking. Here’s Your Next Step…
October 14, 2025 will arrive faster than you think. The safest, smartest move is to start your upgrade plan today.
Contact Total PC now to schedule your Windows 10 readiness audit:
📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us
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