Countdown to Windows 10 end of life: Are you ready for the change? ??

It's that time again - welcome back to Know IT All. With summer now *officially* here, the tech world has been hit with some interesting headlines. From a global IT outage creating chaos worldwide to the King announcing new UK Bills aimed at enhancing cyber security and driving economic growth through innovative data use, it’s been quite an eventful month.

(For insights and guidance on these topics, check out our blog section below ??)

This month, we're focusing on the upcoming end of support for Windows 10.

Users have until 14th October 2025, to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Beyond this date, Microsoft will stop updates, security patches and technical support for Windows 10.

Did you know? Windows 11 is still only running on 30.82% of devices worldwide - a surprising statistic given that the deadline is just over a year away.

While October 2025 may seem far off, now is the perfect time to start planning your transition. Taking action early will help you avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth shift to Windows 11.

Here's 5 reasons to upgrade to Windows 11:

• Improved security: Windows 11 features advanced security protocols and updates that protect against the latest threats, keeping your data and systems safer than ever.
• Increased productivity: Enhanced multitasking features and a more intuitive interface help streamline your workflow, allowing you to get more done with less effort.
• Business continuity: Upgrading to Windows 11 before the October 2025 deadline helps avoid risks associated with device shortages, slow upgrades and security vulnerabilities, ensuring minimal disruption to your business.
• Better end-user experience: A modern system delivers faster speeds, smoother performance, and an overall enhanced user experience, making daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
• Built-in AI: Leverage Microsoft’s Copilot AI for assistance with tasks, settings, and more, seamlessly integrated into the operating system to enhance productivity.

So, what happens if I don't upgrade?

Using outdated software and systems (such as EOL Windows 10) can increase security risks and lead to data breaches because they lack crucial updates and fixes. Using up-to-date software helps protect your data and prevent vulnerabilities.

Old software may also struggle with new technologies, impacting productivity. Plus, recovering from security breaches is harder if your IT and backup solutions are outdated.

If you’re still using Windows 10, it's time to upgrade to Windows 11. However, if your devices are over 3 years old or out of warranty, it might be more cost-effective to buy new ones.

For guidance on making the best choice, read our blog: End of life (EOL) for Microsoft Windows 10 explained.

See what's new on our blog:

• SMEs must act on IT resilience after new tech Bills announced by King: Discover how the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill can help SMEs enhance security and comply with regulations. ??
• Lessons learned from the CrowdStrike global IT outage: Discover the importance of business continuity planning and IT resilience to avoid disruptions from unexpected incidents. ??
• Quarterly threat report: Q2 2024 round-up: Discover the latest trends in zero-day vulnerabilities, ransomware, and AI-generated phishing attacks and learn how to protect your business from evolving cyber risks. ???
• Navigating the landline switch-off: Find out what the PSTN switch-off means for businesses and how you should prepare in 2024. ??

Stay tuned for exclusive insights and advice on Windows 10 end-of-life and your upgrade options in the coming weeks, exclusively on our LinkedIn page ??

We're celebrating 16,000 LinkedIn followers! ??

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Head over to our LinkedIn post to enter: *LinkedIn post*

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That’s it for this month’s edition of Know IT All. Thanks for tuning in! If you haven't already, hit that subscribe button and don't forget to check out our 16k followers giveaway!

If you missed last month's Know IT All, you can catch up here: *July Edition*

See you next month! ??